10 Tips for Patient Safety and Preventing Healthcare-Associated Infections

Is there a professional that you trust more than your doctor? You rely on your doctor to be well-informed, to treat you when you are sick and to not cause you any harm. Unfortunately, preventable medical errors made by doctors and other medical professionals are a leading cause of death and injury in the United States. Hospital-acquired infections (HAI) can occur whenever you are in the hospital or any other kind of healthcare setting.

Because of these and many other issues the National Patient Safety Foundation (NPSF) has designated the week of March 13-19, 2016 as Patient Safety Awareness Week. The goal of the campaign is to promote patient safety in a healthcare setting. As a patient, there are a several things that you can do to be proactive about protecting your health and safety when you are in the hospital. Patient Safety Awareness Week seeks to make patients aware of this important public health issue. If people who will potentially be a patient in a hospital at some point in their lives understand that they can be proactive about protecting themselves. During Patient Safety Awareness Week, doctors and hospital administrators will be wearing patient gowns to demonstrate their commitment to listen to patients, work towards greater patient safety and reduce harms.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is focused on the prevention of hospital-acquired infections. Towards that end they have published 10 tips to help prevent HAIs and improve patient safety. The mantra for their patient safety campaign is: Be informed. Be empowered. Be prepared.

The following are the 10 tips for patient safety from the CDC:

1. Speak up. Do not hesitate to ask your doctor any questions you have about what your hospital is doing to protect your safety and prevent the spread of infection.
2. Keep hands clean. Did your doctor wash their hands as soon as they entered the room to examine you? If not, please remind them to do so. Ask you visitors when they come into your room to visit you to wash their hands as well.
3. If you have a central line or a urinary catheter, ask if it still necessary. Leaving it in too long increases the risk of infection.
4. Ask your health care provider is they are using a fresh needle. Needles can spread infections and diseases.
5. Be careful with medications. Always follow package instructions and avoid adverse drug interactions by telling your doctor what medicines you are already taking.
6. Get smart about anti-biotics. Take all of the antibiotics prescribes and never share them with other people.
7. Prepare for surgery. Talk to your doctor about what you can do to prepare for surgery to reduce your risk of getting a surgical site infection.
8. Watch out for C. diff (Clostridium difficile), Tell you doctor if you have severe diarrhea especially if you are taking an antibiotic.
9. Know the signs and symptoms of infection. Inform your doctor if you have a fever or any redness, pain or drainage at an IV catheter site or surgical incision site.
10. Get your flu shot. Getting vaccinated can protect you from the flu and other complications.

How safe is your hospital?

If you ever wondered how safe your local hospital is when compared to other hospitals in the region or around the country, Consumer Reports has developed a hospital rating system where you can look up South Carolina hospitals and see what score they get. Consumer Reports compares hospitals based on patient experience, patient outcomes and certain hospital practices.

When you go into the hospital to receive medical care, the professionals there are responsible for your safety. If you contract a hospital-acquired infection, or an injury due to a preventable medical error, you may have grounds to file a medical malpractice lawsuit. You may be able to recover damages for your injury and suffering and lost time at work.

If you or someone you know has been the victim of a hospital acquired infection or any other medical error, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and pain and suffering. The experienced South Carolina medical malpractice attorneys at McGowan, Hood, Felder & Phillips, LLC, can evaluate your case and help get you the compensation you deserve. Contact us today or call 803-327-7800 for a free consultation.