Suggestions for New York patients: Preventing medical malpractice, part 1

In our last post, we wrote about a surgeon who operated on the wrong eye of her patient. Although the surgeon had been meeting with the patient for nearly two years prior to the surgery, once she got in the operating room, she “lost her sense of direction.” It wasn’t until she was nearly done with the surgery that she realized her mistake.

Although the story is shocking, medical malpractice is frighteningly common in New York hospitals. Many medical experts suggest that the best way for patients to ensure their health is by considering themselves valuable members on their healthcare teams. Following the steps below can help prevent unnecessary medical errors:

• Question the surgeon: In some situations, putting a doctor on the defense can help ensure he or she is paying attention. Asking what the surgeon will do to prevent operating on the wrong side can remind him or her to review your charts again carefully.
• Question the team: Just before the anesthesia, it can be valuable to request a “timeout” for everyone on your surgical team. Have the team use the time to communicate and make sure they are on the same page regarding the details of the upcoming procedure.
• Identify yourself: Every time someone comes to talk with you, repeat your name and birthday. Repeating your full name and birthday can help ensure the nurses or doctors aren’t confusing you for another patient with a similar name or medical condition.

Read the next post to learn about the other three things patients can do to protect their rights. The post will cover suggestions regarding the consent form, initialing the surgical site and trusting your gut.

Source: CNN Health, “Patients, beware of wrong-side surgeries,” Sabriya Rice, 28 April 2011