Medical group helps improve patient safety during Patient Safety Awareness Week Published March 7, 2007 By Sheila Rupp Nucleus Journalist KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, NEW MEXICO -- Each year between 44,000 and 98,000 people die in U.S. hospitals as a result of medical errors, according to a 1999 study by the Institute of Medicine. The 377th Medical Group is joining together with more than 450 hospitals and health systems for National Patient Safety Awareness Week March 4-10 to improve patient safety. The theme of the week is "Patient Safety: A Road Taken Together," which emphasizes the relationship and communication among patients, providers and the community and focuses on the impact of teamwork. The National Patient Safety Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving patient safety and reducing medical errors by funding research and raising awareness with hospitals, healthcare systems, doctors and nurses, and the patients they serve. "Patient Safety Awareness Week is a call to action to raise awareness of the issue and encourage patient safety by highlighting the importance of asking questions, listening and learning in making healthcare decisions," said Diane C. Pinakiewicz, president of the NPSF. Terrance Duke, patient safety manager at the 377th MDG, said that patients often feel intimidated in medical situations because the terminology is not familiar and that they don't ask questions because everything is happening quickly. Mr. Duke, a registered nurse, said that patients need to communicate with their providers in order to get the best care possible. He said this includes disclosing all medications they are taking, including vitamins, herbs and over-the-counter medicines, and giving truthful answers to questions a provider asks, such as "How often do you exercise?" "We want people to communicate everything to their providers and to their families," Mr. Duke said. He said that key components in being active in your own healthcare are asking questions and requesting clarification if there is something you don't understand. He suggests that patients do some research about their ailments but to carefully look at where the information they find comes from. By doing research, he said, you can be more informed and can ask better questions. "The important thing is to understand what is right for you; just because something works well for your neighbor doesn't mean it's the right thing for you," he said. Taking medication as prescribed and being sure that you receive the prescribed medication is also important. Before leaving the clinic, be sure you understand what medication you have been prescribed and that you understand instructions. Always make sure that the label matches what medication and dosage you were prescribed. Pharmacists are experts in medications and the management of medications and can consult and educate patients on a one-on-one basis. Capt. Ellen Roska, deputy commander of the pharmacy flight, said: "We spend a great deal of time and effort to ensure our prescriptions are safe. Patients should do their part by knowing their medications and asking questions. The patient, provider and pharmacy must work as a team to keep prescriptions safe." The Department of Defense Patient Safety Program's mission is to implement effective actions, programs and initiatives throughout the military health system too improve patient safety and overall health quality. The DOD PSP recommends that patients keep a written record of all medications, vitamins and herbal supplements; ask about possible side effects of prescribed medications; learn as much as possible about your illness, condition, treatment plan and any tests to be conducted; ask questions about procedures, including having your surgeon mark the surgical site of any invasive procedure; and asking when, where and how you will receive the results of a procedure or test.