We use cookies, including third-party cookies from Google to serve personalized ads through AdSense, to operate this site and understand how it is used. By continuing to browse, you accept this use. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use for details, including how to opt out of personalized advertising.
Accept
Health Works CollectiveHealth Works CollectiveHealth Works Collective
  • Health
    • Mental Health
  • Policy and Law
    • Global Healthcare
    • Medical Ethics
  • Medical Innovations
  • News
  • Wellness
  • Tech
Search
© 2023 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
Reading: Being Your Own Patient Advocate
Share
Notification Show More
Font ResizerAa
Health Works CollectiveHealth Works Collective
Font ResizerAa
Search
Follow US
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy
© 2023 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
Health Works Collective > Wellness > Home Health > Being Your Own Patient Advocate
Home HealthMedical EducationPublic Health

Being Your Own Patient Advocate

Anthony Cirillo
Anthony Cirillo
Share
2 Min Read
SHARE



 

Joe and Teresa Graedon’s book “Top Screwups Doctors Make and How to Avoid Them” is an acknowledgment that serious mistakes are made at every hospital in America on a daily basis. Its genesis started with their own nightmare involving Joe’s mother’s care in an NC hospital.


The Graedon’s book contains more than a dozen lists to help patients and families get the best care. It includes:

  • Lists of common mistakes made in hospitals or by doctors and pharmacists.
     
  • Lists of tips to prevent medical errors, dangerous drug interactions and diagnostic disasters.
     
  • Suggestions to promote good communication and survive old age.
Here is some advice:
  • Expect mistakes and have an advocate.
     
  • Check every medicine. Make sure the dose is right.
     
  • Be assertive
  • Demand an explanation.
     
  • Be vigilant during transitions, from one floor to another, or when shifts change.
  • Alert the nurse or “rapid response team,” if something seems wrong.
     
  • Obtain detailed discharge instructions and contact information. Know what symptoms might signal a worsening situation or infection.
     
  • Hospital doctors may never speak to your primary care physician. Take your records and don’t assume doctors already know what’s in them.
     
  • Double-check everything. Don’t assume no news is good news or that test results are always correct.
     
  • Take a friend or family member to doctor’s visits. Nearly every error made in the hospital can also be made in the outpatient setting.

More Read

Here’s How To Plan A Healthy Diet For A Hormonal Imbalance
Plan B’s Balancing Act
Interactive Medical Education With ArcheMedX
Google Can Predict Flu Epidemics
The High Healthcare Costs of Emergency Department Visits: Stop Pointing Fingers and Begin Offering Solutions

 

 

TAGGED:patient advocate
Share This Article
Facebook Copy Link Print
Share

Stay Connected

1.5KFollowersLike
4.5KFollowersFollow
2.8KFollowersPin
136KSubscribersSubscribe

Latest News

How Road Trauma Injuries Place Demands on Healthcare That Go Beyond the Examination Room  -- AI-generated illustration
How Road Trauma Injuries Place Demands on Healthcare That Go Beyond the Examination Room 
Global Healthcare Policy & Law
October 15, 2026
Why Music Gives The Brain A Workout -- AI-generated illustration
Why Music Gives The Brain A Workout
Infographics Wellness
October 14, 2026
A Hydration And Heat Guide For Youth Cheer -- AI-generated illustration
A Hydration And Heat Guide For Youth Cheer
Infographics
October 13, 2026
Flat editorial illustration: Core relationship is dual-track recovery where family support improves outcomes only when families m
Supporting a Loved One Through Addiction Recovery
Addiction Recovery
October 13, 2026

You Might also Like

obamacare
Health ReformNewsPolicy & LawPublic Health

Why Are ObamaCare Opponents So Vehement?

October 7, 2013

Boomers More Concerned About Health Than Appearance – We’re Not So Vain After All

September 23, 2011
Image
Public Health

Rare Form of Dwarfism Protects against Cancer, Diabetes

March 28, 2011

Can America’s Youth be a Focal Point for Bending Healthcare’s Cost Curve?

November 6, 2012
Subscribe
Subscribe to our newsletter to get our newest articles instantly!
Follow US
© 2008-2026 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?