If you are injured or dealing with an illness, you attend a healthcare facility with the expectation that they help you recover. Part of this process often involves the prescription of medication.
With the right medication, your condition should improve. However, if you are given the wrong medication, the results could be disastrous. While healthcare professionals do a tremendous job overall, they are not immune from making mistakes. It is vital to remember this when you are seeking medical care. Medication errors result in thousands of injuries every year in the U.S. Fortunately, there are a number of ways that you can protect yourself.
Obtain as much knowledge as possible
It can be of great benefit to have a full understanding of any medication that you already take. People often find it helpful to create itemized lists, which can be done digitally on your phone or in hard copy. Doing this means that you can offer healthcare professionals an accurate account regarding medicines that you already take, which could prevent them from administering anything that clashes with your current prescriptions.
You can also ensure that doctors are fully aware of any adverse impacts medications have had on you in the past, meaning that they avoid repeating treatments that previously only served to worsen your condition.
Don’t be scared to ask questions
Whether it’s a pharmacist, nurse, or physician, people tasked with caring for you should be open to any queries that you have. Often, your description of symptoms is the most valuable component in making an accurate diagnosis. Before leaving a healthcare facility, you are fully entitled to know exactly what you are taking and how you should be taking it.
Medical professionals owe you a duty of care and you are entitled to be treated with dignity and respect at all times. If you feel that you have been let down in this area, it may be in your best interests to explore your legal options.
