Being a Self-Advocate in a world of Community Health

An article I read from AARP.org Bulletin (2016 Sept), How the Health Care System Can Harm You- written by Richard Laliberte concerned information about our health care system. The consensus discusses how many patients die per year due to medical errors-which of course is not current news, but I can understand the importance of keeping patients abreast of it even now.

Richard Laliberte identifies in this article several ways in which patients may be harmed in health care systems such as:

“wrong diagnosis by physicians on patients, sloppy practice, hygiene, poor communication, discharge planning, drugs administered to patients in error, doctors perhaps not knowing exactly what is going on with his or her patient and don’t have answers, negligence from some doctors in patient care, bad repertoire concerning paper trails of patient records as opposed to electronic patient data used to lessen security issues, concerns of safety in larger hospitals settings compared to smaller settings, concerns on safety in hospitals and less political control, doctors experiencing burn out and in dealing with things in their own life while trying to treat patients.”

Now, as a patient, I am always concerned about such matters and never fail to be my own advocate. Ask yourself if any of these issues if not all would raise flags for you or someone you love. Think of when news came out about patients that went through an operation and were operated on the wrong side of his or her body, and why is it that we are still seeing patients pick up nosocomial infections during their stay in a hospital.

Think about say, when you tell someone something and they tell someone…lost in translation is usually the outcome, right? As an example, even in a burn out or heavy routes patient loads, physicians, nurses and so on must practice vehemently on being clear and taking the time to help patients understand their home care after surgery-to go the extra mile. 

It is an important right, for a patient learning to speak out (be his or her own patient advocate) and letting your care team know what drugs you take and that includes any known drug allergies. 

Be aware of different sorts of negligence that could happen-like when several news reports came out concerning pilots flying a plane while under the influence.

What ideas can you foster that can help lessen the effects of issues like these not just for you as a patient but for others in this type of health community?

Just food for thought. - Coach Brenda

Richard Laliberte. “How the Health Care System Can Harm You”. AARP.org Bulletin (vol57 No7) September 2016 pp18-25

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