Can you prevent medical errors?

Doctors and nurses are people, and people sometimes make mistakes. While some medical errors are tragic results of situations that can't be avoided, thousands of errors in the United States each year that lead to injury or death can be avoided. Hospitals and physicians work regularly on training and procedures that reduce the risk of errors, but as the patient, you can also reduce the chance that you suffer after an avoidable mistake when pregnant.

Medication errors, particularly in an inpatient environment, are one of the more common errors made by medical staff. Remember that medical staff are treating multiple patients and usually carrying out duties in a short amount of time. It's easy to pick up the wrong medication or misread a physician's order.

While medical staff are responsible for ensuring medication is prescribed and administered correctly, getting involved in your own care is important. Ask what medication you are being given and why. If possible, write down the doses and times that you are told you will receive medication, and if something changes, don't be afraid to ask questions. If something seems wrong to you, it might be, and your medication staff would rather answer a few questions than give you incorrect medication. Always make sure you ask how the medication might impact your pregnancy.

Another common issue with being treated in a hospital is contracting an infection. Hand-washing is critical for you, your visitors and your providers. Ask sick family members not to visit you or your baby and make sure anyone who is treating you or your baby washes their hands when they come in your room.

Even following such tips doesn't guarantee that you won't be the victim of a medical error. If you do suffer after a clinician makes a mistake during your pregnancy or delivery that causes further injury or illness to you or your child, then you might have a claim for compensation.

Source: U.S. News and World Report, "5 Common Preventable Medical Errors," Anna Medaris Miller, accessed May 13, 2016