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Library > Fact Sheets > Patient Safety Activities at the 366th Medical Group
PATIENT SAFETY ACTIVITIES AT THE 366TH MEDICAL GROUP
Posted 5/28/2009
Printable Fact Sheet
Importance of keeping a current medication list
Patients take all types of medications, vitamins, supplements and over the counter medications daily. Medications are prescribed routinely for many medical conditions.
It is estimated there are 1.5 million preventable medication errors each year in the United States according to the Institute of Medicine.
The 366th MDG staff members regard our patients as an essential partner in providing safe healthcare. We believe an educated and informed healthcare consumer will make better healthcare choices.
A current list of medications is to be reviewed at medical appointments and updated with any changes. At the end of the appointment this updated information is given to the patient.
Patients should keep a current medication list and a list of any allergies with them at all times. Should the patient be involved in an emergency situation and unable to communicate, a current medication list found in a purse or wallet will provide life saving information. Another example of would be if a new medication is started and the patient has an allergic reaction, the emergency staff have an easy to read resource.
366th Medical Group Good Catch Trophy
Staff members at the 366th Medical Group are taking a proactive approach to avoid medical errors.
People, equipment and systems are involved in caring for our patients. We need to be on the lookout to improve leadership, communication, situational awareness to provide the premier safe care patients expect to receive.
The trophy is presented by the leadership to recognize the 366th MDG staff members that have reported and prevented a potential medical error.
Help is only a call away with the 366th Medical Group Rapid Response Team
Whether you are an outpatient coming to the clinic or an inpatient at the 366th Medical Group we have a new clinical assistance team available to help any staff assist in your care.
If you or a family member's health is changing and getting worse please notify the staff member in your area who will assess the patient and call for the Rapid Response Team if additional clinical assistance is needed.
Who is on the Rapid Response Team?
The urgent care center staff respond when contacted for a Rapid Response Team request. If the patient is in the outpatient area the patient will be taken to the UCC for further care needs. If the patient is an inpatient, the UCC provider (and an additional staff member if possible) will come up to the family care unit and provide medical direction and clinical assistance until the patient's provider or on call provider can arrive.
Why do we keep asking to state your name and date of birth over and over and over?
The answer is simple; the 366th MDG staff members want to verify they are providing the care that was ordered to the correct patient at the correct time.
Isn't once enough?
Not always. The 366th MDG has determined all patients will be asked to state their full name and date of birth (if the patient is under the age of 10 years of age the parent or guardian will state their full name, then the child's full name and date of birth) at the time of check-in, any time medications are administered, blood is taken or given, prior to any surgical procedure and when providing care, treatment or services. As you can see by the list, one visit to our facility could result in the questions being asked several times.
Why can't you use my ID card?
A military ID card is a source of information but it may not have only the patient's information listed.
It is also important to involve the patient in the process.
The goal is to provide safe care for our patients at all times.
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