What should a patient or family member be aware of while in the hospital to reduce the potential for medical errors?

Patients and family members should be active participants in helping to prevent errors. We know that despite all of our efforts to prevent them, errors can still happen, so patients and family members should pay attention and make sure they know and understand any test or procedure that they undergo while they are in the hospital. They should know what medications they are being given and when they are to be given. If something does not seem right, if a medication isn’t given at the appropriate time, they should speak to their health care provider.