Consumers' Directory

Safety Information For Patients And Families

In today's increasingly complicated health care systems, health care errors occur even at the best facilities and with the finest doctors. According to the Institute of Medicine's 1999 report "To Err is Human," tens of thousands of patients each year suffer as a result of errors in health care.

Everyone has a role in making health care safe—physicians, health care executives, nurses, pharmacists, technologists and you, the patient. You can play a vital role in making your health care safe by becoming an active, involved and informed member of your health care team. Studies show that patients who are actively involved in making decisions about their care are more likely to have good outcomes.

The Massachusetts Coalition for the Prevention of Medical Errors is committed to improving safety for patients and residents in health care organizations in Massachusetts. In addition to the patient safety initiatives of the Coalition, which are described on this Web site, we offer these resources and links which may be valuable to you.

General Resources/Other Tools

Medication Safety Advice

The Med List

Your Role in Safe Medication Use

Resources in English

Resources in Spanish

Resources for Care Transitions

Actions to Help Protect Yourself

Patient and Family Advisory Councils – in Massachusetts hospitals

Healthcare 411 - A multimedia “one-stop resource” site for health care provider and patients. It contains the latest health care news and research findings via videos, articles and podcasts regarding a variety of health topics. Available in both English and Spanish.

Resources for Specific Conditions

Patient and Family – Coumadin/Warfarin Management

Blood Thinner Pills: Using Them Safely

• Video – Staying Active and Healthy with Blood Thinner
• Booklet—Blood Thinner Pills: Your Guide to Using Them Safely

Surgeon General's Call to Action to Prevent Deep Vein Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism

MyBloodThinner.com Site provides information to help patients and providers with managing anticoagulant therapies.

Your Guide to Coumadin®/Warfarin Therapy

Your Guide to Preventing and Treating Blood Clots