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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
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
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