#1. Speak up! The most well-known and respected health care safety organizations (AHRQ, IHI, JC, NPSF, NQF, CAPS, WHO Alliance for Patient Safety) all agree that communication is the key element in successful outcomes. As a patient and family member you are a key participant in the treatment team.

#2. Maintain Accurate Medication & Treatment Records! As a patient or family member, you must take responsibility for the record-keeping of all medications, what they are for, and when you take them. Maintaining this record in one place, keeping it in an easy to reach location for emergencies, and informing family members of its presence (go to www.pulseamerica.org for Patient Advocate Journal) will help to save you from injury due to medication errors.

#3. Ask your doctor to trust YOU! Tell your doctor you understand there are no guarantees in your treatment. As a layperson there is no way you can know all the pertinent questions to ask. It is a good idea to ask generically,  "What am I not asking you that I should be?" Before invasive care discuss with your provider their policies on transparency and disclosure in the case of an unanticipated outcome.

#4. Wash those hands! Hand washing and hand sanitizing are key to patient safety and avoiding the spread of infections. Make sure everyone who touches you has washed their hands.

#5. Say again? Write down questions before entering a hospital or doctor's office. Don’t be afraid to ask anyone involved in your care to repeat or explain what they said to you.

#6. Find a Partner! Ask a friend or family member to be your “advocate” when you visit your doctor or when you go in the hospital. An advocate will be your eyes and ears and help you listen to what the doctor and staff say to you. He or she will help get questions answered as your champion ensuring safe care.

#7. Just call! If you have a test, do not assume that no news is good news. Call the doctors office and get results.

#8. Ask again! Make sure that all health professionals involved in your healthcare have important health information about you in written form and or verbally as needed.

#9. Don't forget the pharmacist! Before leaving your pharmacy, open the bag and check for your name and the name of the medication. Be sure you understand the instructions. Ask if there may be any interactions with other medications you are taking.

#10. Listen to yourself. If you feel worse during or after receiving care, contact your doctor right away. Keep notes of when you call and who you speak to. You should receive a call back from your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.