Protect Your Kids From Medical Errors: Be Involved in Your Childs Health Care

Medical errors happen when something that was planned as a part of medical care doesn't work out, or when the wrong plan was used in the first place. Often, mistakes result from problems created by today's complex health care system. While a recent study of 120 clinical pathology labs estimated that 2.9 million lab test errors occur annually, errors also happen when doctors and their patients have problems communicating. Uninvolved and uninformed patients are less likely to accept the doctor's choice of treatment and less likely to do what they need to do to make the treatment work.

Reader's Digest's "" discussed the most common lab mistakes and offered tips for protecting yourself. But what about when your child is the patient? Here's what you can do to safeguard your children:

1. The single most important way you can help to prevent errors is to be an active member of your child's health care team. That means taking part in every decision about your child's health care. Research shows that parents who are more involved with their child's care tend to get better results. Some specific tips, based on the latest scientific evidence about what works best, follow.

2. Make sure that all of your child's doctors know about everything your child is taking and his or her weight. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, and dietary supplements such as vitamins and herbs. At least once a year, bring all of your child's medicines and supplements with you to the doctor. "Brown bagging" your child's medicines can help you and your doctor talk about them and find out if there are any problems. Knowing your child's medication history and weight can help your doctor keep your child's records up to date, which can help your child get better quality care.

3. Make sure your child's doctor knows about any allergies and how your child reacts to medicines. This can help you avoid getting a medicine that can harm your child.