While the previous post explained the new checklist initiative at some hospitals throughout the country, a woman who endured a long battle alongside her ailing father wrote a new book on checklists that may be useful for hospital patients and their loved ones. The book is entitled The Patient's Checklist: 10 Simple Hospital Checklists to Keep You Safe, Sane & Organized by Elizabeth Bailey.

The idea behind patient checklists is to track and monitor your own health care to fend off potential injuries or medical errors. Ideally, the checklist puts the patient in greater control of the outcome and stress endured during his or her hospital stay. Family members can also follow the checklist in the event the patient is unable to do so.

Bailey said that when her father was in the hospital "there were mistakes all the time." As a video producer, she said that at the hospital, "I felt like I was on a very poorly run film set." The book itself delves into all of the checklists that Bailey recommends using while in the hospital, however, there are some basic tips that can be incorporated by any patient:

  • Record medication dosage, time and type
  • Make note of treatment plans post-discharge
  • Understand what should be packed or brought for the hospital stay

The checklists may not always protect against preventable medical errors, but they may save you stress and anxiety down the road if you or your loved one suffers harm due to medical malpractice.

Source: USA Today, "Book offers 10 checklists for hospital patients," Kim Painter, 2/1/2012