Patients Hospital Safety Guide 1.2

Hospitals, despite their essential role in healthcare, can pose significant risks to patients. Research indicates that preventable medical errors rank as the third leading cause of death in the United States. Alarmingly, these incidents occur regularly across hospitals of all ratings, including those known for their excellence.

A substantial number of these errors remain unreported, placing every hospital patient at risk in what can be described as a silent epidemic.

It is important to note that this application and all related information are not intended to serve as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Patients should always consult with a licensed healthcare practitioner regarding any health-related issues. In the case of a medical emergency, immediate action should be taken to seek professional help, including calling emergency services when necessary.

This application was developed in collaboration with leading medical professionals and is equipped with crucial information that patients may not receive from hospitals. It aims to assist patients, their families, and advocates in understanding, preventing, and addressing avoidable medical errors.

The app features:

1. Definitions and explanations of medical errors
2. An overview of how and why such errors occur
3. Practical steps for preventing errors
4. Indicators that an error may have taken place
5. Guidance on actions to take if an error occurs
6. Advice for patients harmed by an error
7. And additional related resources

Moreover, the app provides access to valuable online resources at no cost for registered users, including essential medical forms and a toolkit designed to help patients negotiate high medical bills.