Be involved in your health care. The single most important way you can help to prevent errors is to be an active member of your health care team. That means taking part in every decision about your health care. You and your doctor should agree on exactly what will be done during each step of your care.

Research shows that patients who are more involved with their care tend to get better results. Choose a health professional whom you feel comfortable talking to about your health and treatment. If you don't understand what your doctor has told you, ask again. Your health is too important to worry about being embarrassed if you have to ask again.

Let your doctor know about all medicines and treatments. If you have several doctors, it is important to keep all of them informed about your care.

If you are the caregiver of a child or older adult, be an active member of his or her health care team. Research shows that your participation will help prevent errors and improve results.

The U.S. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) suggests these five steps to help prevent medical errors:

1. Speak up if you have questions or concerns.
2. Keep a list of all the medicines you take and bring it with you to every hospital or doctor's visit.
3. Make sure you get the results of any test or procedure that is done.
4. Talk with your doctor and health care team about your choices if you need hospital care.
5. Make sure you understand what will happen if you need surgery.

The following sections will give you specific tips, based on the latest scientific evidence about what works best.