Patient Safety Resources for Consumers, Patients and Families

When you need health care, it's very important to look for information to help you make smart decisions. Sometimes, though, it can be hard to make sense of the many sources of information that are out there. This section of the Web site contains information that is designed to help patients and their families make those important choices, and to learn more about patient safety.

Consumer Guide to Adverse Health Events (PDF)

Frequently Asked Questions: Adverse Events

Types of adverse events

Asking questions

Create a list of questions for your provider (US Dept. of Health and Human Services)

Speak Up Campaigns | The Joint Commission

Preventing Medication Errors

FDA Working to Reduce Medication Errors

FDA Safe Use Initiative

FDA Information Consumers and Patients Drugs 

Medicines Risk Fact Sheet - My Medications List (CDC)
Download a copy of this form to track your medications.

Preventing Wrong Site Surgery

Safety in the Operating Room (PDF)
Credit: Minnesota Hospital Association

Adverse Health Events Facts: Retained Objects

Adverse Health Events Fact: Wrong-Site Surgery

Preventing Pressure Ulcers

Adverse Health Events Facts: Pressure Ulcers

Preventing Pressure Ulcers (Bedsores) (Word)

Links and Reports

Patient Safety Links
Links to sites to learn more about what is happening in Minnesota and nationally to improve patient safety.

Adverse health events reports and facts