PULSE encourages partnering with your healthcare provider to become informed in your condition. It is important to advocate for yourself or your family to help reduce the chance of an unexpected outcome. Most errors result from problems created by today's complex health care system. But errors also happen when doctors and their patients have problems communicating. For example, a recent study supported by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) found that doctors often do not do enough to help their patients make informed decisions. 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.

What is a Patient Safety Advocate?
A patient safety advocate as defined by PULSE is a: “Trained individual, such as the patient or someone specifically designated by the patient or family, to help oversee the patient’s needs, care and safety while creating an objective partnership between patient, family and health care provider.”

Click here for a 'patient advocate form' to help someone be your advocate.

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Advocacy Training

Join the Medical Error Solutions Listserv
(MEDICALERRORS-SOLUTIONS solicits information from consumers about experiences in healthcare that resulted in adverse outcomes. The group will provide a place to share stories, news articles, build friendships, provide support and discuss solutions by consumers and interested providers.)