Campaign Zero Focused on Preventing Medical Errors

By Joe Messa

Feb 11

Philadelphia medical malpractice attorneys discuss Campaign Zero, an organization dedicated to increasing patient safety and ending preventable medical errors. Campaign Zero was founded by Karen Curtiss after both her father and husband had hospital experiences that included dozens of preventable medical errors, surgical errors, and problems with aftercare. Curtiss seeks to bring valuable resources to patients and their families through her organization.

Through research, speaking with specialists and focus groups, Curtiss collected a great deal of information about patient safety. She used the information to develop a book on patient safety and preventing medical errors while hospitalized. The book includes checklists that remind patients and their families of things to consider during their hospitalization and through the rehabilitation process. The book, “Safe & Sound in the Hospital: Must-Have Checklists and Tools for Your Loved One’s Care,” is a great resource for patient safety.

Medical Malpractice Attorneys Share Tips from Campaign Zero Encouraging Patient Safety

Campaign Zero encourages families who have loved ones that are ill to become familiar with basic care practices that can help to keep patients safe. Here are a few things that Campaign Zero says are important but may be forgotten or not shared with families at critical times.

  • Propping up a patient’s hospital bed at a 30-degree angle can help prevent hospital-acquired pneumonia.
  • Using alcohol wipes kills staph bugs, but you need bleach wipes to kill C. diff germs.
  • High-protein snacks can help prevent bed sores.
  • Ask people to wash their hands. Hand washing is the number one thing you can do to prevent infections which are the biggest hazards in hospitals.
  • Take notes and ask questions.
  • Note when medications are given and when tests are ordered as well as any test results. If you aren’t told results of a test that was ordered, ask for them. The results could include critical next steps involving your health that you wouldn’t want overlooked.
  • If you have problems while in a hospital, you can always call the hospital advocate to for assistance. It’s typically called a Condition Help or a Condition H although different hospitals may have different names. However, a response team should be prepared to talk to you about your concerns.

Medical Malpractice Attorneys in Philadelphia and New Jersey

The Philadelphia medical malpractice attorneys at Messa & Associates are experienced at handling medical malpractice cases resulting from medical errors. Our extremely skilled team of medical malpractice attorneys and medical experts is dedicated to ensuring you receive proper compensation for your personal injuries. If you or a loved one has suffered personal injuries as a result of a medical error or any other type of negligent care received by a medical provider, contact the medical malpractice attorneys of Messa & Associates for a free consultation. Call toll free at 1-877-MessaLaw, or submit a free online inquiry.

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About the Author

Joseph L. Messa, Jr. is the founding partner of Messa & Associates, P.C. He is an AV-rated attorney (highest rating available), listed in the Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers. Read More