Studies show the majority of medical errors are preventable. The medical community admits they have done little to address the causes and attitudes behind medical errors, at the expense of patients’ well being. Fortunately, numerous quality improvement efforts are underway. Patients have historically been passive participants in their health care, but they have the ability to Make A Difference.  How often has it been said, “If only I or the doctor had… it wouldn’t have happened”?  Patient’s need a mechanism and the knowledge to help them make a difference…  The Savvy Patient’s Toolkit provides such a system. Written from a patient’s perspective, the user is led through processes that will help increase chances for better medical care and decrease chances for misdiagnosis.

Part I.  Setting the Stage

A  Call to Action. Many patients are passive participants in their health care. They must participate actively as stress on our medical system continues to mount. The crisis will become greater as the 78.5 million baby boomers continue to age and contract chronic disease. Studies show the majority of medical errors are preventable, and patients who take an active role in their health care have better outcomes. Patients, people who care for a parent or another loved one need to understand the roles they and their doctor currently play and how improved care comes through changed roles.

Part II. The Savvy Patient Health Record System

Interspersed with stories and Lessons Learned, the ten chapters in Part II will explain the entire Savvy Patient Health Record system – the “who, what, where, when, and how” of each form and the system as a whole. Step-by-step instructions are given. If users are to experience better health care and fewer medical errors, they will need to learn how to effectively analyze, use, and communicate gathered personal health information such as family medical history, medications started and stopped, symptoms details told in the right way and muh more…

When used as suggested, this system will provide the user (patient, patient advocate or caregiver) with a notebook of fingertip personal health information they will take to all medical-related appointments. It makes patient record keeping easy. Once a person starts using it they will never want to be without it again.

Part III. Appendices

Includes form and log masters and valuable health information resource lists-Websites, books and newsletters.

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Click here to view list of distinctive features

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If you are a caregiver this is the book for you!  - Especially if they require chronic disease management. Learn how to become a better patient advocate for your loved ones today.

Page Last Updated February 22, 2011