Patient safety is one of the Nation's most pressing health care challenges. A 1999 report by the Institute of Medicine estimates that as many as 44,000 to 98,000 people die in U.S. hospitals each year as the result of lapses in patient safety. The Mississippi Patient Safety Coalition is working together to ensure that all Mississippians have access to quality, safe health care. And to make sure that Mississippians know what steps to take to help caregivers ensure their safety.

What's New

The Washington Post has collected some online sources where patients can find information on doctors and hospitals.

The Surgical Care Improvement Project (SCIP) has released a tip sheet for patients. The sheet contains questions patients should ask their surgical team before a procedure.

What consumers can do to make sure they have a safer experience with the health care system:

• Preventing Infections in the Hospital
• What You Can Do To Make Health Care Safer
• Safety As You Go from Hospital to Home
• Pharmacy Safety & Service
• The Role of the Patient Advocate

Patient Safety & Quality Resources for Patients

• State Snapshots 2005 (Performance Meters and State Rankings)

Be an Active Part Of Your Medical Team

• Having Surgery? What You Need to Know
• 20 Tips to Help Prevent Medical Errors
• Consumer Versions of Clinical Practice Guidelines
• Anesthesia for Ambulatory Surgery