Patient Safety

The Department of Defense Patient Safety Program provides products, services, education, and training to help ensure the safe delivery of healthcare to TRICARE beneficiaries.

How You Can Help

• Participate in every decision regarding your healthcare. If you’re unable or uncomfortable to talk with your provider, a family member or friend may accompany you and speak on your behalf.
• Tell your provider about your medications, allergies, and any adverse reactions you have to medications.
• Keep a record of all your medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
• Ask what your prescribed medication does. Ask about the possible side effects.
• Know when and how to take your medications.
• Learn as much as you can about your illness, condition, treatment plan, and any tests your doctor may conduct.
• If you need surgery, make sure you and the surgeon agree on exactly what is going to be done. This includes the surgeon marking the surgical site.
• Ask your provider when, where, and how you’ll get the results of a procedure or test.