The frequency of AE in ambulatory settings in LA is in the high-frequency range of research focused on the prevalence of AEs. Fifty percent was preventable. This study provides an approach for assessing the frequency and preventability of AE in order to enhance patient safety in LA.

Hospital clinical safety from the patient's point of view. Validation of a safety perception questionnaire Background: Approximately 10% of hospitalized patients suffer an adverse event during their hospital stay. An important proportion of subjects also feel that they have a high risk of suffering such an event during an eventual hospitalization. Aim: To determine the perception on clinical safety among patients discharged from a hospital. Material and methods: A questionnaire about hospital safety was mailed to 1300 patients discharged from a hospital. The questionnaire was analyzed using construct validity, predictive validity and Cronbach Alpha for internal consistency. Results: The questionnaire was answered by 384 patients, yielding a response rate of 29%. Of these, 77 incomplete answers were discarded. Thirty one subjects (10%) reported a possible adverse event. In 19 cases (5.8%), it was due to medication errors and in 19 (6.1%), to surgical procedures. In seven cases (2.3%) both errors coincided (2.3%). According to the predictive validity of the questionnaire, if a patient reports an adverse event, the confidence in the hospital and in the professionals is reduced (p <0.001), communication with the physician is considered inappropriate (p =0.0001) and risk perception increases (p =0.003). Unsatisfied patients are those that believe that they have higher risks of suffering a medical error (p =0.005). Conclusions: Risk perception for adverse events increases after having suffered such an event. Patient satisfaction minimizes the effects of adverse events on their confidence and attitude (

Most persons registering a living will are healthy individuals with a particular religious faith who reject certain treatments. Most health professionals do not check whether critically ill patients have made a living will. Exercising the rights contained in living wills is complicated by the diversity of criteria among different regions.

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The information reaching the Spanish public via the media seems to be similar to the messages transmitted by public information campaigns. Nevertheless, there appears to be considerable room for improvement. Promoting an active role in patients might reduce self-medication.