Here are some tips from experts for parents to lower the chance your child will be harmed by his or her treatment. 

• ID BRACELETS If your child is in the hospital, make sure the identification bracelet is worn at all times. 
• HYGIENE Ask all health care providers to wash their hands before approaching your child. 
• INFORMATION Before a procedure, ask the surgery team’s members if they know exactly what the procedure is. 
• KNOWLEDGE Schedule a time every day to review with the physician and nurses the medications your child is taking and any other information about his care. 
• AWARENESS Keep an eye on catheters and incisions, looking for redness and swelling. 
• ASK QUESTIONS If your child is very sick, make sure a pediatric specialist is involved, and ask whether your child should be moved to a children’s hospital. 
• TALK ABOUT IT Express your concerns about a missed diagnosis. 
• BE PREPARED Carry a list of the medications your child is taking and remind doctors about any allergies your child has. 
• DOUBLE-CHECK Understand why medications are being ordered, and don’t be afraid to ask the doctor to double-check that he used your child’s correct weight and height in calculating the dose. 
• MEDICINES Familiarize yourself with the medications so that you can recognize if your child is given the wrong pill or liquid. Ask about potential complications and whom to contact if your child has a reaction. 
• VIGILANCE Be especially watchful if your child is taking multiple medications or is on high-risk medications like chemotherapy drugs, insulin or heparin, or if your child has a compromised immune or organ function. 

Source: New York Times Sept 14, 2008.