As we observe Patient Safety Awareness Week, we are reminded of a startling reality: preventable errors continue to be a leading cause of death and harm in U.S. hospitals. Every day, 500 people die due to medical errors in hospitals that could have been avoided. Additionally, a recent study found 1 in 4 Medicare patients experience harm during their hospital stay. These statistics are not just numbers — they represent real lives lost, families impacted and unnecessary suffering.
It’s hard to fathom that in 2025, so many lives are still affected by preventable errors. These errors can take many forms, including infections, medication mistakes, surgical complications, falls and other injuries that could have been avoided. The good news is that many of these errors are preventable with the right protocols, systems and practices in place. This is where patients, health care providers and organizations like The Leapfrog Group can all play a role in improving patient safety.
At The Leapfrog Group, we are dedicated to improving patient safety and health care quality through transparency. We want to empower patients with the knowledge and tools they need to make informed decisions about their care, starting with understanding that hospitals differ in quality and safety.
As a patient, you have the power to ensure that you receive safe, high-quality care. One of the easiest places to start is by checking your hospital’s Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade before choosing a hospital for care. The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade evaluates hospitals on crucial safety measures giving patients an easy-to-understand letter grade (A, B, C, D, or F) that reflects how well hospitals protect patients from preventable harm.
No hospital is perfectly safe, but an informed patient can significantly reduce the chances of medical errors and help create a safer, more positive hospital experience. Here are a few key steps to get started:
Ask Questions: Don’t hesitate to ask your health care provider about the steps they take to ensure your safety. Inquire about hand hygiene, medication protocols and ensure informed consent for all treatment.
Stay Informed: Before choosing a hospital, check the Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade. This free and easy-to-use tool provides up-to-date safety grades for hospitals across the country, assessing them on key safety factors such as infection rates, surgical complications and practices to prevent errors.
Be an Advocate: Advocate for your own care or the care of your loved ones. Speak up if something doesn’t seem right or if you have concerns about your treatment.
While the statistics surrounding medical errors are sobering, there is progress being made. Many hospitals are actively working to reduce errors, improve outcomes and enhance patient safety. See Leapfrog’s Case Studies page to see examples of hospitals that are truly putting patients first by creating a culture of safety and transparency.