Many patients, such as children and the elderly, often receive treatment, usually non-drug, from healthcare providers in their homes. Caregivers can include parents, guardians, and even close relatives. Therefore, their involvement in the care delivery process is critical to improving health outcomes and avoiding medical errors (Swift et al 78). For example, older adults often suffer from cognitive deficits and functional impairments among other problems that can make them vulnerable to medical errors. Such problems can lead to misdiagnosis and ultimately medical errors. Furthermore, adolescents who are typically given greater responsibility for self-care are also vulnerable to medical errors. Many patients or individuals depend on their caregivers for care and even communication. Therefore, healthcare providers play a critical role in the process of diagnosing, treating, and monitoring the effectiveness of treatment for these types of patients. Health care providers can also provide information about medication use, particularly over-the-counter medications and other substances that may influence diagnosis and treatment including through drug interactions. Information provided by caregivers can help improve the diagnosis process and avoid medical errors (Neuspiel and Taylor
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