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According to The Institute of Medicine an estimated four out of five American adults will take a prescription medication, over-the-counter medication or dietary supplement in any given week. In fact, almost one-third of adults are on five or more medications. With improper dosing and mixing of medications causing significant complications to an individual, medication safety has become an essential component to the delivery of safe, quality healthcare.
Avoiding medication errors takes your help. Please consider doing the following to help ensure you are receiving the safest care possible:
1. Share your medication history with your healthcare providers.
List what prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, herbs, vitamins and dietary supplements you are currently taking. This helps to ensure that new medications prescribed to you or given to you during your hospital stay do not interact negatively with the ones you are already taking.
2. Report your allergies to your healthcare providers.
If you suffer from allergies, you know how important it is to stay away from substances that trigger an allergic reaction. In addition to medication allergies, be sure to share any other allergies you may have (i.e. food items, pollen, solutions like bleach or soap and latex). It is important to make certain that these allergens do not interfere with your treatment and recovery.
3. Report all types of medications, herbs, supplements.
Any medication that is prescribed to you from your physician should be included in your list of medications, as well as medication you purchase from a store or pharmacy. These over-the-counter medications may include pain relievers like ibuprofen or Tylenol, or allergy and cold medications. Examples of vitamins and supplements include fish oil, St. John’s Wort, echinacea, calcium and daily multivitamins.
4. Complete a “Medication History Form” and carry it with you at all times.
` The best way to make sure you provide complete information regarding your medication history is to keep an accurate and up-to-date list of what you are taking. You can use the link on this page to download and print your own“Medication History Form." The form directs you to indicate dosage amount, directions on how it should be taken and by whom the medication was prescribed.
Because medication safety is of utmost importance, be prepared to answer the question “Which medications are you taking?” more and more often. Patients are regularly asked this question when they visit the ER and other hospital departments. In fact, any time a patient is transferred from one department to the next, their list of medications and allergies is reviewed. Even at discharge, your physician will compare the list of medications you took at home with the medications you were given while in the hospital to make sure you continue on the medications that are best for you.
Few things are as important as your health. Communicating clear and accurate information regarding your medication history helps to ensure your safety and health.
Julianne Carey, RN BSN MBA-HCM is the Director of Family Birth Center and Medical/Surgical – Pediatrics. Sandy Nelson, RN, BSN is a Nursing Practice Educator. Both are employed at Zeeland Community Hospital.
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