Putting Patients First
An Invitation to Become a Member of Your Healthcare Safety Team...
In the Hospital
If you are hospitalized, you may not be feeling strong enough to take an active role in medication use. Often it’s family members who provide the comfort and support needed to promote your return to good health. In either case, you rely on the hospital staff to ensure that medications are administered correctly and on time.
Hospitals are deeply aware of this responsibility to patients and families. They have systems of checks and balances in place to make sure that medications are used safely and effectively. Each medication order is checked and double-checked by pharmacy and nursing staff, and medication records are often maintained on computer systems.
Even during this critical time, however, as a patient or a family member, you are part of the health care team. You share the responsibility for safe medication use. As much as you trust your care provider’s knowledge and judgment, you owe it to yourself and your family to learn as much as you can about medication use.
Here are some things you can do to ensure safe medication use for you and your family. Please inform us of...
- Prescription medications you have been taking.
- Over-the counter medications that you are using, or commonly use for pain, headaches, cough and cold, and other ailments.
- "Natural" remedies or alternative medications that you are using.
- Use of recreational drugs, if any
- Any concerns or questions you have about your medications.
- As much information as you may have or can remember about allergies or reactions to medications you may have had in the past.
- Your diet, including foods and beverages you commonly eat or drink.
Before receiving a medication, a treatment, or any other service, be sure the armband that has your name and other information can be checked.
Questions to Ask
Some questions you should ask before receiving medications:
- What is the name of the medication? Is this the brand name or the generic name?
- What is it for?
- How much should I get, and how often?
- How long will I need to take this medication?
- What possible side effects are there?
- Do you have anything I can read about this medication?
Before receiving a medication, a treatment, or any other service, be sure the armband that has your name and other information can be checked.
If this medication is new to you and not one you had taken before entering the hospital, also ask:
- Will this be replacing anything I was taking before I came in?
- What possible side effects are there?
- Has this medication been on the market for more than a year?
- If you notice anything different that catches your attention, ask. See examples below:
- You receive four tablets in the morning instead of two (you might be receiving a new medication that you might want to learn about).
- The medication you have been taking for blood pressure was always a blue tablet, but today you have a white one (could be a generic version of the same medication).
At Home
Before taking the first dose, take the following actions:
- Read the label. Make sure that the medication you have received is the one that your doctor ordered. If there is any difference in the appearance or shape of your medication between refills do not take it until you have discussed it with the pharmacist. Remember, many medications have names which sound or look alike.
- Read the directions on the label and any written information you have been given. If any of it seems to contradict what you already know about the medication, call your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.
- Recheck the label before each dose. Never take medications in the dark.
- If you develop itching or swelling or if you have trouble breathing after taking a new medication, get medical help immediately.
- Be alert for other side effects. If they become troublesome, call your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor.
- Take the medication exactly as prescribed. In some cases, you can stop taking a medication when your symptoms improve. In other cases, you must complete the course of therapy, even though you are feeling much better.
- Keep medications in their original container and store them out of the reach of children.
- Check the expiration date on all medications, throw away outdated products.
- You may find it useful to keep a medication log. This record will be helpful for both you and your care provider. Bring it with you to your appointments.
- Invest in a reference book on medications. Several are available in low-cost paperback editions. Ask your health care provider for a recommendation.
Things You Should Know About Your Medications
- What are brand and generic names of the product?
- What is the purpose of the medication?
- What does the medication look like?
- What is the dosage?
- How should I take this medication?
- How often should I take this medication? What should I do if I miss a dose?
- Does this medication have any side effects? What are they? What should I do if they occur?
- Does this medication interact with any other medications? With foods? What are these interactions, and what should I do if they occur?
- How should I store this medication?
Handling a Hospital or Retail Pharmacy Medication Error
Serious medication errors are very rare. But what if an error does occur or you suspect an error? If you are concerned that an error has occurred, ask your doctor. Here are some things patients and families can do.
- Remember that the effects of most medication errors are minimal. Ask what the probable impact of the error will be.
- Ask for a full explanation of why the error occurred. Expect an honest dialogue.
- If you feel that your questions are not being answered satisfactorily, ask to talk with the hospital’s designated patient advocate (for example, a nurse manager or patient representative).
- If you have suggestions about how to prevent medication errors, share them with your care provider or a patient representative.
- Encourage your hospital to include patients and family members on its quality improvement committees.
Teamwork Pays Off
Taking an active role in a safe medication use has many advantages. Not only will it help prevent medication errors, it will also make you a more informed health care consumer. Your doctor, nurse, and pharmacist welcome your involvement. Teamwork has advantages for everyone.
We are here to help. Don’t be shy — feel free to ask any questions you may have about your medications and other treatments. After all. It’s all about... PUTTING PATIENTS FIRST!