March 02, 2010

Patient Care and Safety - Medication Use

By Barbara Larson, RN, Vice President Patient Care Services, Avera Sacred Heart Hospital

Medications are perhaps the most commonly used intervention in health, providing palliative, symptomatic and curative treatment of diseases and conditions. The opportunity for error in the use and administration process is significant. The management of the six processes of medication (selection and procurement; storage; ordering and transcribing; preparing and dispensing; administration; and monitoring) becomes a vital aspect of patient care and safety and ideally this responsibility is shared by physicians, nurses and pharmacists. A key partner in ensuring the correct medication is ordered and given is you - the patient.

It is very important that you know what medications you take, and the correct dose. It is important that you keep a written list and keep that list up to date. If you are given new medications, add those to the list with all the data, the amount and when you take it. If the doctor changes or stops one of your medications, make a mark through that drug on your list and write the date it was discontinued or changed. You should bring this list with you when you visit a doctor, or if you are going to the hospital. The caregivers can use this information to ensure you are on the correct medications.

Include on the list any over-the-counter medications you take, including vitamins and any herbals. Those may interact or interfere with medications and it is important for the caregiver to know what you take.

I cannot stress how important it is for you to know about your mediations. You can be a partner in your care when you can provide this valuable information.

If you are in the hospital it is appreciated if you look at any medication that is brought to you and ask what it is for. This helps to educate you and to keep you safe.

As the patient's role as part of the health care team continues to expand and grow, patient and family involvement is more important than ever to achieve safe and error-free patient care. With you as a partner, health care workers can create a culture of safety with open lines of communication between them and their patients/caregivers families.

No one wants to make an error and with you, the patient, as a care partner, we can work together to keep you safe.