Here, Dawn Shirey, R.N., BSN, left, a staff nurse in the Ambulatory Care Unit of Clearfield Hospital, reviews medications with patient Nicole McDowell Myers of Bigler.
One of the ways a person can protect their health is by compiling an up-to-date medication list. This list should be shared with all health care providers.
For more information about medication reconciliation, or to receive a free medication diary, please contact Clearfield Hospital's Corporate Communications office at
(814) 768-2499.
The American Heart Association has created a Medication Chart for patients to keep track of all medicines they are taking and to take with them on their healthcare visits. Click here to download the chart.
The good news is medication mistakes can be prevented, according to Thelma Stratton and Salinda Cowder, members of Clearfield Hospital's Medication Reconciliation Committee.
"Clearfield Hospital is committed to reducing the chance of medication errors. We are constantly working toward improvement by enhanced communication among health care providers, strict documentation and ongoing staff education," stated Mrs. Cowder, who serves as the hospital's director of quality assurance.
She continued, "We also recognize that health care consumers play a vital role, so we want to help them understand how they can work with their medical team to prevent medication errors."
Mrs. Stratton, a nursing manager, said one of the most important ways a person can protect their health is by compiling an up-to-date medication list. This list should include all prescribed and over-the-counter medicines, and all herbal remedies and vitamins.
For each medicine, the list should include the name of the medication, dosage and frequency. People should also record any allergies they have.
The medication list should be brought to every health care visit, including visits to the Emergency Department.
"It's important for your health care team to know what your medication regimen is so they can make appropriate treatment decisions. They don't want to order a diagnostic test or prescribe a medication that might cause a negative reaction," Mrs. Stratton said.
Other medication safety tips, provided by JCAHO, include:
At the doctor's office or pharmacy:
- Remind your doctor about any allergies or reactions.
- Ask your doctor whether it's safe to take medications together, or to use certain medications if you take vitamins, herbs and other supplements.
- Understanding that more may not always be better. Ask your doctor how a new medication will help.
- Make sure you can read the doctor's handwriting on all prescriptions. If you can't read it, the pharmacist may not be able to either.
- Read the label on your prescription. Does it have your name on it? And is it the correct medicine? Some medicines have names that sound alike and can be confused.
- Read the literature that comes with your prescriptions.
At the hospital or clinic, patients and their families can avoid mistakes by:
- Making sure the doctor or nurse checks your wristband and asks your name before giving medicine.
- Asking the doctor or nurse why you should take a medication and requesting written information about the brand name, generic name and any side effects.
- Speaking up if you think the doctor or nurse is about to give you the wrong medicine.
- Knowing what time you normally take a medicine and letting the doctor or nurse know if that doesn't happen.
- Telling your nurse or doctor if you don't feel well after receiving a medicine.
- Asking a friend or relative to get the facts about your medications if you are not well enough to do so.
For more information about medication reconciliation, or to receive a free medication diary, please contact Clearfield Hospital's Corporate Communications office at (814) 768-2499.