Pamphlet #1 | Nursing homework help
Title: Medication Safety – Preventing Errors and Promoting Safe Use
Introduction: It is essential that medications are used to treat chronic illnesses. They can be dangerous if they’re not administered correctly. There are many ways medication mistakes can occur, starting with prescribing the medication and ending up in dispensing it. This booklet is designed to help patients and caregivers as well as their families with information on how to prevent medication errors and promote safe medication usage.
These are 5 tips to help preventive care.
- Keep an updated medication list – Make a list of all medications, including over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements. This list should be shared with your pharmacist and healthcare provider at each visit.
- Understand your medications – Learn about your medications, including the purpose, dosage, side effects, and how to take them correctly. If you don’t understand something, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider.
- Take medications as prescribed – Take medications exactly as prescribed, at the right time and in the right way. Talk to your doctor before you skip any doses or discontinue taking medication.
- Store medications safely – Store medications in a cool, dry place out of reach of children and pets. Avoid storing medications in the kitchen or bathroom, as temperature and humidity can cause them to lose effectiveness.
- Dispose of medications properly – Dispose of expired or unused medications properly. There are many police and pharmacy departments that have drug takeback programs. These allow you safely to dispose of your medications.
Share information with your family and caregivers
- Family members and caregivers should be aware of the medication the patient takes, as well as the dosage.
- Notify family and caregivers about any medication modifications or updates.
- Educate family members or caregivers on the patient’s medication schedule and how to administer medications properly.
These are some local resources that may be available to address this safety concern.
- Local pharmacies – Pharmacists can provide medication counseling and advice on how to take medications safely.
- Senior centers – Senior centers may offer medication management classes or seminars.
- Healthcare providers – Talk to your healthcare provider about any concerns you have about your medications or medication safety.
References:
- Institute for Safe Medication Practices. (2020). Self-assessment of medication safety in an ambulatory setting for medications with high alert. Retrieved from https://www.ismp.org/sites/default/files/attachments/2020-06/2020%20HAC%20Self%20Assessment%20FINAL.pdf
- Joint Commission. (2020). Manage medication. Retrieved from https://www.jointcommission.org/standards/standard-faqs/medication-management/
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Programme for medicine safety. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/medicationsafety/program.html