When patients are discharged from the hospital, they are typically given a list of medications to take at home. While some patients may have a family member or friend who can help them keep track of their medications, others may be on their own. It is important for patients to understand how to take their medications correctly and to know what to do if they have any questions or problems. There are several things that patients can do to ensure that they are taking their medications correctly and staying safe. First, patients should make sure that they understand all of the instructions for taking their medications. They should ask their doctor or pharmacist if they have any questions. It is also important to read the labels on the medication bottles carefully. Patients should take their medications exactly as directed. Second, patients should keep track of their medications. They should keep a list of all of the medications they are taking, as well as the dosage and frequency. This will help them remember to take their medications and will also be helpful if they have any questions. Third, patients should know what to do if they miss a dose of their medication. They should not double up on doses or take more than the recommended amount. If a patient is unsure about what to do, they should contact their doctor or pharmacist. Fourth, patients should know what to do if they have any side effects from their medications. Some side effects are minor and will go away on their own, but others may require medical attention. If a patient is having any severe side effects, they should contact their doctor or go to the emergency room. By following these tips, patients can ensure that they are taking their medications correctly and staying safe.
As a result of the current discharge procedure, inadequate fail-safes are lacking to ensure quality post-discharge care. It is possible for medication errors to occur, as well as for nonadherence to occur. Ineffective communication can be caused by factors such as the use of medical jargon, limited educational and administrative resources, and a lack of knowledge. Furthermore, the use of a medication reconciliation system reduces medication errors by a systematic process. Almost half of patients have unintended medication mistakes on admission, 39–45% of which are considered potentially harmful. Medication mismanagement is most commonly caused by poor communication between discharge instructions and caregivers. Approximately one-third of Americans do not have the necessary level of health literacy to understand medication instructions.
When patients are transferred from inpatient to outpatient care, the communication between physicians and patients may be poor. Furthermore, language barriers and culturally diverse expectations may limit patients’ ability to comprehend and adhere to their treatment plans. Furthermore, as with other types of healthcare costs, patients must bear a significant share of the cost. A medication reconciliation is the process of comparing a patient’s medication list to the medication prescribed for that patient and determining whether or not it is appropriate. The discharge should ideally take place every day, especially during the transition from one ward to another, and it should take place in the morning when everyone is in the hospital. There are online resources for assisting in the reconciliation of medication. Medication reconciliation should ensure that discharge and pre-admission medications are interchangeable.
A patient’s transition home should be kept in mind when there are numerous discrepancies. The pharmacist should keep a record of any changes in the dosage or frequency, as well as any additions or deletions. By grouping medications by their intended use, primary care providers will be better able to better plan for care. Explanations should be concise and avoid medical jargon, and healthcare providers should make every effort to keep it simple. When highlighting key points, repeating them, and ensuring that students understand them are the best ways to ensure a thorough understanding of these important topics. If caregivers provide instructions in a language other than English, it may aid recall of discharge information. Inpatient and outpatient providers are thought to be able to communicate more effectively, improving the effectiveness and continuity of care.
By understanding the cost of medication in your patient population, you can help reduce the burden of rising healthcare costs. You should also empower patients and their families to participate in their post-discharge care in order for them to be heard. The discharge from the hospital is a high-risk period for potential medication confusion and errors. When a combination of medications becomes available, it may not only save money on copays, but also reduce the amount of pills required to fill them. Patients should understand medication instructions in order to receive discharge counseling. In a review of the literature, a medication history error at admission to a hospital was examined. Patients are also expected to understand their treatment plans and diagnosis upon discharge as part of the review.
This study investigates physicians’ attitudes toward prescription and the cost of common medications. Medication reconciliation is a method of reducing the risk of medication errors. The role of pharmacist counseling in preventing adverse drug events after hospitalization is discussed. In a National Quality Forum, the goals of improving patient safety through informed healthcare decisions are discussed. Several articles published in the medical literature have reviewed the use of pictorial aids in enhancing recall of spoken instructions. More attention has been paid to the importance of telephone follow-up in hospitalist practice. According to a new review published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, it is critical to improve medication management in the home following hospitalization.
