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The Medication Safety
Dance: The Patient’s Role
Created By: Amanda Bowlby, Ben VanTreeck,
Jessica Schultz, Megan Flinchum, Michelle Bilinski,
and Sarah Feldhaus
What is medication safety?
• Process used by patients and health care professionals to safely
ensure the best health outcomes.
• Medication errors can lead to serious injury or even death
• Shocking statistics about medication errors:
– 50% of patients do not take their medications correctly.
– 96% of patients do not ask questions about their medications.
What is a patient’s role at the doctors
office?
• Know what to take to the doctors office with you
• Know what questions to ask the doctor about your
medications and your condition
• Remember a few simple things to do to ease feelings of
being frightened, anxious, or scared when talking to your
doctor
• Things you should do before you leave the doctors office
What should you take to the doctors
office with you?
• An updated record of all your medications including:
– Prescription
– Over-the-counter
– Herbal
• Knowledge of health information such as:
– Diet and diet restrictions
– Food and drug allergies
– Alcohol or tobacco use
• You should also bring questions
Tips: Easing anxious feelings
• Write down questions in advance and bring them to
your appointments
• Write down the doctor’s answers
• Make it a point to get to know your doctor on a
personal level.
• Don’t be afraid to have them explain things in simpler
terms.
Questions to ask your doctor?
• What is wrong with me?
• Can you explain my condition?
• What do I do about it?
• What is this medication?
• What is this medication for?
• Why am I being prescribed this medication?
• Do I have other choices?
Things you should do before you leave
the doctors office
• Check your understanding with the doctor
• Make your next appointment
• Be able to recognize the prescription- Drug name and
directions
Patient’s role at the pharmacy
• Again, get to know your pharmacist.
• Know what you need to bring into the pharmacy with you
• Know what types of questions you should ask your
pharmacist
• Be aware of things you should double check before
leaving the pharmacy.
What should you bring into the
pharmacy with you?
• Prescription
• Insurance card-UPDATED
• Updated medication record that you took to your doctor’s
appointment.
• Questions for the pharmacist.
• ASK QUESTIONS! That is what they went to school for.
What questions should you ask your
pharmacist?
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What are the brand and generic names for my medication?
What is my medication used for?
What are the strength and the dose of my medication?
Are there any special directions for taking this medication?
What should I expect from taking this?
What are some side effects I should be aware of?
Are there any medications, food, or activities I should
avoid while taking this?
• What do I do if I miss a dose?
• How should I store this medication?
• How do I monitor my condition?
Things to double check before leaving
the pharmacy
• The prescription label on your medication
• The appearance of your medication
• Your understanding of the above questions
Medication Management at Home
• Keep track of your medications using a medication
information log that contains the medications:
- Name
- Strength
- Dose
- Directions of use
- Purpose
- Size/shape/color
- Doctor’s name, phone number
- Side effects
- Number of refills
- Pharmacy phone number
• Keep a medication schedule so you can mark off the dose
once you take it.
Medication Log
Medication Log
Name
Name of Medication
Allergies
Strength
Dosage
Special Instructions
Purpose
Size, Shape,
Color
Prescribing
Physician and
Phone Number
Side Effects
Refill
Number
Pharmacy Phone
Number
Compliance with home medication
therapy
• Refill your prescription on time
• Do not skip doses or take double doses unless directed
by a doctor or pharmacist
• Follow lifestyle changes recommended by your doctor,
such as exercise, diet, and smoking cessation.
• Never take someone else’s medication
• Keep follow up appointments
Safe Medication Storage
• In upper cabinets with locks
• Away from children and pets
• Keep medications in their original child-proof bottles
• Away from heat and steam (not in the bathroom)
Safe Medication Disposal
• Do not flush or pour down the sink or drain
• You can dispose of them in the trash BUT to do it safely:
• If it is a liquid, pour the medication in a sealable bag
• If it is a solid, crush it up/dissolve it in a sealable bag
• Then add: kitty litter, coffee grounds, or sand to the sealable
bag
• You can also check with state/local collection programs or
your pharmacist.
Questions?