If you’re hospitalized, you may not feel strong enough to take an active role in managing your medication use. Often family members provide the comfort and support needed to promote your return to good health. In either case, you rely on the hospital staff to ensure that medications are administered correctly and on time.

Medication Safety: A Team Effort

LewisGale is deeply aware of this responsibility to patients and families. We have systems of checks and balances in place to make sure that medications are used safely and effectively. Each medication order is checked by pharmacy and nursing staff against a patient bar coded identification band using our Electronic Medication Administration Record (eMAR) & Bar Coding technology. The eMAR system helps ensure medications are dispensed safely and effectively.

Even during this critical time, however, as a patient or a family member, you’re part of the health care team. You share the responsibility for safe medication use. As much as you trust your care provider’s knowledge and judgment, you owe it to yourself and your family to learn as much as you can about medication use.

Here are some things you can do to ensure safe medication use for you and your family. Please inform us of:

  • Prescription medications you’ve been taking
  • Over-the counter medications you’re using, or commonly use, for pain, headaches, coughs and colds and other ailments
  • "Natural" remedies or alternative medications you are using
  • Use of recreational drugs, if any
  • Any concerns or questions you have about your medications
  • As much information as you have or can remember about allergies or reactions to medications you may have had in the past
  • Your diet, including foods and beverages you commonly eat or drink

Before receiving a medication, treatment, or any other service, make sure the armband that has your name and other information can be checked.

Some questions you should ask before receiving medications:

  • What is the name of the medication? Is this the brand name or the generic name?
  • What is it for?
  • How much should I get and how often?
  • How long will I need to take this medication?
  • What possible side effects are there?
  • Do you have anything I can read about this medication?

If this medication is new to you, also ask:

  • Will this be replacing anything I was taking before I came in?
  • What are the possible side effects?
  • Has this medication been on the market for more than a year?
  • If you notice anything different that catches your attention, ask. For example:
    • You receive four tablets in the morning instead of two (you might be receiving a new medication that you might want to learn about).
    • The medication you have been taking for blood pressure was always a blue tablet, but today you have a white one (it could be a generic version of the same medication).

Before taking the first dose, take the following actions:

  • Read the label. Make sure the medication you received is the one your doctor ordered. If there is any difference in the appearance or shape of your medication between refills do not take it until you have discussed it with the pharmacist. Remember, many medications have names which sound or look alike.
  • Read the directions on the label and any written information you have been given. If any of it seems to contradict what you already know about the medication, call your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.
  • Recheck the label before each dose. Never take medications in the dark.
  • If you develop itching or swelling or if you have trouble breathing after taking a new medication, get medical help immediately.
  • Be alert for other side effects. If they become troublesome, call your pharmacist, nurse or doctor.
  • Take the medication exactly as prescribed. In some cases, you can stop taking a medication when your symptoms improve. In other cases, you must complete the course of therapy, even though you’re feeling much better.
  • Keep medications in their original container and store them out of the reach of children.
  • Check the expiration date on all medications and throw away outdated products.
  • You may find it useful to keep a personal medication record. This record will be helpful for both you and your care provider. Bring it with you to your appointments.
  • Invest in a reference book on medications. Several are available in low-cost paperback editions. Ask your healthcare provider for a recommendation.

Things You Should Know About Your Medications

  • What are brand and generic names of the product?
  • What is the purpose of the medication?
  • What does the medication look like?
  • What is the dosage?
  • How should I take this medication?
  • How often should I take this medication? What should I do if I miss a dose?
  • Does this medication have any side effects? What are they? What should I do if they occur?
  • Does this medication interact with any other medications? With foods? What are these interactions, and what should I do if they occur?
  • How should I store this medication?

Serious medication errors are very rare. But what if an error does occur or you suspect an error? If you are concerned that an error has occurred, ask your provider. Here are some things patients and families can do.

  • Remember that the effects of most medication errors are minimal. Ask what the probable impact of the error will be.
  • Ask for a full explanation of why the error occurred. Expect an honest dialogue.
  • If you feel that your questions are not being answered satisfactorily, ask to talk with the hospital’s designated patient advocate (for example, a nurse manager or patient representative).
  • If you have suggestions about how to prevent medication errors, share them with your care provider or a patient representative.
  • Encourage your hospital to include patients and family members on its quality improvement committees.

It’s a good idea to keep track of all the medications you use. Record your medications and bring the record with you to doctor’s appointments.

Teamwork Pays Off

Taking an active role in a safe medication use has many advantages. Not only will it help prevent medication errors, it also makes you a more informed healthcare consumer. Your provider, nurse and pharmacist welcome your involvement. Teamwork has advantages for everyone.

We’re here to help. Don’t be shy — feel free to ask any questions you may have about your medications and other treatments.