Published: October 31, 2009 12:00 am      

Senior Scene: From the Office: Keep list of medicines up to date

A trip to the hospital is often unexpected, but with a little planning you can help to ensure a safe and positive hospital experience.

One of the best things you can do is keep an up-to-date list of your medications and bring it to the hospital with you. It is very important that your care providers at the hospital know the medications you are taking. This information allows us to continue medications that are necessary to your health, to adjust medications that are not appropriate for your present condition, and to identify medications that may be contributing to your illness.

You can start your medication list by copying down the information from your medication bottles or you can ask your doctor's office or pharmacy for a computer-generated list. Enlist the help of a family member, friend or health care provider if necessary. A piece of paper, pen and your prescription bottles will get you started. Your medication list should be complete with the medications you are taking, including over-the-counter products such as antacids or pain relievers and herbal or dietary supplements such as vitamins. For each medication, write down the full name, the dose and how often you take it. If a medication has been discontinued by your doctor or if you have not been taking the medication, make a note on the medication list. It may be helpful to include the dates that medications were started or stopped as well. Update your medication list each time there is a change in your medication regimen

Keeping an up-to-date medication list is a simple way to ensure that your health care providers have all the information they need to treat you. Every time you see your doctor or other health care provider you should review your medication list with them.

If you don't have a list yet, bring your prescription bottles with you. If you are seeing multiple doctors, this becomes even more important. Your primary care doctor should be aware of any medications prescribed by other health care providers. The medication list kept by your primary care doctor may be referred to while you are in the hospital. This information is only valuable if it is accurate.

In 2005, the Joint Commission, an accrediting body for healthcare organizations, issued a National Patient Safety goal to reduce medication errors. In 2009, the Joint Commission continues to emphasize the importance of medication safety because "medication errors continue to be one of the most frequent causes of preventable harm." To prevent medication errors, the Joint Commission requires health care organizations to reconcile each patient's medication regimen on admission, at changes in level of care, and at discharge. Each point of reconciliation offers opportunity for the prevention of medication errors. The medication list that you provide is an essential part of medication reconciliation.

The hospital will ask for your medication list almost immediately upon your arrival. Generally, a nurse will take your medication history. This history will be utilized by all types of care providers during your stay. The nurse will ask for the information on your medication list as well as the last time you took a dose of your medications. Once the nurse has obtained your history, the list is reviewed by the doctor caring for you. The doctor then decides if you should continue your medications while you are hospitalized or if they need to be changed or discontinued. Once the doctor is aware of your home medications, they can safely prescribe new medications. The reviewed list of medications from home and any new medication orders are then sent to the pharmacy. The pharmacist reviews the orders for appropriateness of dose and indication, medication duplication and drug and food interactions. Your medications are then dispensed from the pharmacy and administered by your nurse.

Your medication regimen will likely change several times throughout your hospital stay. Medications will be added to treat your acute illness, some medications may be changed to a similar one that is available at the hospital, and other medications may be discontinued for part or all of your stay. At the time of discharge, your doctor will perform the most important medication reconciliation process. They will use the list of your home medications and the list of medications you were taking while in the hospital to determine which medications you should take once you return home. Your discharge medication list will be reviewed with you by your nurse.

You play a very important role at this critical point. Prior to your discharge, you should know which medications you will be taking at home. If a new medication is prescribed, you should know what it is used for and if it replaces any of the medications you already have at home. Once you are home, use the medication list to determine which medications you will continue to take and which medications are no longer needed. Finally, be sure to review this new medication regimen with your primary doctor at your next visit.

You may not be able to prevent hospitalization, but with a small investment of time you may be able to prevent a medication error from happening to you. Start and maintain your medication list today. To help get started, you may download a blank medication list at www.aofoxhospital.com.

Dr. Maia Decker os a clinical pharmacist at A.O. Fox Memorial Hospital.