Instruction on prompt and proper follow up with a primary care provider or any specialist is important to ensure continuity of care for the client. Oftentimes after a visit to any healthcare setting (outpatient or inpatient) medications will be adjusted, discontinued, or added to a client’s list. Even though today’s modern electrical medical record systems are great for updating and keeping all information accurate, subtle differences can be left out regarding medications, leaving the client to suffer the consequences. By encouraging a client to keep a medications list will prevent such incidents from occurring. 

By going into detail with the medication reconciliation project, it allowed me to make sure the client knew all aspects of their medication. The client needs to understand what they are taking, how much, how often, potential side effects, and most importantly why they have to take the medication. And as mentioned in the Joint Commission, keeping a record of all of medication information will help in the proper treatment of the patient if an emergency were to arise. By keeping a list it will also allow the next health care professional to notice any abnormal drug-drug interactions or dosages, it can also give insight to potential toxicities that the client may succumb to (i.e. liver/renal etc.). All in all, the importance of medication safety and administration is upheld by performing a thorough medication reconciliation every time a client is taken care of.

References

Joint Commission, National Patient Safety Goals, Mar. 2020 Retrieved from https://www.jointcommission.org/-/media/tjc/documents/standards/national-patient-safety-goals/2020/npsg_chapter_hap_jul2020.pdf

Image Source: https://wallpapercave.com/medicines-wallpapers