Content text 6. MEDICATION HISTORY.pdf
PHARMD GURU Page 1 INTRODUCTION TO MEDICATION HISTORY: An accurate medication history provides a foundation for assessing the appropriateness of a patient’s current therapy and directing future treatment choices. It can prevent medication errors and during the process of obtaining a history other pharmaceutical issues such as poor or non-adherence can be identified. It is important as part of your clinical role as pharmacists, that the medication histories you undertake are accurate to ensure patients’ current and future therapy is safe and effective. DEFINITION OF MEDICATION HISTORY INTERVIEW: A structured critical examination of a patient’s medicines by a healthcare professional: Reaching an agreement with the patient about treatment. Optimizing the use of medicines. Minimizing the number of medication-related problems. Avoiding wastage Regular medication review maximizes the therapeutic benefit and minimizes the potential harm of drugs. It ensures the safe and effective use of medicines by patients. Medication review provides an opportunity for patients to discuss their medicines with a healthcare professional. Medication review is the cornerstone of medicines management. GOALS: To optimize the patients drug therapy. To prevent (or) minimize drug related problems/medication errors. WHAT DOES MEDICATION REVIEW INVOLVE? A structured critical examination of a patient’s medicines (prescription and other medicines, including alternatives) by a healthcare professional. Identification, management, and prevention of ADRs or drug interactions. Minimizing the number of medication-related problems. MEDICATION HISTORY
PHARMD GURU Page 4 Incorrect/inappropriate dosages. Drugs no longer needed (e.g. one medication used to treat the side effects of another). Difficulties with using certain dose forms (e.g. inhaler or eye drops).