Dr. Antoinette Coe, a pharmacist and health services researcher, focuses on enhancing medication usage and safety. Her interest stems from personal experiences as a caregiver, where she assisted family members in managing their complex medication schedules. Research indicates that nearly 50% of medications prescribed for chronic illnesses are not taken as directed.
As an assistant professor of clinical pharmacy at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Coe shared her insights on preventing medication errors in the “Experts Say” series, aimed at providing practical advice on health management. Her responses have been streamlined for clarity.
What are the most common medication errors?
Patients often face issues such as forgetting doses, taking medications at inappropriate times, or incorrect dosages—either too much or too little. Furthermore, the risk of drug interactions increases, particularly with over-the-counter medicines, herbal products, and dietary supplements.
How do medication issues arise?
Communication is crucial in preventing these problems. If a healthcare provider fails to deliver clear instructions on a new medication, the patient may not fully grasp what is required for safe usage.
What challenges do older adults face?
Older adults frequently encounter higher risks related to their medications. Many have multiple chronic conditions that necessitate intricate medication regimens, increasing the chances of adverse drug interactions and issues with maintaining adherence. Additionally, physiological changes affecting liver or kidney function can influence how medications are processed in the body. Impairments like poor vision or hearing can complicate reading labels or receiving proper instructions, while conditions such as arthritis can make it difficult to open medication containers. Cognitive decline also poses challenges for remembering dosages and schedules, and medication expenses can be particularly burdensome.
Are heart medications especially problematic?
Heart medications are notably linked to medication errors, as cardiovascular diseases are widespread, especially among the elderly who often take numerous prescriptions. These drugs may cause side effects like dizziness or tiredness, which can necessitate dosage adjustments that require careful monitoring and communication with healthcare providers.
What questions should patients direct to their healthcare providers about their medications?
Patients should be well-informed about the purpose of each medication, how to take it, and any specific timing or food considerations. Useful questions for doctors might include:– What is the purpose of this medication?– What side effects might arise, and how should I react?– What is the duration of treatment?– Are there any foods or activities I should avoid? Patients should also feel free to consult pharmacists with questions such as:– What is the correct way to take this medication?– Are there interactions with my other prescriptions?– What side effects should I monitor?– How should I respond if I miss a dose?– Is specific storage, like refrigeration, needed for this medicine?
What strategies can people and caregivers implement to minimize medication errors?
Maintaining an accurate and complete list of all medications—including prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, herbal remedies, and supplements—is vital. Sharing this list with healthcare professionals enhances communication. Whenever possible, individuals should fill their prescriptions at a single pharmacy, enabling the pharmacist to oversee their medication profile and identify any potential drug interactions or duplications. Patients should clarify any confusing medication instructions and ensure medications are stored safely, out of children’s reach.
What guidance do you provide to friends or family facing medication-related challenges?
I recommend compiling a comprehensive list of medications, including dosages, reasons for use, and prescribing doctors, and keeping that list accessible for medical appointments. For those struggling with adherence, tools such as pill organizers, reminder alarms, or mobile apps can be beneficial for staying on schedule.
This information underscores the importance of proactive medication management and gives valuable advice on avoiding common pitfalls for both patients and their caregivers.
