Impact of Medication Errors on Patients

Impact of Medication Errors on Patients

Caregivers need to jump in here and get this medication compliance issue addressed

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Is Dad taking his medication and supplements as prescribed

What is the Impact of Medication Errors on Patients? Problem one, he is taking them and then not remember he took them. Hence, he will double and triple dose. Why dose dad need a smart pill box dispenser? First, he must get the prescription bottles that are scattered throughout his home. Second, immediately get them organized in a smart pill dispenser. Third, know what dad is taking. In addition, it is important to know why he takes them. Furthermore, he must know when he’s suppose to take his prescription pills. What are the consequences of medication errors on patients, healthcare providers and hospitals?

If Dad is living alone a caregiver is a good idea?

Impact of Medication Errors on Patients

Impact of Medication Errors on Patients

There is a big problem with dad remembering his meds. However if your dad is having problems with taking daily medication having a caregiver “come by a couple of times every week” isn’t going to do much good. Furthermore, regardless of whether dad wants to or not, medication needs to be organized. Hence, the need for a smart pill box dispenser like the Med-Q Medication dispenser. Do not keep anything he isn’t taking. Consequently, never ever keep it “just in case”. Get a smart pill box dispenser. Of course, make sure it is re-filled every week.

Is dad still able to look at the clock and think, “Oh, it’s 11 O’clock, time for my morning prescription”? However, for many it’s not that simple. Family Caregivers ought to figure out a way to ensure your dad is taking his daily medication at the right time. The same applies for the right dose.

Med-Q pill dispenser for preventing forgetting and over dosing
Med-Q pill dispenser for preventing forgetting and over dosing

Start by organizing the prescription medications as well as supplenments

Get a smart pill box for the week

Now you can take the bottles and put them away. Again, dad can no longer get to them. My dad used to organize his own pills in an old fashion pill box. First, he had no levels of dementia. Second, with his good mind, there was no reason for me to worry about him taking his pills properly (as directed by his Health Care Professional). We all believed that he was doing fine. Again, we were very wrong. We found out that, he was organizing his pills in HIS order. The results, not taking them when he was supposed to take them.

We need to know what our parents are doing with there Life Saving Medications

First, many of use don’t know what our parents with their medications and supplements. However, we must stick our noses into the personal business regarding meds. Again, it is usually very uncomfortable and unwanted form the senior. The problem is made worse with Alzheimer’s or Dementia. In fact, when it comes to these cognitive illnesses, we must help to protect our parents. In fact, many sufferers don;t have the ability to safely take care of themselves. The goal, reduce the impact of Medication Errors on Patients.

impact of medication errors
Caregivers need Help

For example, Mark T. of Phoenix AZ, said, “My Mom finally lost her mind due to the disease process. Finally, he was completely unable to care for himself. Med-Q knows how much it can hurt to see your Dad like that. Consequently, one will finally come to the conclusion, “Dad who took care of you your whole life, now needs to be taking care of.

First of all, Alzheimer’s and dementia will only get worse over time. In short, it might be time to have a talk about what to do when the day comes and dad can’t care for himself. Again, try not to wait until that day comes to talk about the options. Have a family talk NOW. This thing with the medication is just the beginning. A med reminder is not going to be good enough. Finally, if dad has periods of lucidity try to talk to him about what he has in mind for himself.

A recognized a problem with steps to resolve it.

Med errors are usually the result of plain human mistakes

Fact, medication errors can cause severe physical injury and may even result in death. In fact, up to 90% of seniors make regular mistakes with their prescriptions and supplements. Furthermore, over 10% of hospital and ER visits are a direct result of medication non compliance.

Noncompliance is commonly used in regard to a patient who does not take a prescribed medication or follow the health care provider’s a prescribed course of treatment. An Individual who is demonstrating noncompliance is said to be non-compliant.

These mistakes are almost totally preventable. This being said, medication error lead to financial problems, psychological issues as well as high levels of emotional stress. This applies to both patient and healthcare provider

Possible Strategies to Prevent Medication Errors

First, There are many negative consequences of medication errors. The most sever can be death. For example, 25% of assisted living admits are from medication errors. The effects of moving into assisted living has not been discussed in this blog post. However, it is apparent that this all too common mistake. Finally, medication errors are really harmful to patients as well as the caregivers.There are many strategies that we can implement to minimize this preventable mistake. For example, Med-Q smart pill dispenser with alarms and flashing guides. For individual healthcare professionals, it is important to acknowledge medication errors

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If you can’t remember whether you took your medication, what do you do?

What happens if you don’t remember if you took your medications?  When one is not sure if you took a pill, never, ever just take another dose yet. What could happen if you double dose?  If someone ingests an additional dose, the consequences can be deadly. In fact, an extra dose can raise the risk of harmful effects. Check your pill organizer, count the remaining pills in the bottle, or review the instructions that came with your prescription to find specific guidance. 

doctorHealth care profsionals are in agreement, “For most medications, it is safer to accidentally miss a single dose than to double dose” . Keep in mind that the pill/dosing guidelines vary drastically depending on the medication.  For example, it is different for  blood thinners or something like birth control.), it is always best to double-check with a professional.  If in doubt, call the local pharmacy you got the prescription filled.  Also, call e the America’s Poison Centers at 800-222-1222 .  This can help if you are concerned about over dosing. 

For further guidance, consult I can’t remember whether I took my medication, what do I do? on Medical News Today. To help prevent confusion in the future, you can implement some 9 Simple Strategies for Remembering To Take Your Medication or read the Why You Shouldn’t Skip Your Medication guide on WebMD.
 
If you are missing doses consistently, a few strategies can help get your routine back on track:
  • Use a weekly pillbox: These old fashion pill holders can be useful.   They show a quick visual cue to show which days  doses have been taken.
  • Use a Digital Pill Reminder: Medication reminders, like the Med-Q pill Box. have flashing guides.  These alarmed reminders help preventing over dosing. 
  • Try to do Habit stacking: Match up your daily pill-taking with a non-negotiable daily habit.  For example, your first cup of coffee or brushing yourhair.
  • Set electronic reminders: Use persistent reminder apps, alarm clocks, or simple smart phone alarm reminders.

What to do if Unsure?

The worry about over doing is real.  When unsure whether the dose has been taken, the best thing to do is speak with your health care provider or even your pharmacist. They will  advise you on the best course of action based on ythe specific medication. that is over dosed.

pill box for seniors

If you take oral tablets or capsules, you can count how many pills you have left. If you know when you started taking the pills out of that prescription bottle, this could help you determine whether you’ve taken your dose for that day.

Sometimes, when you haven’t taken your medication, there may still be time to take that dose. However, this could depend on the drug and dosing schedule.

Although in some cases, if it’s almost time to take your next dose, your doctor may recommend skipping the missed dose and taking your next dose at its regular time. Never take two doses at once to make up for a missed dose as doing so could raise your risk of side effects.

What happens if you accidentally take your medication twice?

Do not take more of a drug than your doctor prescribes. While serious side effects may be rare, for some medications, taking more than the recommended amount may lead to harmful effects or overdose. Some of the most dangerous medications to double-dose include:

  • heart maintenece medications
  • ADHD drugs, for example “Adderall”
  • medications for Type 1 Diabetes
  • prescription narcotic pain pills
  • psychiatric medications , for example “Wellbutrin.”

If you have any doubt, act quickly. 

Fist of all, contact your doctor right away.  Let them know you may have accidentally taken two doses or three doses of your daily medication. They will offer up advice.  The Healthcare profesional can often advise of what steps to take.  Also, they will let you know about symptoms to watch out for.

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