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22.11.2023 15:58
Nurses and caregivers have a great responsibility when it comes to the question: “what is medication management?”. Some basics of medication management should be practiced to ensure the safety of the patient. Whether it is tablets, juices or powders, medications must be directed and administered. Therefore, a systematic approach should be followed when medication is administered. This to avoid mixing up or overdosing the medicine.
In this article, you will learn interesting facts about: “what is medication management”, what needs to be considered, how to keep track of medication administration and what the 6 R formula has to do with it.
What is medication management? The meaning
A variety of medications has become the norm for many elderly people, whether they are drugs for high blood pressure or to make the heart beat faster. Since there is always room for error when nurses administer medications, it is essential to have a good medication management system in place.
A safe and effective use of medications is the goal of good medication management. This is to ensure an individually adapted, optimal and patient-centred medication treatment.
The coordinated and systematic care as well as monitoring of a patient's medication by healthcare professionals plays an increasingly important role in modern healthcare. In particular, for patients who need to take several medications at the same time.
So, what is medication management? It plays a key role in preventing medication errors, increasing medication safety and improving patients' quality of life. It ensures close collaboration between physicians, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals to achieve the best possible pharmaceutical care. Particularly for chronically ill patients, the elderly, or patients with multiple diseases. In particular, using a professional medication management system can reduce potential complications and optimize therapeutic efficiency.
So, what's included in medication management?
More and more elderly people are dependent on a variety of medications. Particularly with patients requiring hospital or nursing home care, it is of the utmost importance that physicians and nursing staff carefully ensure that each patient receives the medications intended for him or her. Therefore, the 6 R rule was developed to serve as a guideline. By following the 6 R rule, nurses can ensure that each patient receives the appropriate medications for him or her at the correct time, in the correct dose, and in the correct form of administration. Careful implementation of this rule contributes greatly to the safety and effectiveness of medication management.
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Correct patient: Ensure that the medication is assigned to the appropriate patient by matching identification characteristics, such as name or date of birth.
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Correct time: Administer the medication at the scheduled time to ensure optimal effect and efficacy.
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Correct drug/active ingredient: verify that the administered drug or active ingredient matches the physician's prescription.
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Correct dose: ensure that the administered dose is in line with the doctor's prescription to avoid possible over- or under-dosing.
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Correct administration form: ensure that the medication is given in the correct format for the patient, for example, as a tablet, capsule or injection.
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Proper documentation: Properly document the medication administration to ensure a complete follow-up and avoid possible errors.
The 10 R rule in medication administration
Previously, the 6-R rule consisted of five items to be checked, but new documentation has been added as an additional step. By strictly adhering to the 6-R rule, nurses can ensure that each patient receives the appropriate medication at the correct time, in the correct dosage and administration form. This helps ensure that the patient receives a safe and appropriate medication plan.
In the meantime, there is a 10 R rule for medications, which includes another four rules in addition to the previous six. Namely, the correct period of use for medication administration, the correct storage of medications, the correct risk management to avoid errors, and the correct disposal of medications.
How to properly compose medications?
According to the expert standard in medication management for nursing, the accurate organization of medication supply is an extremely responsible task. Medication management includes not only the administration of medications, but also the receipt of the physician's prescription, the purchase, the preparation, and the documentation of the administered medications. Furthermore, it involves closely monitoring the patient for any effects and potential adverse reactions or interactions of the medications.
Thus, the compounding of medications requires close attention to the physician's instructions, pharmacy consultation, and following the medication schedule. If you have any questions or uncertainties, always talk to your doctor or pharmacist to ensure that your medications are taken safely and effectively.
What is medication management, and how does it help with adverse drug reactions?
Family doctors often don't know what medications other doctors have prescribed for the patient and what vitamins, dietary supplements and herbal preparations they use to support their health.
With an up-to-date medication plan, risks can be avoided and an overview of possible drug interactions maintained.
Particularly for allergy sufferers, pregnant women and people with pre-existing conditions or multiple medications, it can become dangerous to take different medications.
It is therefore important to enter all medications and preparations that the patient is taking or has purchased into the medication plan and monitor them for adverse interactions if necessary.
Through a so-called medication therapy safety check (AMTS check), insured individuals can be warned about possible side effects and interactions, which limits possible risks.
How can a medication management system be improved?
Improved medication management can be achieved through the implementation of electronic medication management systems, staff training, multidisciplinary collaboration, regular medication reviews, comprehensive patient education and quality assurance measures.
The goal is to minimize errors, better oversee medication, improve communication, and increase the safety of patients. In addition, innovative technologies, such as pneumatic tube systems in hospitals, can increase the effectiveness of medication supply and ensure faster delivery.
The advantages of pneumatic tube systems in hospitals at a glance:
- Fast medication delivery: Pneumatic tube systems transport medications and medical supplies in a fast way from the pharmacy or central station directly to the wards or treatment rooms. This shortens the waiting times for patients, and urgently needed medications can be made available immediately.
- Minimizing walking distances: Medical professionals save valuable time by not having to manually carry medications from one place to another. This allows them to focus more on their core tasks, which increases efficiency.
- Reduction of errors: Pneumatic tube systems are precise and reliable. The possibility of human error, such as mix-ups or incorrect dosages, is minimized because the system transports exactly where it is needed.
- Security and control: pneumatic tube systems can be equipped with special security measures to limit access to medications, preventing theft or tampering.
- Inventory management: the pneumatic tube system can be linked to an automated inventory management system that tracks stock levels and triggers alarms when medications are running low. This helps to ensure a timely refill.
- Documentation and traceability: pneumatic tube systems can be equipped with a documentation function that records the transport and delivery of medicines. This provides seamless traceability and contributes to safety and quality assurance.
Implementing a well-designed pneumatic tube system in a hospital can result in an optimized medication management system that improves safety, efficiency, and quality of medical care for patients.
We hope that you have gained more knowledge about the question: “what is medication management” and Contact Air-Log International GmbH for more information about pneumatic tube systems