Medication Review: Ensuring Safe and Effective Treatment
What is a Medication Review, and Do You Need One?
At Oasis PCN, we understand the importance of managing medications effectively to ensure the best possible health outcomes. Prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, herbal supplements, and vitamins all play a role in treating health conditions, but many patients do not always inform their primary care provider about everything they are taking. It’s easy to assume that your doctor is aware of medications prescribed by specialists or other providers, but that is not always the case.
A medication review, also known as medication reconciliation, is a structured process where a patient’s current medications are carefully reviewed and compared to prescribed treatments. This ensures safe and effective use of medicines while preventing potential issues such as:
- Identifying duplicate medications, supplements, or prescriptions that may be treating the same condition.
- Checking for dosing errors and ensuring proper administration of each medication.
- Preventing adverse drug interactions that could affect health.
- Avoiding medical errors caused by incomplete or outdated medication records.
By regularly reviewing medications, patients and their primary care providers can stay aligned, ensuring that treatment plans remain safe and effective.
How Does a Medication Review Work?
A typical medication review involves five key steps:
- Listing the patient’s current medications – This includes prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, herbal supplements, vitamins, vaccines, and intravenous solutions.
- Identifying which medications are currently needed – Determining whether all medications are still relevant to the patient’s treatment plan.
- Comparing the two lists – Identifying any discrepancies or potential risks.
- Updating the medication list – Making necessary adjustments based on the findings.
- Communicating the updated list – Sharing the revised medication plan with the patient and their caregivers to ensure proper understanding and adherence.
Who Can Conduct a Medication Review?
Medication reviews can be conducted by:
- Your Primary Care Physician – You can request a review during your GP appointment.
- Your Pharmacist – Pharmacists are knowledgeable and can assist in identifying medication-related concerns. It’s best to come prepared with questions, as pharmacists are often busy but always willing to help.
For a more accurate review, we recommend bringing all medication bottles (including supplements and vitamins) to your appointment. This reduces the risk of overlooking any medications and ensures an accurate assessment.
When Should You Have a Medication Review?
It is advisable to schedule a medication review:
- During your annual physical exam to ensure ongoing medication safety.
- After any transition of care, such as hospital discharge, changes in treatment plans, or switching healthcare providers.
If you or a loved one would benefit from a medication review, contact your GP practice at Oasis PCN to schedule an appointment. Prioritizing medication safety is a crucial step in maintaining overall health and wellbeing.