Navigate Safe Medication Management: Tips from the WHO and HSE Campaigns

Understanding and Managing Medications Safely

Introduction:

Medicines play a crucial role in our healthcare, offering relief from various health concerns. Yet, medication errors can occur – fortunately, many of these are preventable through informed patient engagement. equip you with knowledge on managing your medications safely.

The World Health Organization WHO has set an ambitious goal: reducing severe, avoidable harm related to medicines by 50 worldwide within the next five years under their Medications Without Harm programme. To achieve this vision, the Health Service Executive's HSE Know Check Ask campgn encourages active patient involvement in managing medications.

Understanding Your Medicines:

1. Mntn a Comprehensive Medication List: Keep an updated list of all your medicines – including creams, eye drops, injections, inhalers, patches, and even over-the-counter supplements like vitamins. This document acts as a safety net for healthcare providers and helps prevent medication mix-ups or overlaps.

2. Communicate with Healthcare Professionals: Feel free to ask questions about anything related to your medications at any stage of treatment – whether it's starting new prescriptions, taking them regularly, managing multiple drugs, reviewing your current treatments, or discontinuing medication. Knowledgeable guidance ensures the best health outcomes and avoids complications.

3. Utilize Technology for Support: The WHO Medsafe app can be a valuable tool to navigate through The Five Moments of Medication Safety – key times when you should carefully check your medications:

   • When starting a new medicine

   • During medication intake

   • After adding an additional medicine to your regimen

   • Periodically reviewing current medicines for appropriateness and effectiveness

   • Deciding whether it's time to discontinue medication

4. Leverage Resources: The HSE’s Know Check Ask campgn offers a wealth of videos, posters, and information online. Similarly, the Health Products Regulatory Authority HPRA provides patient information leaflets on medicines licensed in Ireland.

5. Staying Informed with Choice Medication: This website by mental health pharmacists is an excellent resource for additional information on medications including fact sheets, leaflets, and educational materials tlored to mental health treatments.

6. Accessing Support from Healthcare Providers: Should you experience any side effects or concerns about your medication regimen, don’t hesitate to discuss them with healthcare professionals like doctors, pharmacists, or nurses. They can provide guidance based on the latest medical knowledge to help tlor a plan both patient needs and evidence-based practices.

7. Staying in Touch with Pharmacy Teams: If you are receiving care at St. Patrick’s Mental Health Services, feel free to connect with our pharmacy team for more information about your medications or any questions you might have.

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By staying informed, asking questions when necessary, utilizing avlable resources like the WHO Medsafe app and other patient education materials, and communicating openly with healthcare professionals, patients can significantly enhance their safety and well-being during medication management. This collaborative approach leads to better health outcomes through a thorough understanding of your specific needs and treatment options.

Include links or references for readers who wish to delve deeper into each section.

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