Staff Challenge: National Patient Safety Goals

Patient/family education on the importance of medication management is a critical component of medication reconciliation. What other helpful information should be provided to the patient and family at discharge in addition to the list of medications, dose, route, frequency, and purpose?

Answer: Any variation of the following is acceptable:
•    Take the list of discharged medications to the primary care provider
•    Ensure that the patient keeps an updated list of current medications to include dose, frequency, route, and purpose with him or her at all times
•    Include any over-the-counter, herbal, or “as needed” medications on the list