"Keep Track And Take It Back!" Safe Medication Use Campaign Launch - Ontario Pharmacists' Association
Each year, up to 25% of emergency department admissions in people over the age of 50 are in some way related to medication.
"This is not surprising considering that only 50% of people take their medication as prescribed," said OPA Chair Donnie Edwards. "There are many factors that contribute to the misuse of medication, including taking expired medications, not having enough knowledge about their medications, taking the wrong dose or having an incomplete or inaccurate medication record." Pharmacists and community groups in Brantford and the County of Brant will distribute the free "Keep Track and Take it Back!" kits to residents in the community. The kit includes a Medication Record Booklet that allows individuals to maintain complete documentation of their medications, including prescription drugs, herbals, vitamins and over the counter medications. "The Medication Record is a great tool to share with your pharmacist, physician and other health care providers," says Public Health Nurse Shelley Russell. "We recommend you keep your medication record up-to-date and carry it with you at all times."
The kit will also include a medication disposal bag and reminder calendar stickers to encourage residents to review their medications regularly and return any expired or leftover medications to their pharmacy for safe disposal. "Expired or leftover medications can potentially lead to serious injury and poisoning for yourself and your family members," says Russell. "We are working together in an effort to reduce the incidence of injury and illness associated with improper use of medications."
"Patients play a crucial role in the management of their health," said Russell Williams, President of Canada's Research Based Pharmaceutical Companies (Rx&D). "We are pleased to be a partner in this innovative campaign by providing the people of Brant County with our "Knowledge is the best medicine" record book aimed at safe and appropriate medication use," added Mr. Williams who served as Director General at the Brant Health Council. The launch of this campaign follows the The Transparent Drug System for Patients Act (TDSPA), passed in the Ontario Legislature in June, 2006, that included a landmark decision to recognize the valuable role of pharmacists by compensating them for professional services. As of April 1, 2007, the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, collaboratively with the Ontario Pharmacy Council and the Ontario Pharmacists' Association (OPA) launched Pharmacists' Professional Services as eligible benefits under the Ontario Drug Benefit (ODB) Program. Phase one, which began April 1, compensates pharmacists for providing the Meds Check Medication Review. This is a voluntary, no charge service available on an annual basis to community-based ODB-eligible recipients who are taking three or more chronic prescription medications. It is provided by community pharmacists with the goal of maximizing patient adherence to drug therapy. This service takes approximately 20 to 30 minutes for a pharmacist to conduct and helps patients get the most from their medications allowing them to ask their pharmacist questions or discuss any concerns they may have with their medications. Pharmacists share the results of the Meds Check Medication Review, including a comprehensive medication list and recommended action with the patient/caregiver and, when appropriate, with their physician and/or primary healthcare provider.
"Pharmacists are clearly excited and enthused about this initiative and eager to participate," said OPA Chair Donnie Edwards. "Pharmacists are looking forward to being able to do what they were trained to do - provide expert consultation to patients on use of medications, make a tangible improvement in patient health outcomes, and be compensated for it."
"This is great news for seniors and those using a variety of medications," said MPP Dave Levac. "This initiative will help make it easier for patients to ensure they were taking medication properly. It is also a part of the McGuinty government's overall health strategy. I would like to take this opportunity to thank our pharmacists for their dedication and their proven commitment to their community."
Pharmacists in Brantford who provide a Meds Check Medication Review to eligible patients can use as a tool the "Keep Track and Take it Back!" kits, which includes a Medication Record Booklet to record all medications a patient may be taking.
"We encourage patients to establish long-term relationships with their local pharmacist," said Edwards. "The more patients know about the medications they take, the more empowered they are to manage their health appropriately with the help of their pharmacist." http://www.canadapharma.org
"Monitorizaþi ºi ia-o înapoi!" Utilizarea în condiþii de siguranþã medicaþie campania de lansare - Ontario farmaciºti "asociaþie - "Keep Track And Take It Back!" Safe Medication Use Campaign Launch - Ontario Pharmacists' Association - articole medicale engleza - startsanatate