• Complete and print your Patient Medication Checklist, and bring it with you when you are admitted.
• Print out Checklist and then fill in by hand (PDF) or
• Open Word version of the Checklist, fill in, and then print
• Put ALL of your medications in a bag and bring them with you to the hospital.
• Include any medications you got from a pharmacy or from your doctor’s office.
• Include over-the-counter medications, nutritional supplements or herbal products (i.e. aspirin, cold medications, vitamins, etc.).
• Prepare a list of your medical history.
  • Your medical history includes past surgeries, as well as medical conditions and illnesses for which you currently are being treated or have been treated in the past.
  • Be ready to discuss your smoking, alcohol or drug use.
• Make a list of your medication and food allergies.
  • Include what happens when you ingest these medications or foods (upset stomach, rash, breathing difficulties, etc.).
• Make a list of the names and phone numbers of your doctors, clinics and pharmacies.
  • This will be a quick and easy reference for you and your health care team.
• Please note your latest insurance information.
  • Having your insurance information will help us get you home quicker.  Please note the RxBin number, your Member ID, the RxGrp name or number, and if you are the primary card holder or not.
• Make a list of questions you have about your medications.

While in the hospital, you can expect:

• all caregivers to confirm your identity by asking your name and looking at your ID bracelet.

  • You may feel your nurse will know you after awhile, but this is a hospital requirement.

• health professionals to wash their hands regularly.
  
  
• to learn about your condition and treatment by talking to your doctors, nurses, pharmacists and other health care professionals.

  • If any instructions are unclear, feel comfortable asking for clarification.
    
    

• to be instructed about your medications, and to feel comfortable voicing concerns if you feel that any medication being given to you is not correct.
  • You may begin taking medications when you are in the hospital that differ from those you took prior to admission. It is important to understand/know:

    - what medications you are taking and why
    - what the medications look like
    - dosage
    - frequency
    - time of administration
    - potential side effects

• If at any time during your stay your expectations are not met, please speak up and voice your concern!

• Because you are an important part of the health care team - and because this is your health - it is completely acceptable and appropriate to ask questions and voice your concerns.

• Ask for a list of medications you should be taking.

  • The medications you should take upon discharge may be different than those you were taking prior to admission or during your stay.

• Have a member of your health care team go over this new medication list with you.

  • It’s important to understand what medications you should be taking, as well as the dosage, time(s) of day to take them, what each medication is for and potential side effects.

• Discard old medications after you leave the hospital.

  • Ask a member of your heath care team if you should discontinue and discard any medications you were taking prior to admission.

You are about to view a 5-minute video put together by Emmi Safety. Emmi (Expectation Management and Medical Information) Safety is a joint initiative of the ASHRM Foundation, the American Hospital Association, HRET, and Rightfield Solutions. This video will highlight important tips allowing you or your family members to partner with us in our medication safety efforts!

• View the Medication Safety Video now

• American Society of Health System Pharmacists Patient Safety
• Institute for Safe Medication Practices
• Patients Have Important Role in Safer Health Care
• National Patient Safety Foundation