What Is Medication Management?
Medication management is a process that involves the planning, monitoring, and evaluation of medication to ensure that patients receive the most effective treatment possible. It often involves working with a patient's primary care physician to determine what medications are appropriate for each patient, as well as how they should be taken and under what circumstances.
Medication management can also include educating patients about their medications, such as when they should take them and what side effects they may experience when taking certain medications.
Why Is Medication Management Important in Senior Living?
Medication management is important because it helps ensure that all patients receive the best possible treatment while also avoiding any unnecessary side effects or complications due to improper usage of their medications.
With medication management, patients can be sure that they are taking the right medications at the right time and in the right amount. It also helps to prevent drug interactions, adverse effects, and other problems that can arise when medications are taken improperly.
Who Can Do Medication Management for Senior Living?
Medication management is a huge responsibility, especially in senior living facilities, and it is important to know who can do it.
There are three main types of medication managers: nurses, pharmacists and nurse practitioners (NPs). While all three can manage medications, NPs are the most likely to be involved with patients who need complex care.
NPs are advanced practice nurses who have received training in how to prescribe medications and treat patients with chronic conditions. They are also able to provide primary care for patients who need less-intensive treatment.
Pharmacists are experts in medicine and drug interactions, as well as safe prescribing practices. They are trained to help patients understand their medication regimens, identify potential problems with existing prescriptions or side effects from new ones, and make recommendations about any changes that might be needed for the proper functioning of their bodies.
Nurses can also be involved in medication management; however, they often focus on specific areas such as pediatrics or gerontology instead of taking on general cases as NPs or pharmacists would do.
When Should Medication Be Prescribed?
Medications should be prescribed only when they are necessary for treating a patient's condition; if a patient does not need specific medication, then it should not be prescribed. Medications may be over-prescribed if the doctor does not have enough information about the patient's medical history and lifestyle habits. Over-prescription can lead to harmful side effects and drug interactions.
In order to prevent over-prescription, doctors should educate themselves on what medications are appropriate for certain conditions so they know what types of drugs will work best for each individual patient's needs. They should also make sure that they receive all relevant information from patients before writing prescriptions so they can make an informed decision on whether or not treatment is needed at all times.
