A Prescription for Safety

The Patient's Role in Drug Safety
Your safety is of utmost importance to us. That's why, among other precautionary measures, we have clear procedures to reduce the possibility of patient medication errors.

For example, healthcare providers administering medications learn to follow a system of checks and balances called the "five rights" of medication management:

1. The right patient
2. The right drug
3. The right dose
4. The right time and frequency of administration
5. The right route of administration (by mouth, IV, etc.)

You and your family members can take an active role in preventing medication errors and drug interactions by:

1. Asking about the prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs you are being given, including the purpose, dosage and possible side effects;

2. Reading the patient information literature that is provided with the drug; and

3. Making sure that healthcare providers are aware of any other prescription or OTC drugs, as well as vitamins, herbal remedies and other supplements you may be taking.

To help you keep track of all of your medications, complete this chart and keep it in your wallet or purse.