Section II. PATIENT MEDICATION PROFILE
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CONTENTS
The patient medication profile is one of the major advantages of the unit dose
system. The medication profile gives pharmacy personnel the opportunity to actively
participate in monitoring patient care. The form used for the profile is designed locally
and may vary from one hospital to another, but the information contained on the form
should be similar. The form shown in figures 2-1 and 2-2 is a representative example.
The patient medication profile is divided into six sections, patient information, scheduled
medications, nonscheduled/nonrecurring medications, wardstock/floorstock
medications, controlled drugs, and sterile products.
a. Patient Information. This identifies the patient and should include
information such as name, age, sex, weight, social security number, ward, and bed
number.
b. Allergy Information. It is important to know of any allergies the patient has
to allow the pharmacy to make sure the patient is not being given medication to which
he is allergic. The physician should have checked this before ordering the medication,
but this allows for one more safety check.
c. Diagnosis and Preexisting Conditions. This allows the pharmacy to check
for medications which may be contraindicated [could cause harm to patient because of
an ailment currently being treated, a different ailment, or other drugs the patient is
taking] for the diagnosed condition. This also allows the pharmacy to make sure that
any preexisting conditions are receiving treatment. An example might be a patient in for
surgery who also has high blood pressure for which he is taking medication. With the
pharmacy aware of this condition, the physician can be notified if he forgot to continue
the medication.
d. Scheduled Medications. This portion of the profile is a major safety check
for the patient. With all medications listed, the pharmacy is now able to check for drug
interactions. The medications identified on this part of the form are those ordered by
the physician. Scheduled medications are those that are prescribed to be given at
definite intervals.
e. Nonscheduled/Nonrecurring Medications. A nonscheduled/ nonrecurring
medication is one that is ordered for a one-time administration or for prn (as needed)
medications. These medications do not have a specific time-span between doses.
STAT and now doses also indicate non-recurring medications.
f. Floorstock/Wardstock Medication. These are medications that are already
on the wards in accordance with the local SOP. They are handled by the bulk drug
order section of the pharmacy.
MD0811
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