Validation

              At work, “Validation” is the project phase where we look at the system and confirm what will work for us and identify what will not work for us. The system has a lot of bells and whistles already, so we aren’t starting from scratch, and we need to decide what switches to turn on and what we don’t want to use that we will configure custom. The point is that the system is not an empty box where you start with a blank canvas. Medications are a lot like that in that our loved ones probably already have various prescriptions they are taking that we need to know about. Medication management requires frequent and regular validation.

                Start with a list of medications, name, dosage, frequency, briefly what it is used to treat, and if you have multiple providers, note which one prescribed it and the date. It sounds like a lot of information and it does take effort, but it really is important. Once you get the basics down on the list its just a matter of maintenance, updating monthly or as needed depending upon how frequently your prescriptions change.

                I’ve met many people who feel like it’s not their job to track the medications they are taking because they feel like their doctors know what they prescribed or their pharmacists know what they filled. In this day and age of electronic medical record, that may well be. However, ultimately, the patient is responsible for his or her own care. That is the bottom line. We are all responsible and accountable for our own health. It is a good idea to know exactly what you are taking and why. It is also important for Caregivers to have this vital piece of information and help track this for the patient.

                It is a good idea to validate this list frequently with your loved one’s various doctors, nurses and providers to ensure it is current and he or she is taking what is absolutely necessary. It becomes complicated, particularly if your loved one is admitted to the hospital and they give new medications that could affect the current medications. Always ask questions of the case worker and hospital providers and definitely check with your primary care physician. There are so many statistics on how many accidental overdoses and over medications occur, not to mention all the celebrities that have fallen victim to accidental overdoses due to over medication. Validate any and all information you are given about your medical care in general, not just to be sure you are taking the right medications, but to be sure you are doing the best thing for your loved one’s overall medical care. It’s important.