Medicine mix-ups

An interesting hospital study shows that half, or all heart patients, make at least one medication-related mistake after leaving hospital, and guidance from a pharmacist doesn’t seem to reduce those errors.

Consequences of mistakes, such as forgetting to take certain drugs or taking the wrong dose, can range from side effects like constipation, to more serious drops in blood pressure.

Some errors might be life-threatening.

It’s not really surprising that people are confused after leaving hospital, and it’s really important for the local doctor and the local pharmacist to pick up the reins.

This is where many problems occur, and efforts are being made to reduce these serious issues of transition between the hospital and the home.

And it’s about time!

(Annals of Internal Medicine, July 2nd 2012)