what we usually talk about during medication counseling
This is how we often interact and assist patients in medication counseling sessions.
Understanding the base knowledge
We ask the patient what they know about their condition and how it affects the body. What medicine they are using and how it fights their condition.
We like to know how much they take of the medicine, on what daily basis, what are the expected results after a day or a week of treatment, and the most important, how they are feeling in the process.
current process adjustment
Based on the previous step we like to gradually provide the patient with adjustments to correct their base knowledge.
For example, based on their medical background we like to talk about possible reactions to the medication, what they should expect out of the treatment in different scenarios, we discuss allergy complications, the correct ways for dosage and administration, importance of timing when it comes to make an impact on their condition, how they should feel on every step of the process, and how family and doctor support could aid their recovery.
Providing extra tools
Patient adherence to medication and to the whole medical process is sometimes difficult for several reasons. Maybe they do not understand well what they have, or maybe the lack of important details on how to take the medication, or maybe they just forget because they do not see the importance of it.
In every case, we like to make things as easy as possible for them to understand and remember all key information. For example, we like to use basic and common words, just to avoid medical terms every time possible. We also like to propose dosage related activities, like taking the meds before a specific event so their body responds better to that activity. We show them what foods usually help in case of bad taste of medicine, the use of labels and stickers to note in-time and correct use of medication, and so much more.
Economy & health
Sometimes it is useful to talk about how much we can save by taking the right pills, at the right time, and the right way. How important it is to follow the doctor’s instructions so our health can improve and we can avoid hospitalization and extra complications.
How we can speed up our recovery and resume our activities just by understanding how the medication works in our body and how to prevent adverse drug reactions.
Extra precautions
We check for every detail related to the patient condition and medication. We review patient allergies and sensitivities to certain substances. What other possible reactions the medicine may have on the patient, always taking into account their age, gender, any other condition or process they may be under.
We also talk about what kind of environment the medication should be stored in and how to manage it properly.
