Medication management is the comprehensive process of ensuring medications are used safely, effectively, and appropriately by patients, involving evaluation, prescribing, monitoring, and patient education to achieve desired health outcomes while minimizing side effects and misuse.
It's a collaborative effort between patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers, focusing on understanding all medications (prescribed, OTC, supplements) and optimizing their use to improve quality of life and reduce costs.
Key aspects of medication management:
- Medication Review & Reconciliation: Checking all medications (prescribed, vitamins, herbs) for appropriateness, dosage, interactions, and potential side effects, often done through in-depth reviews.
- Patient Education: Teaching patients how, when, and why to take their medications, and what to watch for