The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) recently provided recommendations to facilitate optimal medication use for patients in acute and ambulatory care settings as part of the Choosing Wisely® campaign.
Choosing Wisely is an initiative led by the ABIM Foundation in partnership with Consumer Reports to reduce waste in the healthcare system and avoid risks associated with unnecessary treatment. Nearly 80 national medical specialty societies have contributed recommendations to promote clinician and patient conversations about appropriate care. (Click here to learn more about Choosing Wisely.)
The ASHP has provided the following recommendations for improved prescribing practices:
- Do not initiate medications to treat symptoms, adverse events or side effects without determining if an existing therapy or lack of adherence is the cause, and whether a dosage reduction, discontinuation of a medication, or another medication is warranted.
- Do not prescribe medications for patients on five or more medications or continue medications indefinitely without a comprehensive review of their existing medications, including over-the-counter medications and dietary supplements, to determine whether any of the medications or supplements should or can be discontinued.
- Do not continue medications based solely on the medication history unless the history has been verified with the patient by a medication-use expert and the need for continued therapy has been established.
- Do not prescribe patients medications at discharge that they were on prior to admission without verifying these medications are still needed and that the discharge medications will not result in duplication, drug interactions or adverse events.
- Do not prescribe or administer oral liquid medications using teaspoon or tablespoon for measurement; use only milliliters (mL) when measuring with an approved dosing device (e.g., medication cup or oral syringe).
The Great Plains Quality Innovation Network is collaborating with providers, pharmacists and stakeholders to reduce harm from medications across our region. Click here to learn how you can partner with us to improve medication safety.