Thread by @WHO

Today is #WorldPatientSafetyDay.

Medications can save lives, however they can do harm when not taken properly.
Around 1 in 20 patients are affected by avoidable medication harm in medical care globally.

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#MedicationSafety

Globally, 50% of all preventable harm in medical care is medication related, a quarter of which is severe or life-threatening.

We all have a role in reducing medication errors and harm: Know. Check. Ask.
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#WorldPatientSafetyDay #MedicationSafety

The elderly population is one of the most at-risk groups of medication harm, especially those taking multiple medications.

High rates of medication-related harm are also seen in surgical care, intensive care and emergency medicine.

#WorldPatientSafetyDay #MedicationSafety

Medication errors happen due to systemic issues and/or human factors such as fatigue, poor environmental conditions or staff shortages which affect prescribing, transcribing, dispensing, administration and monitoring practices.

#WorldPatientSafetyDay #MedicationSafety

Make sure you take medications correctly.
Contact your health worker for guidance.
Know. Check. Ask.

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#WorldPatientSafetyDay #MedicationSafety

If you are a health worker, make sure you engage with your patient for safe use of medications.
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#WorldPatientSafetyDay #MedicationSafety

Give special attention when using medications.
Here are the 5 moments for medication safety bit.ly/3eQuOTT

#WorldPatientSafetyDay #MedicationSafety

When you are about to start a medication, ask:
💊What is the name of this medication?
💊What is it for?
💊What are the possible side-effects or risks?

#WorldPatientSafetyDay #MedicationSafety

When you are about to take a medication, ask:
💊When should I take it and how much should I take?
💊What should I do if I experience side-effects?

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#WorldPatientSafetyDay #MedicationSafety

When you are about to add a medication, ask:
💊Do I really need any other medication?
💊Can this medication interact with my other medications?

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#WorldPatientSafetyDay #MedicationSafety

Review the medication you are taking, and ask:
💊How long should I take each medication?
💊Am I taking any medications I no longer need?

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#WorldPatientSafetyDay #MedicationSafety

When you have to stop your medication, ask:
💊When should I stop each medication?
💊If I have to stop my medication due to an unwanted effect, where should I report this?

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#WorldPatientSafetyDay #MedicationSafety

Before you take your medication:
💊KNOW your medication
💊CHECK the dosage and time
💊ASK your health care professional if you have a question

#WorldPatientSafetyDay #MedicationSafety

If you are a health worker, before you give a medication:
💊KNOW the medication
💊CHECK whether you have the right patient, medicine, dose, route and time
💊ASK the patient if they understood

#WorldPatientSafetyDay #MedicationSafety