52nd MDG focuses on prescription safety

SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany – Senior Airman Michelle Moffett and Airman 1st Class Jared Higgins prepare customer prescriptions at the Spangdahlem Medical Clinic March 4, 2009. The 52nd Medical Group is celebrating Patient Safety Week March 8 to 14, 2009. During the week, base medical professionals will focus on educating patients on the safe use of medications. Both Airmen are pharmacy technicians assigned to the 52nd Medical Support Squadron. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Tammie Moore)

52nd MDG focuses on prescription safety

SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany – Senior Airman Michelle Moffett, 52nd Medical Support Squadron pharmacy technician, pours pills into a bowl on a specialized scale at the Spangdahlem Medical Clinic March 4, 2009. The scale calculates the number of pills in the bowl based on weight. The 52nd Medical Group is celebrating Patient Safety Week March 8 to 14, 2009. Patients visiting a primary care manager should receive a print out of the drugs they are currently prescribed. If one is not given ask for it. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Tammie Moore)

52nd MDG focuses on prescription safety

SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany – Airman 1st Class Jared Higgins, 52nd Medical Support Squadron pharmacy technician, dispenses pills into a bottle at the Spangdahlem Medical Clinic March 4, 2009. The 52nd Medical Group is celebrating Patient Safety Week March 8 to 14, 2009. During the week base medical professionals will focus on educating patients on the safe use of medications. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Tammie Moore)

52nd MDG focuses on prescription safety

Published March 3, 2009
By 52nd Medical Group

SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- The 52nd Medical Group is joining other leading health care organizations in the celebration of Patient Safety Week March 8 to 14, 2009.

The goal of this annual event is to highlight patient safety and the importance of teamwork between the patient, family and community. This year's theme is "A prescription for patient safety: One partnership, one team."

Since the medical group transitioned from a hospital to a clinic, many patients are being seen and treated by German health care providers. It is important for patients to work with their U.S. military and German health care providers to ensure they receive safe health care.

The 52nd MDG staff decided to focus efforts during Patient Safety Week on the safe use of medications. It is critical for patients to be actively involved in this area of their health care and the healthcare of their family.

The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations and the National Patient Safety Foundation recommends patients take the following precautions with prescriptions:
- Write down and maintain a current drug list. Keep an updated list of medications taken to include over-the counter, herbal medications and supplements. Also include any allergies or reactions to medications. Bring the list to all medical appointments, on- or off-base.
- Know what medications you take and why you take them. Ask about the purpose of the medication, when a difference or improvement should be seen and inquire about any side effects of the medication.
- Work with health care professionals as a team. Tell health care professionals about any allergies or reactions to medicine. Tell doctors about any medications you are being taken including any vitamins, herbal medications, supplements and over-the-counter drugs.
- Follow the treatment plan agreed upon by you and your health care provider. Do not stop taking medicine because you feel better unless a doctor tells you to stop taking it. If the medicine makes you sick, tell your doctor or nurse right away.

Patients visiting a primary care manager at the medical clinic on base, should receive a print out of the drugs they are currently prescribed. If one is not received ask for it.

The 52nd MDG is committed to delivering high quality, safe patient care; however, the staff is always striving to do better. With the help of patients, we will continue to provide the best care possible!