Organizing weekly medication is a task that requires a lot of attention. Whether caring for the elderly or dependent people, polymedicated users need to keep accurate control of their daily intake. How to get it?
There are many people who have difficulties managing their medication and, therefore, having a good treatment. The figures reflect this: 1 in 2 patients does not correctly follow the medical plan prescribed by their doctor, and in many cases this is due to inadequate organization of the medication.
The therapeutic adherence It is a key factor in the medical treatment of patients, since it is essential to follow the guidelines with the aim of improving quality of life.
This fact is accentuated in the case of polymedicated people, who need greater persistence in their treatment. Failure to do so can lead to a sharp deterioration in your health, to the point of causing serious consequences for your system.
What is a polypharmacy patient?
When we talk about polypharmacy patients we are referring to those people who, having several chronic diseases, must take more than 5 pills a day for half a year straight.
Forgetting a daily intake is never a good sign. However, this fact may not be so striking among people who are not used to taking medication.
On the other hand, there are other types of patients, such as the polymedicated elderly, and other dependent profiles, who They must organize their medication in a much more demanding way.Otherwise, the consequences of forgetting a meal could lead to a real headache for your health.
To do this, we show you our advice when organizing the feedings of a polymedicated person. Take note:
How to organize medication?
We propose a list of ideas that can strengthen your medical plan. However, it is always advisable to have the support of a professional.
At IMA we put at your disposal a preparation and home delivery service, with which a pharmacist will organize all your daily doses in a blister, by date and time. This way, you can receive your medication already prepared and ready to take at your doorstep.
IMA's network of collaborating pharmacies offer professional quality, since the weekly blister is always prepared in authorized pharmacy offices. In this way, you will not only save time, but you will also avoid making mistakes when organizing the medication of the polypharmacy patient.
- Prepare it in a pill box. A very popular way to prepare your medication is to use the famous weekly pill box. With this system you can organize the shots based on the day of the week, and thus have it ready at any time. However, this systemmay entail certain risks, such as mistakes and improper exposure of drugs to adverse conditions.
- Associate each intake with a meal or activity. Another way to remember when you should take the medication is to relate each dose to a daily activity: at breakfast, before entering the shower, at TV news time, when returning from work, at dinner, before going to sleep...
They are everyday moments that help you remember the message: “Now I have to take my medication.†- make yourself a list. In the case of polymedicated patients, it is important to write down in your notebook or diary the drugs you must take, as well as the days of the week and the hours at which you must take them. Having everything written down, you just have to take a look at it at the start of the day.
- Set alarms. Another of the most common methods to organize your medication is through your watch or phone. This way, you can create reminders so that you receive alerts throughout the day. This option is compatible with the previous proposal, since this way you will be able to know at all times what to take and at what time.
- Use mobile apps. If you get along well with technology, you can download an application on your mobile phone or tablet that allows you to plan your medication.
- Always keep it in the same place. If you always leave your medication in the same place, it will be much easier for you to remember. The nightstand, the first drawer of the dresser, or the pantry are convenient places where you can leave your medications.
- Prepare it in a pill box. A very popular way to prepare your medication is to use the famous weekly pill box. With this system you can organize the shots based on the day of the week, and thus have it ready at any time. However, this systemmay entail certain risks, such as mistakes and improper exposure of drugs to adverse conditions.
With this series of recommendations, IMA seeks to help all polypharmacy patients who may experience difficulties during the organization of medication.
If you want to learn more about IMA services, call us without obligation or visit our Web page.
Disclaimer: At IMA we offer advice and information about our products. Consult with an expert before making any decision that may affect your health.