Did you know that eight in 10 patients in Singapore suffer from medication-related problems? This data was released by the Pharmaceutical Society of Singapore (PSS) based on medication reviews conducted during Pharmacy Week 2009 and 2011.
To help reverse this alarming trend, Alicia Ong, 24, and Lee Min Huey, 25, both pharmacists at NTUC Unity Healthcare Co-operative Limited did their part to champion the theme of `JUST ASK! Know Your Medicines, Get It Right!’ for this year’s Pharmacy Week.
“JUST ASK meaning we get the patients to be involved in their conditions, and then theyask the pharmacists and they make use of our expertise to manage their condition better,” said Ms Lee. Both Ms Ong and Ms Lee are part of the committee in PSS that came up with the theme.
With pharmacists known as trusted medication experts, the theme essentially encouraged people to “just ask” their pharmacist about any health-related issues, thus empowering them to take ownership of their health. In celebration of Pharmacy Week 2012, various Unity pharmacies provided free medication reviews for their customers.
Why you must get it right
Both pharmacists cannot stress enough the importance for people to get their medications right and using them correctly as prescribed. Ms Ong’s concern is for people who take supplements while on medication.
“There has been increased health consciousness in our society so a lot of people go for supplements like Gingko for better memory. The public assumes they are safe for consumption but certain herbs can interact with their own medication and they do not know about it. So it is quite important for them to know their own medications, so when they have enquiries on supplements, they can ask any healthcare professional who can accurately deliver the information on what medicines they are already taking,” explained Ms Ong.
This, said Ms Lee, when combined with people’s doctor-going habits may lead to serious consequences. “…Majority of our patients tend to doctor-hop. And not just doctor-hop…because many of them suffer from so many chronic diseases, they see many different specialists. The medicine may conflict or be duplicated, but not on purpose,” she explained.
Ms Lee cautioned that knowing your medicines may not guarantee you will be exempt from medical problems, but that it acts as a guide for you to better manage your medical condition.
Introduction of a medications list
Pharmacy Week 2012 also saw the introduction of a medications list, which details the type and quantity of medicine taken by the patient. Ms Lee pointed out that such a list would enable community pharmacists to make an informed decision on the right type of medicine to dispense as a central database of patients’ medical records does not exist.
Ms Ong noted that this is especially useful for older patients who are often less educated.Hence, Pharmacy Week 2012 also aimed to get patients’ children involved in helping to create the medications list.
