General Patient Information

Question 1

What information should you be able to explain to your patient?

• A.T.H.L.E.T.I.C.S -

Answer 1

Check patient understanding before starting;

A - action

T - timeline (how often)

H - how to take

L - length of treatment

E - effects (how long until effects felt)

T - tests (before starting, during treatment)

I - important side effects

C - contraindications

S - supplementary advice (e.g. avoid grapefruit juice)

Question 2

What are the most common pitfalls in prescribing stations?

Answer 2

Not establishing patient knowledge

Not filling in the right chart

Not filling in the right part of the chart

Forgetting to check/record allergies

Not changing the route of drug for very ill patient (Oral -> IV)

Question 3

When explaining taking a drug, what should be included in the conversation?

Answer 3

Check their understanding, check what symptoms they are feeling, (or risk to them),and link the drug use symptom/risk relief

Explain the reason for being given the drug, explain risks (what does it do?)

Mention the risk of not using the medication

Explain when they should take it (PRN or every day; “to get the benefits of this you need to take it…”) and if they have to take it for the rest of their life, if they have to take it, what are the common side effects

Use any patient leaflets if available, offer one to take away so they can come back and have a chat later

Draw pictures

Safety net if the medication has any dangers (e.g. bleeding in anticoagulation)

Good phrase:”But the benefits outweigh the risks”