Taking a Medication History

Question 1

How do you start the medication history?

Answer 1

WIPE

W - Wash Hands
I - Introduce Yourself
P - Patient ID (Name, DoB, Hospital No.)
E - Explain procedure - ‘I’m here to take a medication history today’

Question 2

What do you check first?

Answer 2

Check drug allergies and intolerances. Check with the patient the symptoms they experience.

Question 3

What do you do next?

Answer 3

Note down sources of information

Question 4

What do you after the information sources have been noted down?

Answer 4

Make a list of prescribed, OTC medicines and herbal remedies.

Find out - Names, doses, frequency, formulation, route of administration, length of treatment to date

Question 5

Which types of medications should be asked about specifically?

Answer 5

Inhalers, eye/ear/nasal drops, topical preparations, once weekly/monthly medicines, injections

Question 6

Which specific meds should be enquired about?

Answer 6

Oral contraceptive, HRT, insulins, home oxygen, herbal medications

Question 7

What should be checked after this?

Answer 7

Any recent changes to medications

Question 8

After this?

Answer 8

Any additional remedies - vitamins, herbal, bought at supermarket/chemist, recreational

Question 9

What must I check for after additional remedies?

Answer 9

Check adherence and if any compliance aids are used.