|
| |
Universal Medication Form
by Ariana Ayu, DSc, RN
March 2009
So you’re driving down I-95 and suddenly you get a flat tire. You get out and
attempt to change it (because you’re way to cool to call AAA), the jack slips,
and suddenly your leg is crushed. Now you have to go to the hospital, where
they’re going to ask you a million questions over and over and over. It always
happens this way, doesn’t it?
Most people are not prepared when they have to go to a hospital. You don’t have
your medicines with you (and you certainly don’t remember what they’re called!),
any herbs you’re taking are at home, and let’s face it, this info is some of the
most important you can give your healthcare team. One way to fix this problem is
keeping a Universal Medical Form (UMF) in your wallet. You should actually have
one of these for every member of your family.
Basically a UMF is a form you will fill out at your own convenience: when you’re
calm and thinking clearly. Include any allergies (including bad reactions to
tape, latex, or vaccines). List all medicines you take: prescribed,
over-the-counter, illegal (just kidding – we know none of you use these!), or
herbal formulas. Herbs ARE medicines; they are potent and can interact with
prescribed pharmaceuticals. And most importantly, keep these forms updated.
Double-click here for a printable form:
Many hospitals and MDs are recommending these forms to their patients. They help
reduce medication errors and keep your care as safe as possible. (They also save
you time and effort; all you have to do when you see a doctor is pull out this
paper and hand it over!)
One last little idea that may come in handy is a list of your family’s health
history. We all know we’ll be asked who’s had cancer, heart attacks, strokes,
etc., but do we ever remember all of them? We have to be responsible for our own
health care, so let’s make it easy on ourselves. Keeping careful track of your
health info will not only make your life easier, but it really will make any
medical care you receive safer.
|
