5 Moments for Medication Safety
The 5 Moments for Medication Safety patient engagement tool focuses on five key moments where actions by the patient or caregiver can reduce the risk of harm associated withthe use of medication(s). Each moment includes five critical questions. Some are self-reflective, and some require support from a health professional. This tool has been developed as part of the third WHO Global Patient Safety Challenge: Medication Without Harm.
This tool aims to engage and empower patients to be involved in their care. It should be used in collaboration with health professionals, but should always remain with the patients, their families, or caregivers.
5 Moments for medication safety
1. Starting a medication
What is the name of this medication and what is it for?
What are the risks and possible side-effects?
Is there another way of treating my condition?
Have I told my health professional about my allergies and other health conditions?
How should I store this medication?
2. Taking a medication
When should I take this medication and how much should I take each time?
How should I take the medication?
Is there anything related to food and drink that I should know while taking this medication?
What should I do if I miss a dose of this medication?
What should I do if I have side-effects?
3. Adding a medication
Do I really need any other medication?
Have I told my health professional about the medications I am already taking?
Can this medication interact with my other medications?
What should I do if I suspect an interaction?
Will I be able to manage multiple medications correctly?
4. Reviewing my medication
Do I keep a list of all my medications?
How long should I take each medication?
Am I taking any medications I no longer need?
Does a health professional check my medications regularly?
How often should my medications be reviewed?
5. Stopping my medications
When should I stop each medication?
Should any of my medications not be stopped suddenly?
Whats hould I do if I run out of medication?
If I have to stop my medication due to an unwanted effect, where should I report this?
What should I do with leftover or expired medications?
When should I be asking these questions?
For patients, families, and caregivers
ASK these QUESTIONS and FIND the ANSWERS with the help of a health care professional whenever you:
visit a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or dentist;
visit a primary health care facility or pharmacy;
are admitted to and discharged from a health care facility;
are referred to another health care facility;
are transferred to another health care facility;
receive treatment and care at home.
For health professionals
Promote patient engagement by introducing this tool to your patients, their families and caregivers and supporting them in answering the questions. You can download the BJU's poster below, or find more resources on the WHO website - 5 Moments for medication safety.
References:
[1] https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-patient-safety-day/2019
[2] https://www.who.int/patientsafety/medication-safety/5moments/en/
The Pharmacy team at Beijing United Family Hospital (BJU) comprises outstanding pharmacists who have either studied or worked overseas, or have experience in local grade-A tertiary hospitals. They regularly attend training programs both in China and overseas to keep up with the latest developments in the field of pharmacy and to provide patients with refined services to ensure patient safety.
Should you have any questions related to the medications prescribed to you at the Beijing United Family Pharmacy, you are welcome to call the 24hr pharmacy hotline at 5927 7052. To make an appointment with a BJU specialist, please call the 24hr Service Center at 4008-919191.