Stillwater, Okla. – Stillwater Medical Center is making new patient safety medication kits available to patients and their families. The kits include a medication form for keeping track of current medications, a protective sleeve to hold the form as well as an insulated bag to carry all medications to the hospital and doctors’ office visits.

“Patients are encouraged to take all their medication along with the list to each healthcare appointment,” said Maria Avers, RN, BSN, Clinical Manager of SMC Home Health.

“By doing so, it ensures that your doctor is aware of the medication and supplements that you are taking.” Avers explained that to ensure patient safety, it is important to identify all medication to avoid possibly harmful interactions or effects of medication. 

“Since patient health is our obvious priority, our leaders were pleased to provide these kits to area citizens at no fee,” said Shyla Eggers, SMC Director of Public Relations. She said kits can be obtained at the front registration desk at SMC, as well as at many local physician offices.

Dr. Dan Brown, local family practice physician, was part of the initial group of physicians to implement the use of the kits. He said, “They’ve already been helpful to me in reviewing changes made by specialists who are involved in the care of my patients – especially patients taking multiple medicines. It also gives my patients great peace of mind. It can be very confusing for the patient and this is a great way to ensure communication is clear and accurate, while reassuring all involved that the decisions being made are as helpful and productive as possible.”

Brown said the kits are also helping patients take better care of themselves. “When we review the list together and I am able to accurately explain the reason they’re taking that medication at that dosage, it makes better sense to them and they are more consistent with their own treatment when they are educated about their needs and how medicine can help them,” he said.

Click here for more information about medication reconciliation. You can download the Medication Reconciliation form here.

Pictured is an example of the free medication kits Stillwater Medical Center is offering local patients.