by Tom Mongelli
A Central Jersey-based non-profit group's bid for safer use of medcations among seniors begins Thursday morning in Brick. Healthcare Quality Systems, Inc. of East Brunswick is partnering with the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services on the New Jersey Drug Safety Initative. Ut starts at 9:30 at the Shop-Rite on Route 70.
Their goal is to raise awareness of the risks of negative effects from multiple medications among seniors - especially if multiple symptoms have brought them into contact with an increasing number of doctors and pharmacists.
"The physicians may not be aware of all the medications the patient may, or may not, be on," says team leader Linda DeMarzo. The situation, she says, demands deeper understanding that can only happen with improved communication. For most patients, it starts with what they call a Personal Medication Record.
"It would document the medication's purposes," says Ms. DeMarzo, "how to use the medication, and other important information like allergies. And it's meant to be carried and presented at all points of care."
On-site consultants will help attendees develop PMRs, and also assess the safety factors in medical regimens that patients are following. Anyone wishing to undergo a "brown-bag" review should have a complete list of his or her current medications, as well as nutritional supplements, vitamins and minerals. They can learn whether any prescribed or over-the-counter remedies are counteracting each other, or creating health risks.
The initial event is aimed at, but by no means limited to, seniors in CMMS-designated density areas including Brick, Manasquan and Sea Girt. Registrations are being taken at 732-238-5570, but walk-ins will not be turned away.
Please address questions/comments to wobmnews@wobm.com.
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