Islanders seeking treatment at Emergency Rooms (ER) across the province are encouraged to bring along a MAP of their medical history to help health care workers navigate treatment. MAP is an acronym that stands for: Medicine list, Allergies, and Pill bottles. ER professionals on Prince Edward Island use it as an easy reminder of what patients should have with them when they arrive for treatment. Patients, especially those on multiple medications, will be asked for this information at the ER. MAP is a helpful reminder of what to have prepared in the event of a medical emergency.
“Time is of the essence in emergency room situations and knowing exactly what medications a patient is taking along with any known allergies can save lives,” says Vicki MacLean, Acting ER Nurse Manager, Prince County Hospital. “When a physician has fast access to this information, it is much easier to know the possible side effects. When individuals, especially those who are on multiple medications, come to the ER, they will be asked for this information.”
The Medication list should contain most recent prescriptions, including the name, dose, schedule and time the last dose was taken. The list should also include vitamins, eye or ear drops as well as medicated ointments, inhalers, injectables, herbals, cough medicines or any other over-the-counter drugs.
Islanders can obtain their prescription drug information from their local pharmacist. Erin MacKenzie, Executive Director of the Prince Edward Island Pharmacists Association, also encourages the public to develop a relationship with their pharmacists and, if possible, use one pharmacy exclusively. “Establishing that relationship will allow the pharmacist to be familiar with your medical history and provide easy access to a list of all of your medications,” says Ms. MacKenzie. “Maintaining a relationship with your pharmacist will make it easier for them to monitor your medications and to identify and avoid dangerous drug interactions.”
The A in MAP stands for Allergies. That list should include drug, food and other allergies along with a description of any side effects experienced from medications.
The final piece of the MAP is all Pill bottles from medications. If possible, patients should bring all current medications to the ER, as well as any bottles or containers of medications that they have recently stopped taking. Hospital staff need to know the exact medication and dosage a person is taking, and have been taking in the past, to determine appropriate treatment and care.
ER workers and health care professionals also remind the public about the dangers of sharing medication. There are a variety of considerations that go into determining what prescription is appropriate, including medical history, possible drug interaction and physical attributes. What works for one person may not necessarily work for another.
The MAP initiative is a collaborative effort of the ER Accreditation Provincial Team and Safer Health Care Now, made up of representatives of all health care professionals involved directly and indirectly with ER service on Prince Edward Island. It is a national initiative aimed at informing individuals so they are better prepared when they arrive at an ER for treatment.