If you've recently received a medical diagnosis or started on a medication regimen, you are probably familiar with patient teaching guides. These useful tools can help you manage your medicine and improve your overall health.
Instructions
1. Patient teaching guides are designed to ease your path on the road to recovery. They are also useful if you have questions about a recent diagnosis. These guides generally provide detailed information about a single subject, such as Coumadin (a type of medication that acts as a blood thinner) or pregnancy (guides are available for various stages of the pregnancy).The first step is to read the guide in its entirety. Don't skip this step, even if you think you know all there is to know about your medication or condition. Reading the guide gives you access to the most current information, and will help you learn about any new contraindications or side effects that ongoing research may have uncovered.
2. Make a list of any questions that come up. Don't worry about questions that seem too small or silly. If you wonder--just ask. It is a good idea to pose your questions to someone who is knowledgeable and with whom you feel comfortable. Your primary care provider, pharmacist or nurse practitioner are usually good resources.Particularly if your patient education guide concerns a recent diagnosis, it is critical that you address questions and concerns immediately. When it comes to your health, ignorance is not bliss.
3. Next review all labels and patient teaching guides from medications you are already taking. Look for any contraindications. You want to be sure that your medications work well together, and do not produce any adverse effects. Give special attention to side effects listed in the guide. If you experience these, or any other, effects, take note (write down when you experienced the problem, how severe it was and how long it lasted). Share this information with your health care provider.Resolve to take your medication exactly according to the directions laid out in the guide. If your patient teaching guide concerns a diagnosis, follow the offered advice as best as you can.
4. Share any important information from the guide with loved ones or caregivers. When everyone understands what to expect, it is easier to manage your ongoing care.
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