Lääkekortti

Lääkekortti, often translated as "medication card" or "drug card," is a term used primarily in Finland and some other Nordic countries to refer to a document or digital record that details an individual's current prescription medications. Its main purpose is to provide a comprehensive overview of a patient's medication regimen for healthcare professionals.

This card typically includes information such as the name of each medication, its dosage, the frequency of administration, and the prescribing doctor. It may also contain details about over-the-counter drugs, supplements, and allergies, though the core focus is usually on prescription pharmaceuticals.

The lääkekortti serves several critical functions. It aids in preventing medication errors by ensuring that healthcare providers have accurate and up-to-date information about a patient's drug therapy, especially in emergency situations or when a patient is seeing multiple specialists. It helps to avoid duplication of prescriptions and to identify potential drug interactions.

In Finland, the lääkekortti can be accessed through various means. Historically, it was a physical card, but increasingly, it is integrated into electronic health record systems. Patients can often view their own lääkekortti through secure online portals provided by healthcare providers or national health services. This digital accessibility empowers patients to be more informed about their own treatment and to share their medication history easily with different healthcare professionals. The concept aims to improve patient safety and the efficiency of healthcare delivery.