Lääkeluettelon

Lääkeluettelon, often translated as "drug list" or "medication list," refers to a document or database that catalogues all the medications a patient is currently taking. This includes prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, herbal supplements, and vitamins. The primary purpose of a lääkeluettelon is to ensure patient safety and optimize healthcare.

Maintaining an accurate lääkeluettelon is crucial for several reasons. It helps healthcare professionals identify potential drug interactions, contraindications, and adverse effects that might arise from combining different substances. This is particularly important for patients with multiple chronic conditions or those seeing several specialists. A comprehensive list allows for better medication management, preventing duplicate therapies or unnecessary prescriptions.

In many healthcare systems, the lääkeluettelon is a central component of a patient's electronic health record. It is regularly updated by physicians, pharmacists, and nurses, and ideally, patients themselves are encouraged to participate in its creation and maintenance. Patients can provide valuable information about medications they obtain through various channels.

The lääkeluettelon serves as a vital communication tool among different healthcare providers involved in a patient's care. When a patient is admitted to a hospital, visits an emergency room, or sees a new doctor, presenting an up-to-date lääkeluettelon can significantly improve the quality and safety of the care they receive. It empowers patients by giving them a clear overview of their therapeutic regimen.