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Oral Medications

Improvement in the oral medications outcome is demonstrated by an increase in the percentage of patients who improve the ability to take their medicines correctly. Higher percentages are better. The measure excludes rectal, IV (intravenous), or injectable medications. It is important that patients take the right medicines, at the right times, and in the right amounts. Medicines include those prescribed by a doctor and over-the-counter (OTC) medicines (e.g., pain relievers, vitamins, laxatives, etc.). Patients should inform their doctor and home health care staff about all their medicines, including OTC, and any allergic or bad reactions (like rashes or dizziness). Taking too much or too little medication can keep the patient from feeling better, make the patient sicker, confuse the patient (affecting their safety), or even cause their death. Home health staff can help teach ways to organize medicines and take them properly.

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