Statewide campaigns promoting the use of standard patient medication lists are growing.  When patients and their caregivers interact with health-care systems, obtaining an accurate medication history is one of the greatest challenges that confront health professionals.  Implementing a standard medication list statewide is a major initiative that can help patients with this challenge; affiliate organizations in South Carolina, Virginia, and Iowa have already implemented medication lists.  And, the ASHP Foundation is spearheading a campaign to implement "My Medication List".

Several years ago, SCSHP members worked to develop and implement a medication reconciliation form.  The form is already in use in many areas of the state and has been endorsed by SCSHP, SC Hospital Association, and the Medical Association of SC.  This form has been promoted in statewide efforts.

Last year, "List for Life" was introduced in the Tidewater area of Virginia.  Five major healthcare systems in this area and members of VSHP collaborated to create a marketing campaign to get the message out to the public that carrying an updated list of the medications that they are taking (on a wallet-sized card) can possibly help save their lives.
www.vshp.org/PatientMed.pdf

Recently, the Iowa Healthcare Collaboration, including the Iowa Pharmacy Association, the Iowa Hospital Association and the Iowa Medical Association,  has introduced their "Know It. Show It. Tell It." statewide campaign which includes the Iowa MedCard initiative to improve health literacy by promoting communication between patients and healthcare providers regarding appropriate medication use.

Finally, the ASHP Foundation has developed "My Medication List" which can include your health system or affiliate organization logo.  The website for the "List" also contains hints on how to help your patients make better use of the medication list.

http://www.ashp.org/s_ashp/doc1c.asp?CID=489&DID=7602