Use of a medication passport in a disabled child seen across many care settings

BMJ Case Rep. 2015 Feb 25:2015:bcr2014208033. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2014-208033.

Abstract

Written information for patients about their medicines has demonstrable benefits for their understanding and adherence. In the UK, no single, complete record of medications for individual patients can be guaranteed. Therefore, patients and carers are often relied on to recall the complete medication list, which can be a challenge given multiple and potentially stressful appointments. Wide-ranging feedback suggests that a medication 'passport' developed by the National Institute for Health Research Collaboration for Leadership in Applied Health Research and Care North West London (NIHR CLAHRC NWL) has benefited elderly patients, who often attend many appointments where the current medication list may not be available. We describe the use of this passport (known as 'My Medication Passport'--MMP) in a child with multiple disabilities. The practical advantages are explored, including the potential for a paediatric version to facilitate discussions around the administration of medicines. MMP is an early example of a useful tool to help children and young people, parents and carers to manage medicines more effectively.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Asthma / drug therapy
  • Child
  • Child Health Services / organization & administration
  • Continuity of Patient Care / organization & administration*
  • Disabled Children*
  • Down Syndrome / complications*
  • Drug Prescriptions / standards
  • Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions / prevention & control*
  • Gastroesophageal Reflux / drug therapy
  • Health Records, Personal*
  • Humans
  • Hypothyroidism / drug therapy
  • Learning Disabilities / genetics
  • Male
  • Medication Therapy Management* / standards
  • Muscle Hypotonia / genetics
  • Otitis / drug therapy
  • Polypharmacy*
  • United Kingdom