about OTC meds while in hospital

[Amy2005]

there is someone in the hospital (psych unit) who had been taking calcium, cod liver oil, and vitamins - in addition to prescribed meds - while at home

recently this person was admitted to a psych unit, and asked family member to bring the pills, so a couple of these were brought to show staff - in order that they could get doctor's prescription for the time in hospital (that was Thurs)

it is now Mon, and when asked about these - the staff person (I do not know if she is an RN, anyway she is the person assigned to the care of the patient) just said that she didn't know about these other meds - "there is no doctor over the weekend" - and I mentioned that these were brought in on Thurs.

and there is also an outside appointment, very soon, for another aspect of the patient's health (something such as dentist or eye appointment) - and the staff person suggested that it be cancelled.

Generally, what kinds of things must a patient/family member do in order that the medication will be prescribed and administered, and how does the patient get to the outside appointment? When contacted, the patient said that over the weekend, someone on staff asked her "how are you going to get to the appointment?" This patient has been admitted on a form, so likely is involuntary - therefore - the staff was asked "why would staff ask this of her, if she is involuntary, and what is hospital policy about these outside appointments?"

How these aspects of this patient's health and well-being can be assisted while in hospital?

[lsyorke, RN]

This is a BIG thing right now with JCAHO. We now have to fill out a "medication reconciliation" form when the patient is admitted with every med(prescribed and OTC) at home. Within 24 hours a "reconciliation has to be done and each med addressed on the form. Either ordered/continue, discontinued/reason. This form is also done again on discharge to ensure that dishcare medications are correct and clear to the patient.

A patient should not have to wait for days to get an order for a drug or supplement.