Hospital Discharge Often Includes Confusing Change In Medications

KYW Medical Report Sponsored By Independence Blue Cross

By Dr. Brian McDonough, Medical Editor

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Most people are quite relieved after they are discharged from the hospital. After all, the hospital can be a frightening place for people not used to the environment and heading back to a safe home is a natural source of relief.

But some people might not be safe when they get home if the paperwork - or computer work - was done poorly at the hospital. They may have the wrong dose of medication or find them selves taking double medication. In fact, a very large study found a significant number of people who are on heart medications make an error on one of their medications in the first few days after hospital discharge.

Medication reconciliation at discharge is a process where patients are supposed to be explained the drugs they are going home with in a thorough fashion. But this is not always done.

If you are hospitalized and given new medications ask about them and understand them…it can be very confusing and it's a great idea to get help.