Self-Reflections and advocacy

Involvement in medication-related decisions 

Empowering yourself to be more involved in medication-related decisions is an important part of maintaining your overall health and well-being. There is no one best approach for empowering yourself to be more involved in medication decision-making. Try to find the approach that works for you.

Infographic of a doctor explaining to their patient in a wheelchair the best ways to empower yourself to be more involved in medication-related decisions. These include researching your medical condition, researching medical details, using reputable sources to get information, asking questions, starting to document your medications, considering second opinions, and using technology.

Below are some suggestions on how you can be more actively involved in medication decision-making.

Do your own research

1. Research your medical condition

Research SCI/D Spinal cord injury or dysfunction. to understand the purpose of your prescribed medications and the role that medications play in managing your symptoms. For example, people with SCI/D Spinal cord injury or dysfunction. often take medications for reducing pain, managing muscle spasms, or preventing complications like urinary tract infections. See Module 2: Impact of medications on people with SCI/D.

2. Research medication details

Research each medication you are taking by looking up the name of the medication, its dosage, how often it should be taken, side effects Unwanted or unexpected reactions to a medication or treatment. and how to manage them, contraindications, and interactions with food or other medications.

3. Use reputable sources to get information

For example, consider searching for information on websites by medical and healthcare organizations, hospitals, or academic journals. Videos, podcasts, or articles by reputable sources can also provide information about medication.

Trustworthy sites include:  

4. Ask questions: Ask your healthcare provider about

  • Medications: The purpose, potential benefits, possible side effects Unwanted or unexpected reactions to a medication or treatment. , and short and long-term considerations of taking the medication (e.g. if taking the medication will interfere with daily activities; if the medication may impact longevity)
  • Alternative treatments Healthcare practices used with or instead of medical treatments. For example, these treatments may include therapies such as acupuncture, chiropractic care, and herbal medicine. : Medications and alternative approaches can be used together to help with symptom management. Some examples of alternative treatments Healthcare practices used with or instead of medical treatments. For example, these treatments may include therapies such as acupuncture, chiropractic care, and herbal medicine. can include:
    • Physiotherapy
    • Psychotherapy
    • Massage
    • Art therapy
    • Acupuncture

See Module 2: Roles and responsibilities of healthcare providers.

5. Start documenting your medications

  • Write down information: Consolidate information about your medications, goals, symptoms, and any side effects Unwanted or unexpected reactions to a medication or treatment. in one place to communicate with your healthcare providers. Include information about all the medications you are taking (e.g. prescription, over-the-counter A medication that can be bought without a prescription (doctor’s orders). For example, acetaminophen. , natural health products Naturally occurring substances that can be used in products to maintain or restore health. Common natural health products include vitamins, minerals, and substances that come from a natural source (e.g., omega-3 fatty acids). ).
    • Take the chart with you: Bring this chart with you to each appointment and to other encounters with a healthcare professional (e.g. walk-in clinic, emergency department).

You can record information about your medications in chart format (see Table, resource can be downloaded and completed on your computer or mobile device, or it can be printed) or in a journal (e.g. on your phone or writing your ideas down on paper). By tracking information about changes in your health and your symptoms, you can create a customized care plan with your healthcare provider. See Self-advocating about your medications.

6. Consider second opinions

  • If you have any doubts about the medications prescribed to you, it is important to seek a second opinion from another healthcare provider. Seeking a second opinion can provide a fresh perspective and alternative treatment options that you can consider.

7. Use technology

  • Stay organized with health apps: There are health apps that can improve medication adherence The act of taking medications as prescribed based on timing, dosage, and frequency of medication use. and have features that help you stay on track with your medication schedule. Features of these apps may include:
    • Providing detailed information about side effects Unwanted or unexpected reactions to a medication or treatment. , medication interactions A reaction between two or more drugs, or between a drug and food, drink or supplement. A medication interaction can delay, decrease or increase the action that can prevent the drug from performing as expected. , dosages, and administration guidelines (e.g. alerting you of interactions between medications and food).
    • Sharing and syncing information across multiple devices, enabling you to share information with loved ones and caregivers.
  • Consider Telehealth services Medical services provided remotely through video calls or phone calls which allow a patient to consult with a healthcare provider without having to. Visit a clinic or hospital in person. : By using a telehealth service, you can connect with a healthcare provider through video conferencing or a phone call without having to travel to see your provider in person. Healthcare providers can also offer guidance and advice on proper medication use and strategies for managing side effects Unwanted or unexpected reactions to a medication or treatment. . See Module 5: Organizational and reminder strategies.

References

Alberta Health Services. (2015, July). Self-management support. https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/assets/info/hp/phc/if-hp-phc-phcin-trm-roadmap.pdf

Aungst, T. D. (2013). Smartphone medication adherence The act of taking medications as prescribed based on timing, dosage, and frequency of medication use. apps: Potential benefits to patients and providers: Response to Dayer et al.. Journal of the American Pharmacists Association, 53(4), 344–345. https://doi.org/10.1331/japha.2013.13102

Medline Plus. (2022, January 29). Taking medicines – what to ask your provider. MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000535.htm

National Institute on Aging. (2023, January 12). How to find reliable health information online | National Institute on Aging. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/healthy-aging/how-find-reliable-health-information-online

Payne, V. L., Singh, H., Meyer, A. N. D., Levy, L., Harrison, D., & Graber, M. L. (2014). Patient-initiated second opinions: Systematic review of characteristics and impact on diagnosis, treatment, and satisfaction. Mayo Clinic Proceedings, 89(5), 687–696. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mayocp.2014.02.015

Shafiee Hanjani, L., Caffery, L. J., Freeman, C. R., Peeters, G., & Peel, N. M. (2020). A scoping review of the use and impact of telehealth medication reviews. Research in Social and Administrative Pharmacy, 16(8), 1140–1153. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sapharm.2019.12.014