As more and more sophisticated drugs enter the market, patients worry about the accuracy, safety and appropriate monitoring of their medications, according to a study by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP).
The study, which evaluated the 10 most common patient concerns in hospitals and other healthcare organizations, found that:
- 61% of patients are "very concerned" about being given the wrong medication.
- 58% worry about being given two or more medications that interact in a negative way.
- 58% are concerned about the cost of treatment.
What would help allay patient fears about medication errors is speaking with a pharmacist while in the hospital and speaking with a pharmacist in person about the prescribed medication.
The survey involved telephone interviews with more than 1,000 adults.
(ASHP, 301/657-3000)