The speaker in the “Always Culture” notes that a third of patients do not know the purpose of medication prescribed to them. Out of this, 86 percent do not know the side effects associated with these medications. The best way to address this discrepancy is by educating patients on the importance of understanding the purpose of the drug prescribed to them. Knowing the effects is equally important so that the patients do not panic upon seeing some specific side effects such as diarrhea associated with their medications.

Think the four elements explained by the speaker in the video provide essential information that is necessary for each patient to be aware. Knowing the name of the medication dosage, purpose and side effects will help a patient to avoid confusing physicians’ requirements. In case of further medication checkup or referral, knowing the name of the drug a patient has been using will be vital in informing additional prescription. Understanding the side effects is specifically critical as some of the drugs come with unique effects which if not handled well can throw a patient into a panic mode.

While the video provides some necessary information that all patients need to know, think physicians and nurses need to take more time with their patients. Spending more time with patients especially in critical conditions will help to reassure patients and make them respond to medication or to follow at least instructions given.

Work Cited

https://alwaysculture.com/hcahps/communication-medications-effects-hcahps-scores-patient-safety/