Medication management involves a pain specialist that oversees medications to ensure that patients take the right medications at the right time to achieve the most effective results for their treatments. Learn more about the importance of medication management at Midsouth Spine & Pain Associates (MSSP) and how it may benefit you when receiving pain management treatments.

What is medication management?

Medication management involves taking prescription pain medication for optimum therapeutic outcomes and maximum effectiveness. A pain management specialist will review your overall health and assess your chronic pain to determine if you are a candidate for medication management. Often, medication management is paired with other treatment modalities to reduce pain and improve mobility. It’s essential to let each of your physicians know which medications that you take to minimize reactions or complications.

How pain management specialists help

At MSSP, we prefer to create a medication plan which is a complete medication list of all medicines that a patient currently takes. This is an essential part of pain management so that we can ensure you receive the most effective treatments that will not cause adverse reactions. We also fully educate patients or their caregivers on the appropriate way to manage their medications at home, including proper dosage, and timing of when they should take their pain medication for maximum relief.

The 7 Rs of Medication Management

There are seven core pillars of medication management that include the:

• Right patient – Verify that the medication is being taken by the correct patient.
• Right medication – Verify that the medication prescribed is the correct medication.
• Right dose – Double-check the ordered dose and ensure it is appropriate for the patient’s age, weight, and condition.
• Right route – Confirm that medication is administered by the correct route, whether oral, topical, or intravenous.
• Right time – Ensure that the medication is administered during the correct time frame.
• Right documentation – Record when the medication was administered. Always document the medication name, dose, route, and time, as well as any other helpful information such as reactions.
• Right response – Monitor the patient for any adverse or allergic reactions to the medications.

Pain management specialists that offer medication management should adhere to these seven pillars for the following reasons.

• Patient safety
• Effective treatment
• Minimizing adverse reactions
• Building trust with patients and caregivers
• Follow legal and ethical obligations
• Reduce overall healthcare costs

Patient/Caregiver Responsibilities

We encourage patients or caregivers to share a complete list of medications including dosing, route, and timing of when medications are taken. Also let your pain management specialist know if you consume alcohol, smoke, or use other tobacco products. Additionally, you should report any adverse reactions or complications should you experience any. Always take your medications correctly and on time, according to the label. You should also never share your medication with anyone else.

Medication Management in Southwest Tennessee and North Mississippi, including Tupelo, MS and Jackson, TN

Medication management in Corinth can be beneficial while undergoing treatments for your chronic pain. To learn more about medication management and how Midsouth Spine & Pain Associates can help you, call (662) 284-8565.