Appendix 2

Best Possible Medication History Interview Guide9

Introduce self and profession
I would like to take some time to review the medications you take at home.
I have a list of medications from your chart/file, and want to make sure it is accurate and up to date.
Would it be possible to discuss your medications with you (or a family member) at this time?
- Is this a convenient time for you? Do you have a family member who knows your medications who you think should join us? How can we contact them?

Do you have any medication allergies? If yes, what happens when you take __________?

Do you have your medication list or pill bottles (vials) with you?
Show and tell technique when they have brought the medication vials with them
- How do you take __________ (medication name)?
- How often or when do you take __________(medication name)?
Collect information about dose, route and frequency for each drug. If the patient is taking a medication differently than prescribed, record what the patient is actually taking and note the discrepancy.
Are there any prescription medications you (or your physician) have recently stopped or changed?
What was the reason for this change?

What is the name of the pharmacy that you normally go to? (Name/Location: anticipate more than one)
- May we call your pharmacy to clarify your medications if needed?

Are there any medications that you are taking that you do not need a prescription for? (Do you take anything that you would buy without a doctor’s prescription?) Give example, e.g. Aspirin. If yes, how do you take __________?

Do you take any vitamins (e.g. multivitamin)? If yes, how do you take __________?
Do you take any minerals (e.g. calcium, iron)? If yes, how do you take __________?
Do you use any supplements (e.g. glucosamine, St. John’s Wort)? If yes, how do you take them __________?

Do you use any eye drops? If yes, what are the names and how many drops do you use and how often? In which eye?
Do you use any ear or nose drops/nose sprays? If yes, how do you use them?

Do you use any inhalers? any medicated patches? medicated creams or ointments? any injectable medications (e.g. insulin)? For each, if yes, how do you take __________? (name, strength, how often)
Did your doctor give you any medication samples to try in the last few months?

This concludes our interview. Thank you for your time. Do you have any questions?
If you remember anything after our discussion please contact me to update the information.

Exit room, and wash hands. Proceed to document interaction in chart/file.

Note: Medical and Social History, if not specifically described in the chart/file, may need to be clarified with patient.