Describe how changes in the processes might impact the patient’s recommended drug therapy. Be specific and provide examples.

Changes in the healthcare processes, such as changes in medication ordering, dispensing, administration, and monitoring, can have a significant impact on a patient’s recommended drug therapy. Here are some examples:

1. Medication ordering: If a physician changes the medication order, the patient’s recommended drug therapy will change accordingly. For example, if a patient is prescribed a medication for high blood pressure, but the physician determines that the medication is not working effectively or is causing adverse side effects, they may change the medication to a different one that is more effective or has fewer side effects.
2. Medication dispensing: If there are changes in the medication dispensing process, such as delays in medication delivery, the patient’s recommended drug therapy may need to be adjusted. For instance, if a patient is discharged from the hospital and there is a delay in the medication delivery, the physician may need to prescribe a different medication that can be obtained more easily.
3. Medication administration: If there are changes in the medication administration process, such as medication errors, the patient’s recommended drug therapy may need to be adjusted. For example, if a patient is prescribed a medication that is administered intravenously but the medication is mistakenly administered orally, the patient may not receive the intended therapeutic effect, and the physician may need to adjust the medication dose or switch to a different medication.
4. Medication monitoring: If there are changes in the medication monitoring process, such as a failure to monitor the patient’s medication levels, the patient’s recommended drug therapy may need to be adjusted. For instance, if a patient is prescribed a medication that requires regular blood tests to monitor its effectiveness and the blood tests are not performed, the physician may need to adjust the medication dose or switch to a different medication.

In summary, changes in healthcare processes can have a significant impact on a patient’s recommended drug therapy. Healthcare professionals need to be vigilant and communicate effectively to ensure that any changes in processes are identified and addressed promptly to prevent any adverse effects on the patient’s health.