Implementation of a patient-friendly medication schedule to improve patient safety within a healthcare system.

Preventable adverse drug events have a direct impact on the well-being of patients. The creation and implementation of a patient-friendly daily medication schedule improved the way care is delivered at Memorial Healthcare System. The staff collaborated with patients and families and empowered them with the knowledge and tools needed to make their healthcare safer. Patient and family participation, a critical component of patient- and family-centered care, is a vital part of making healthcare safer. This tool enhances communication with patients and family members and enables patients to better understand the medications they receive while hospitalized. An additional welcomed byproduct is the prevention of potential medication errors.