Personal Medication Record (PMR)

The Institute of Medicine in the Preventing Medication Errors: Quality Chasm Series calls for a patient-centered care model to improve medication safety. A key step identified by the IOM is collaboration and communication between the patient and their providers, and among providers for care coordination. The Institute Of Medicine recommends the use of a personal medication list to support the patient’s involvement in their medication management, and medication reconciliation by providers at all points of care to help build a patient-provider partnership and improve appropriate medication use.

HQSI encourages the use of a Personal Medication Record by patients and/or their caregivers as a tool to improve medication safety. Consistent with the Institute Of Medicine recommendations for a medication list, a Personal Medication Record should document all prescription and over the counter medications, as well as vitamins, herbals or other supplements currently taken by an individual. A Personal Medication Record is not simply a listing of medications, but includes how the patient should be taking the medication (dose, regimen), why the patient is taking the medication (indication) and if a medication requires monitoring. A Personal Medication Record can also contain other important information such as allergies and potential side effects.

The Personal Medication Record is intended to be carried by the patient and presented at all points of care. The Personal Medication Record aims to provide accessible information for the patients and their providers, and enhance continuity of care among healthcare providers across settings. A Personal Medication Record is especially important for older adults who often are seen by multiple physicians and may use multiple pharmacies.

A Personal Medication Record is an important tool for performing medication reconciliation by healthcare providers. It also promotes informed healthcare decisions by providing physicians with a readily accessible, accurate and complete medication record. 

When reviewed by healthcare providers, a Personal Medication Record provides an opportunity to: 

• Identify potential drug-on-drug interactions
• Identify potentially inappropriate medications
• Reduce duplication of therapies or unnecessary medication
• Ensure appropriate monitoring of medication
• Improve adherence and proper use of medication
• Improve the patients understanding of how to properly take their medication and to recognize adverse reaction

There are many different type of personal medication records available in both print and electronic formats. Help your patients find one that will work with their needs.