Do you or a family member find it challenging to remember when to take your medications? Or, as a pharmacist, are you looking for a way to help your patients manage medication effectively in your role as a key member of the overall healthcare system? A Monitored Dosage System (MDS) can be the solution.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), poor adherence is a key barrier to achieving the full health benefits of medications. It leads to medical and psychosocial complications, lowers patients’ quality of life, increases the risk of drug resistance, and wastes healthcare resources. So, what exactly is this simple solution?
Monitored Dosage System (MDS) is a medication management tool that organises a patient’s solid oral dose medication according to the day of the week and the time of day it should be taken. Also known as a blister pack, MDS is ideal for patients who take multiple medications throughout the day.
Pharmacy professionals prepare MDS packs primarily for use in the community as more care shifts to home settings. Healthcare providers in care homes also use these packs to administer medication accurately to patients under their care.
Benefits of Using a Monitored Dosage System (MDS) for Patients and Pharmacists
Using MDS packs provides a number of benefits for patients, their families, pharmacists and the broader healthcare system.
Patients and families
- Helps the patient adhere to the timely administration of multiple medications throughout the day
- Prepared and dispensed by a pharmacist, MDS packs eliminate the need for patients or family members to organize the medications themselves.
- Patients also gain a better understanding of their medication, which improves adherence and therapeutic outcomes. Therefore, MDS packs significantly reduce the risk of missed or extra doses.
Pharmacists
- Prepare the patient’s MDS packs on a weekly basis to include only current medications.
- With regular refills, the pharmacist can closely monitor their patients’ medication usage
- Dispensing by a pharmacy professional decreases medication errors, ensuring safer treatment for the patient
- MDS blister packs protect and secure the medication in a convenient pack
- Provide better care and individualised service to patients, which can impact patients’ well-being and quality of life
Healthcare system
- Blister packs can reduce unnecessary hospital or care home admissions caused by continued medication non-adherence, such as incorrect dosages or timing.
- Additionally, timely administration of medications helps reduce waste, resulting in less unused medication and minimised stock hoarding.
- MDS packs provide a monitoring system for patients’ medication adherence levels.
Monitored Dosage System (MDS): Enhancing Medication Safety and Efficiency
If you want to simplify taking your medication, then ask your pharmacist about a Venalink MDS blister pack today. This straightforward system has two parts – a blister and a card or label – with formats suited to different patient needs.
If you are a pharmacist, Venalink offers a wide range of MDS products to support both community patients and those in care homes. Options include the weekly Qube card, twice-daily AM/PM card, and monthly systems. Furthermore, all you need is a roller and sealing template to get started.
To learn more about how MDS packs can help you manage your medication or how you can help your patients optimize their well-being, get in touch with one of our experts today. Contact us on +44 (0)1244 287050 or email us at sales@venalink.co.uk.
