One in nine visits to the emergency department is the result of a drug-related adverse event and is possibly preventable (Zed et al., 2008). The rehabilitation nurse has the opportunity to teach adults a comprehensive medication management plan that will help reduce medication errors. Most patients have minimal medication experience or instruction; this article documents the effectiveness of using a S = systematic, A = accurate, F = functional, and E = effective instructional methodology to help patients learn about their medications. The methodology helps rehabilitation nurses teach the average patient about handling, absorbing, and implementing the information. This article presents detailed instruction about the salient points of the SAFE instructional program. Several figures, a checklist, and pictures demonstrate the techniques utilized. Prevention of medication errors is emphasized throughout.
Teaching SAFE (Systematic, Accurate, Functional, Effective) medication management to the patient, family, and caregivers will increase medication safety and decrease the number of adverse effects. The rehabilitation nurse is charged with evaluating the patients' needs and developing strategies to assist them to manage their medications.
Rehabilitation nurses care for patients with diabetes who have strokes, orthopedic surgery, and spinal cord injuries; therefore, they should be knowledgeable about foot screening technique and foot care education so that they can identify patients who are at risk for foot skin breakdown. The objectives of diabetic foot screening are to identify foot problems, determine a foot risk category and management category for patients, and to instruct patients with diabetes and their families in proper foot care. The screening technique is simple and can be used in clinic settings or at the bedside. Incorporating foot care education into the foot screening process increases or reinforces patients' knowledge of self-care. Such knowledge empowers patients to join with their healthcare teams to decrease the incidence of ulceration and amputation.
This article presents the major predisposing factors and measures associated with preventing nosocomial foot lesions. The combination of nursing interventions and the appropriate use of protective devices can markedly reduce the incidence of foot lesions acquired in the hospital. Patient and family education is another important aspect in preventing skin breakdown of the foot at risk.
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