Taking medicines at the right time is important for safe and effective treatment. Missing or delaying a dose can affect how well a medicine works and may cause harm.
Missing or delaying doses in some conditions can cause serious problems. These include Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, and diabetes. This can occur at home, in the hospital, or while moving between healthcare settings.
What are time-critical medicines?
Time-critical medicines are medicines that need to be taken at the right time. Taking a dose more than 30 minutes before or after the scheduled time may cause problems. This includes harm or the treatment being less effective.
Some organisations use simple memory aids to help staff remember which medicines must be given on time.
One example is PATIENT, which stands for:
- P – Parkinson's disease and movement disorder medicines
- A – Anticoagulants
- T – Transplant immunosuppressants
- I – Insulins
- E – Epilepsy medicines
- N – Narcotics (opioids)
- T – Treatment with steroids
Delayed or missed doses of these medicines can have serious consequences. For example, delays in Parkinson's disease medicines can worsen symptoms and reduce mobility. Taking insulin too early or too late can affect blood glucose control.
It is important to know which medicines are time-critical. Taking these medicines on time helps keep patients safe and avoids harm.
Information for patients and families
To help you stay safe:
- keep an up-to-date list of your medicines. Download a blank My Medicines list, create a list on the HSE Health App, or ask your pharmacy to print out a list
- bring your list to appointments and hospital admissions
- bring your medicines with you if you are being admitted or going to the Emergency Department
- inform the doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you have time-critical medicines
- let them know if you have Parkinson’s, HIV, epilepsy, or a transplant
- mention if you take insulin, a blood thinner, or other medicines that need to be taken on time
- speak up before it’s time to take your medicine, so you can get it on time
- ask a doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you have questions about your medicines
Information for healthcare professionals
Healthcare professionals should:
- know which medicines are time-critical
- ensure systems are in place to identify time-critical medicines in your area
- support timely prescribing, supply and administration
- listen to and act on concerns raised by patients and families
- work together to reduce avoidable harm associated with delayed or missed doses
Resources
Parkinson's Ireland resources
Parkinson's Ireland launched the Meds on Time, Every Time campaign.
These resources explain why it’s vital to take Parkinson's disease medicines on time. They also offer practical ways to raise awareness about delayed and missed doses.
Parkinson's Ireland Resources - Parkinsons.ie
Emergency departments and waiting areas video
A video highlighting the importance of taking time-critical medicines on time is available. The Mater Misericordiae University Hospital developed the video with patients and healthcare staff.
The video is for Emergency Departments and waiting areas. It aims to raise awareness about the need for timely medication administration. It also emphasises the risks of delayed or missed doses. It encourages patients and families to voice any concerns about their medicines. It reminds healthcare professionals to listen and respond to those concerns.
Watch and download the 'Time Critical Medicines' video
Irish Medication Safety Network (IMSN) resources
- Time-Critical Medicines Safety Alert - imsn.ie
- Reducing Harm from Delayed and Omitted Parkinson's Disease Medicines in Hospital - imsn.ie
- Medicines that may be Contraindicated in Parkinson's Disease - imsn.ie
- Management of Constipation in Parkinson's Disease - imsn.ie
- IMSN Parkinson’s Disease Resources - imsn.ie