This accuracy directly impacts patient care. With a complete medication history including updates to the patients’ allergies, physicians can order medications from the retail pharmacy to be delivered to the bedside as part of the “Meds to Beds” program. Clinical technicians also assist with clinical tasks, reorder doses and coordinate discharges so patients leave with everything they need. If a patient is not tolerating a medication or has run out, clinical technicians work closely with pharmacists and the care team to resolve issues quickly. In the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), they also review transfer records and vaccine administration schedules to support safe care.

Clinical technicians are cross-trained to provide support 24 hours a day, seven days a week, wherever they are needed in the hospital. In the ED, dedicated clinical technicians are available around the clock to assist pharmacists, improving both safety and turnaround time for medications. During codes, clinical technicians coordinate medication delivery to the bedside and assist the pharmacists with drawing up emergency medication doses.

Through the program, clinical technicians help patients identify and resolve issues with their medications.

“When we take medication histories, we sometimes find patients haven’t been taking their medications at all,” Hernandez said. “Other times, their symptoms are actually side effects from taking a medication incorrectly.”

Expanding a Program That Leads the Field
The clinical technician program began in 2013 to support clinical pharmacist activities on the inpatient units. From 2011 to 2012, pharmacy students piloted medication history taking in the ED. As a result of this pilot, medication history technicians were added in 2015 in the ED, inpatient units, and later, Perioperative Services.

In 2022, the medication history program merged with the clinical technician program, creating a more comprehensive, integrated service supported by additional full-time positions.  

Today, the program continues to grow. Pharmacy completion of medication histories has increased from 89% of admissions to 98% in 2025. The team is recognized as a leader in the field.

“We have one of the most robust programs in the country with research dedicated to this,” Yeh said.

That recognition extends beyond Cook Children’s. At a recent Children’s Hospital Association conference, the Cook Children’s program was highlighted as a model for medication history programs nationwide. Hospitals across the country have reached out to learn about the program’s structure and success.

Most importantly, the impact is felt by patients and families every day.

“We take a holistic approach to improving the patient experience, from transitions of care to how we measure success,” Yeh said. “This program makes a difference for patients every day.”

At Cook Children's, we're here for it all.

A recent study done in the adult oncology world and published in JAMA, found that doctors had a perception that patients were demanding extra treatment and testing. Review of the patient encounters showed that doctors perceived demands that did not actually occur. Many of the requests that did occur were medically appropriate.

In pediatrics, the most common issue where this comes to a head is the desire to give children antibiotics. It can also play out in other areas as well. Another common one that comes to mind is request for further testing for diagnosis.

Fortunately, in my experience, parents are becoming more informed about what situations require antibiotics and which illnesses will pass with a little time and TLC.

The problem is that many doctors have gotten into the unfortunate habit of wanting to provide what the parents are requesting without actually asking the parent what they expect. Doctors may perceive that parents want antibiotics or further testing when, in fact, they simply want reassurance that waiting is OK. This becomes a particular problem in urgent care or retail clinics where patient satisfaction plays a bigger role in getting patients to come back and see you.

So, how can you prevent this from happening to you?

Here are five casual statements that you might use the next time you visit the doctor to help them understand your expectations:

1. I’m pretty sure I’m just over concerned. I just wanted you to check things out so I can be sure.

2. I don’t really like to give my kids medicine but I wanted your opinion about what we should do next.

3. I’m totally OK with waiting, if that’s what you think is best.

4. What would you do if it were your child?

5. Are there other things we can try first or other options?

Your doctor should not feel threatened by these statements. If antibiotics are the only right choice, they should be able to explain the reasons why that is.