Issues in the management of dietary supplement use among hospitalized patients

Herbs and dietary supplements (HDS) are in widespread use in the United States, and are especially prevalent among chronically ill patients. This population is more likely to be admitted to health care facilities where they may continue to use HDS. The risk of adverse effects from HDS used during admission places significant liability on clinicians and hospitals. We describe the response of health care facilities in the Boston, Massachusetts area to this problem, and propose elements of a hospital policy which increases patient safety and satisfaction and minimizes the likelihood for adverse effects from HDS.