Seminar Operational 2: Medication reconciliation: the ultimate teamwork

Abstract:

Medication reconciliation can help to prevent medication errors, but how do organizations to maintain and improve an effective medication reconciliation process? All hospitals have similar reconciliation errors, but the solution that we can offer depends on organization, resources and the technology that we apply to the process.

Depending on the country, the process can be based on people or on technology. A universal public health system can offer a Medication Reconciliation process based on Computerized Prescription Order Entry and a unique patient treatment database that can be shared by Hospitals and Primary Care.  The complete Primary Care list of current medication, dosage, route and indication for prescription becomes the model for further recommendations and a reference point for hospital prescription and schedule after discharge.

An electronic reconciliation form is possible if the electronic prescription is implemented in Primary Care, allowing specialists from the hospital to use and share it, including the motives for any medication change or discontinuation order.

Whatever the health care system, there is a need for adopting a standardized form for Medication Reconciliation, define responsibilities and establish recommendations for the discontinuation or change of chronic medication, in order to achieve an effective reconciliation process and the best management of our patients chronic treatment. 

Teaching goals:

• leadership in applying imaginative solutions in Medication Reconciliation
• best interface with primary care applying the new technologies
• how to educate your staff and your patients

Learning objectives:

After the presentation the participant should:

• share responsibilities and improve communications
• building a patient oriented approach
• improving patient safety