Do you know more than 40% of the medication errors believed to happen due to poor reconciliation? According to the National Institutions of Health, these errors happen during admission, transfer and the discharge of the patients and about 20% of these errors result in harm.
But how can we avoid these medication errors? Well, the solution is Medication Reconciliation Services. In this blog, we will tell you what medication reconciliation is and how these services are helping in bridging the gap between hospital and home care. Let’s check them out!
What is Medication Reconciliation?
Medication reconciliation is the process where all the patient’s medication orders are compared to the medication that the patient has been taking. By comparing the medical record of the patient, healthcare providers can make informed decisions and plan appropriate medication therapy. Its main goal is to ensure that the patient’s medication list is accurate and up to date.
This medication reconciliation is about avoiding errors like missing a dose, duplicating medications, or harmful drug side effects. It double-checks medication and makes sure everything is in order.
Why Are Medication Reconciliation Services So Important?
Let’s be real. Managing multiple medications can be hard. Patients are often discharged with new prescriptions, changed dosages, or discontinued medications. It can be confusing, even for those who are usually good at keeping track of their medications.
And for older adults or people with chronic conditions, the chances of forgetting which medicine to take and when can be even more. If there’s no clear communication, it can lead to serious issues like:
- Taking the wrong medication by continuing something that should have been stopped.
- Missing doses because instructions weren’t clear or got forgotten.
- Dangerous drug interactions when new meds don’t mix well with old ones.
- Duplicate medications are prescribed under different names by different doctors.
- Readmissions to the hospital due to preventable medication errors.
How Medication Reconciliation Services Bridge the Gap Between Hospital and Home Care?
These medication management services can really help patients and healthcare providers bridge the gap between different stages of patient care. This service bridges the gap in the following way:
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Prevent Any Medication Errors
Sometimes people end up taking duplicate or conflicting meds without realizing it. This can cause serious harm to the patient’s health. That’s where medication reconciliation services come in. Professionals who offer these services help to prevent such types of mistakes and make sure that the patient is taking the correct dosage of the prescribed medication.
- Ensures That Patient is Taking Their Medication on Time
A pharmacist or trained healthcare professional gives you a simple, easy-to-read list that shows what each medication is for, how and when to take it, and what side effects to watch for. With medication adherence monitoring the pharmacists make sure that patients are taking their medication properly and on time.
- Ensure Better Communication
Through medication management services, patients are connected with primary doctors, specialists, or local pharmacists and ensure everyone is on the same page. It ensures that healthcare providers are giving the medication that aligns with the patient’s current health condition and that there are no side effects from the prescribed medications.
Wrap Up
Medication reconciliation services are more than just a helpful option. They are a key part of safe and effective healthcare. These services give patients the confidence to take care of their health at home as they can get medication administration support from the comfort of their homes. It also helps hospitals and clinics improve patient outcomes and avoid unnecessary costs.