A recent article in the Pharmacy Times, emphasized the role pharmacists play in improving care coordination.
With the recent focus on quality transitions of care, pharmacists have expanding roles in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Pharmacists’ involvement throughout the process will aid in overcoming transition of care challenges leading to decreased hospital readmissions and improved patient outcomes.
The Joint Commission requires medication reconciliation at every hospital admission; with pharmacists being drug experts, they are ideal for the task. Effective medication reconciliation includes how and when the patient takes their medications, dosages, indications, prescribers and missed doses.
“Pharmacists are vital members of interdisciplinary care teams involving medication reconciliation. I have witnessed firsthand medication reconciliation improvements made when pharmacy involvement increases; ultimately improving communication, efficiency and most importantly, patient outcomes,” stated Jayme Steig, PharmD, RPh; Quality Improvement Specialist for the Great Plains Quality Innovation Network.
To access the article, click here.
Great Plains QIN is partnering with communities throughout the region to unite stakeholders, consumers, pharmacists and healthcare providers to improve communication and care coordination – resulting in reduced hospital admissions, readmissions and medication harm. Visit our Web site to learn more and get involved through our Learning and Action Network.
Great Plains QIN WebEx: Medication Safety (past event)
Medication safety contributes to reducing hospital readmissions and adverse drug events. Medicare consumers taking a high risk medication are 1.5 to 5 times more likely to have a hospital admission or readmission. Earlier this week (January 24), the Great Plains QIN hosted a WebEx featuring the efforts of our regional partners to improve medication safety, including medication reconciliation. To access the event details and upcoming related events, visit our Web site. We will add the recording of this January 24 WebEx when available.