TIP OF THE WEEK
Managing oral medications to help prevent hospitalizations
According to a 2005 study by the Delmarva Foundation for Medical Care, up to 59 percent of those taking five or more medications are taking them incorrectly at any given time. Through careful assessment, education and positive reinforcement, healthcare providers can help patients prevent serious medication errors and avoid these negative outcomes — and home health agencies can improve their performance in medication management and avoiding acute care hospitalizations.
The strategies outlined here may serve as a basis for your agency’s improvement plans:
ASSESS
- Does the patient demonstrate ability to complete all required steps? Be sure the patient and/or the responsible caregiver:
- Selects appropriate bottles or packages
- Opens bottle or package and selects correct dose
- Takes all medications as directed
- Closes lid(s) and returns bottle or package to storage
- Select one medication with a known start date and count pills to verify compliance.
- Assess for physical or other stresses that affect the ability to learn about and manage medications. Is the patient able to read small print, open bottles and swallow pills easily?
- Observe and compare medication administration practices in relation to knowledge.
- Does the patient or responsible caregiver verbalize at least basic knowledge?
EDUCATE
- Ensure a quiet, well-lit environment conducive to instruction and learning.
- Does the patient have daily routines that are (or could be) tied to medication administration?
- Use appropriate teaching strategies and tools. Consider education level, culture and background. Be sure that handouts are easy to read and understand, and in the patient’s native language.
REINFORCE
- Re-educate the patient or caregiver on what they are doing right and why it’s important.
- Provide positive reinforcement.
- Evaluate and document patient response.
RESOURCE SPOTLIGHT
Briggs® National Quality Improvement/Hospitalization Reduction Study (PDF)
This report outlines the results, recommendations, and best practices of a 2006 study sponsored by Briggs Corporation, Fazzi Associates, and the National Association for Home Care.
IN THE NEWS
OHIO LAGS IN PROVIDING SENIORS IN-HOME CARE
February 6, 2007 -- Akron Beacon Journal -- Ohio's Medicaid costs for senior citizens' long-term care are among the most expensive in the country, and the state's reliance on costly nursing homes can't be sustained as the number of older people swells, according to a study sponsored by the Ohio Council for Home Care that was release this week.
Ohio ranks 49th in home care spending, according to the study, which means that every state in the nation except Mississippi spends a higher percentage of Medicaid long-term care funding for home care. The study said, if Ohio makes an upfront investment in home care programs, the savings could be as much as $900 million a year by 2030, when the percentage of people 65 or older in Ohio will jump from 13 percent to 20 percent. Read More >>
NATIONAL QUALITY FORUM RELEASES PALLIATIVE AND HOSPICE CARE QUALITY REPORT
February 6, 2007 -- NQF -- The report’s national framework for palliative and hospice care is intended to be the first step in developing a comprehensive quality measurement and reporting system for palliative care and hospice services. The report also identifies a set of preferred practices designed to improve palliative and hospice care. The National Quality Forum (NQF) recently identified palliative and hospice care as national priority areas for healthcare quality improvement.
Read the report’s executive summary >>
ONE DOCTOR'S CRUSADE FOR HOSPITAL REFORM
February 6, 2007 -- CBS Evening News -- Dr. Donald Berwick, a Harvard-trained pediatrician, has dedicated his life to tracking a killer in a place that's supposed to make you well, CBS Evening News anchor Katie Couric reports. Berwick runs the Institute for Healthcare Improvement, and two years ago, he launched the 100,000 Lives Campaign. That's the number of lives he hoped to save by getting hospitals to have standard operating procedures for the way they care for patients. This includes properly connecting a patient to a ventilator to eliminate the risk of pneumonia and ensuring that a patient's medication is monitored from the ICU to the hospital room to home.
Read More >>
IT'S NOT TOO LATE TO GIVE AND GET THE FLU SHOT! (PDF)
2007 -- Medicare Learning Network -- The peak of flu season typically occurs between late December and March. However, flu season can last until May. Protect yourself, your residents, and your family and friends by getting and giving the flu shot. Talk with your residents about the importance of getting an annual flu shot and a lifetime pneumococcal vaccination. Remember - influenza and pneumococcal vaccination and their administration are covered Part B benefits. Note that influenza and pneumococcal vaccines are NOT Part D covered drugs.
Read More (PDF) >>
COMING ATTRACTIONS
ARE YOU READY FOR PAY FOR PERFORMANCE?
The Ohio KePRO Home Health Team is planning meetings throughout Ohio for the end of March. We plan to discuss what agencies can start doing now to prepare for pay for performance.
Save the date for a meeting in your area (more dates and details to come):
- 3/20/07: Miamisburg (Dayton area)
- 3/21/07: Toledo
- 3/27/07: Akron
- 3/28/07: Dublin (Columbus area)
- 3/29/07: Dover (New Philadelphia/South Canton area)
