TIP OF THE WEEK
Transitional Care Coordination and the Oral Medication Reconciliation Connection
The active participation of patients and caregivers during care transition points may help reduce avoidable re-hospitalizations, according to a study published in the Archive of Internal Medicine in 2006. [1] Patients transitioning from the hospital to home are sometimes given new medications. Thus, the patient’s ability to manage these medications appropriately is an area of potential concern. One way that home health agencies can help mitigate this risk is to reconcile medications during the transition from hospital to home.
Comparing the list of medications that the patient is taking against the list from the physician or at hospital discharge may reveal areas for patient education or need for further clarification and communication between the clinician and physician. This process can help the patient and his or her caregiver to better manage and understand the medication regimen. It is essential that the patient and his or her caregivers know the name of each medication, dose, frequency, and proper route of administration.
If the clinician notices a discrepancy in the medication regimen, he or she should complete a form like the Medication Discrepancy Tool. [2] This form allows for notation on discrepancies, causes or contributing factors at the patient or system level, and resolutions to the issue.
For more free downloadable tools for medication self-management, go to www.MedQIC.org and browse all Home Health Oral Medications Tools.
RESOURCE SPOTLIGHT
Medication Management Best Practice Improvement Package
This is a comprehensive manual for agency leadership and staff to address medication management as it relates to the reduction in avoidable hospitalizations. The manual provides an agency assessment and action plan as well as tools, educational guidelines and audio recordings for staff.
IN THE NEWS
GOOD KIDNEY TRANSPLANTATION OUTCOMES POSSIBLE IN ELDERLY ADULTS
March 3, 2008 -- Medscape -- According to findings published in the February 2008 Journal of the American Geriatric Society, elderly adults can do well following kidney transplantation, although careful donor selection may be critical in achieving good outcomes when significant comorbidities are present. | Read the release | Read the abstract
NEW IFAS REPORT EXAMINES DIABETES IN U.S. NURSING HOMES
March 4, 2008 -- IFAS -- A new report of the Institute for the Future of Aging Services (IFAS) shows that one in four U.S. nursing home residents aged 65 and older has diabetes. This report also examined the association between diabetes and ethnicity, activities of daily living, source of admission, payment sources, length of stay (LOS), pressure ulcers, emergency department visits, and medication usage. | Read the release | Download the report
OHIO KEPRO EVENTS
COMING ATTRACTIONS
Cuyahoga Community College Spring ’08 Continuing Education Schedule for Gerontology Professionals
Health Policy Institute of Ohio: Regional Meetings on the Ohio Family Violence Prevention Project
- March 14th in Athens
- April 4th in Youngstown
- April 11th in Cleveland
- May 2nd in Toledo
- May 9th in Lima
- May 16th in Cincinnati
- May 23rd in Zanesville
The Tip of the Week Archive is available on the Ohio KePRO Web Site.
Clinically driven. Client focused. Value based.