Quality & Patient Safety

Study shows technology may help with medication reconciliation issues

Patient Safety Monitor Alert, April 29, 2009

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A new study yielded better than expected results in terms of avoiding potential drug interactions during the medication reconciliation process, reports The Boston Globe. The small study, the results of which were originally published in The Archives of Internal Medicine, showed that by incorporating different techniques for reconciling lists of patients' medications, patients were less likely to potentially suffer an adverse drug event.

The new techniques researchers employed included a computerized medication reconciliation tool along with a process redesign that required work on the part of physicians, nurses, and pharmacists. Of the 322 total patients who were part of the study, the 160 who were part of the control group could have suffered 230 potential adverse events; the 162 patients who were part of the intervention could have suffered 170 potential adverse events.

Although the study needs to be expanded, researchers were excited about the results. To read The Boston Globe's article, click here.



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