Impact of medication reconciliation by pharmacists and nurses in preventing adverse drug events
Keywords:
Medication reconciliation, Pharmacists, Transition of care, Hospital readmissions, Adverse drug eventsAbstract
Background: Medication reconciliation is a crucial process aimed at identifying and rectifying discrepancies in medication lists to prevent adverse drug events. Pharmacists play a significant role in this process, especially during transitions of care, impacting patient outcomes and reducing hospital readmissions. Methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted focusing on studies between 2012 and 2018 related to medication reconciliation and the involvement of pharmacists in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Studies were sourced from MEDLINE, PubMed, and Web of Science using specific search criteria. Results: Findings revealed that pharmacist-led interventions, including medication reconciliation and comprehensive medication reviews, significantly reduced hospital readmission rates and adverse drug events. Pharmacist interventions post-discharge, such as medication counseling and follow-up calls, were effective in resolving medication discrepancies and improving patient medication regimens. Cost analyses demonstrated potential cost savings associated with pharmacist interventions in medication management. Conclusion: Pharmacists play a crucial role in enhancing patient safety and healthcare outcomes through medication reconciliation processes. Their involvement in medication management during transitions of care can lead to reduced readmission rates, improved medication adherence, and decreased adverse drug events. Collaborative efforts among patients, pharmacists, and healthcare providers are essential for optimizing patient care and mitigating medication-related errors.
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