Nurse identified hospital to home medication discrepancies: implications for improving transitional care

Cynthia F Corbett; Stephen M Setter; Kenn B Daratha; Joshua J Neumiller; Lindy D Wood

doi:10.1016/j.gerinurse.2010.03.006

Nurse identified hospital to home medication discrepancies: implications for improving transitional care

Geriatr Nurs. 2010 May-Jun;31(3):188-96. doi: 10.1016/j.gerinurse.2010.03.006.

Authors

Cynthia F Corbett¹, Stephen M Setter, Kenn B Daratha, Joshua J Neumiller, Lindy D Wood

Affiliation

¹ College of Nursing,Washington State University, Spokane, WA, USA.

PMID: 20525523
DOI: 10.1016/j.gerinurse.2010.03.006

Abstract

Care transitions are clinically dangerous times, particularly for older adults with complex health problems. This article describes the most common medication discrepancies identified by nurses during patients' (n = 101) hospital to home transition. Findings indicated that medication discrepancies were astoundingly widespread, with 94% of the participants having at least 1 discrepancy. The average number of medication discrepancies identified was 3.3 per participant. Medication discrepancies were identified in virtually all classes of medications, including those with high safety risks. Evidence-based best practices to reduce transition-related medication discrepancies are presented.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Continuity of Patient Care*
Drug Prescriptions*
Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions
Evidence-Based Nursing
Home Care Services*
Nursing Staff, Hospital*