Date of Award
Summer 2024
Document Type
Project – Full Written
Degree Name
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Committee Chair
Kathy Williams
Abstract
This project was designed to address the risk of medication errors occurring when geriatric adults return to a senior living setting following an acute care stay. In addition to a primary care physician (PCP), the health care of geriatric adults is often managed by medical specialists and subspecialists. The engagement of multiple providers poses significant communication challenges, as these providers often work in separate offices and are limited in their information sharing. Consequently, following a hospital discharge, reconciling medication orders amongst all providers can be challenging. This challenge is further complicated, as PCPs oftentimes do not interface with the specialists and subspecialists, making medication reconciliation difficult. Recognizing the significant risk posed by medication errors resulting from insufficient medication reconciliation practices, the World Health Organization (WHO) introduced the Medication Without Harm initiative. This project is designed to enhance the self-perceived confidence and competence of nurses in senior living settings when they are challenged with reconciling medications for geriatric adults experiencing health care transitions. To accomplish this, a framework of education supported by tools specifically designed to facilitate the medication reconciliation process, recognize medication discrepancies, and communicate with PCPs, medical specialists and subspecialists is presented to nurses that reconcile medications in senior living settings. Following the presentation, input is solicited to evaluate the impact on the respective nurses’ new perception of their confidence and competence in the process.
Recommended Citation
Jennings, Charles (Chuck), "Medication Reconciliation: Preventing Harm to the Senior Living Population" (2024). Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects. 115.
https://digitalcommons.gardner-webb.edu/nursing-dnp/115
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