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MEDICATION discrepancies AFTER DISCHARGE FROM A RURAL DISTRICT HOSPITAL. WHAT MEDICATIONS ARE OUR PATIENTS TAKING AT HOME?. THE SCENARIO. THE STUDY. HETI RURAL RESEARCH CAPACITY BUILDING PROGRAM
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MEDICATION discrepancies AFTER DISCHARGE FROM ARURAL DISTRICT HOSPITAL WHAT MEDICATIONS ARE OUR PATIENTS TAKING AT HOME?
THE STUDY • HETI RURAL RESEARCH CAPACITY BUILDING PROGRAM • The aim of this study was to investigate the research question: Are patients discharged from an Australian rural hospital taking their medication as documented in their hospital discharge summary within one month of discharge?
METHOD • This study used a cross sectional survey design which involved using semi-structured telephone interviews of patients discharged from the medical teams of a 162 bed general NSW based rural hospital. • The semi-structured interview questions were designed to ascertain whether there were any discrepancies between medications documented on discharge from hospital and those reported by the patient within a month of discharge.
PARTICIPANTS • 96 initially enrolled • 71 (74%) finally interviewed: • 14 could not contact • 7 in another care facility • 4 withdrew consent on telephone contact • 66 finally analysed • 5 no completed discharge summary
Telephone questionnaire • What medication are you taking now • Prompt sheet • Compared to medication documented on discharge summary
Discrepancies documented & classified • Medical officer initiated • Patient led • Continuing previous regime • Medication not considered significant – script not filled • Medication too expensive • Medication caused side effects • Other as specified by patient
CONCLUSIONS • In conclusion, this study has demonstrated that within a month after discharge from an Australian rural hospital the participants are not taking their medication as documented in their hospital discharge summary.
RECOMMENDATION • This study has demonstrated a problem with the continuity of care in terms of medication discrepancy for patients discharged from our rural hospital. • Medication reconciliation at all points of the health care cycle • MMP • Improved communication of changes • eHealth???