Outcomes of Electronic Medication Reconciliation Implemented for Network of Hospital and Primary Care Units in Phuluang District

Abstract

Objective: To develop and evaluate an electronic program for medication reconciliation process in in-patients between hospitals and primary care units. Methods: This quasi-experimental study in a 30-bed community hospital was divided into 3 phases: 1) planning and analyzing the situation and problems of medication reconciliation process; 2) developing the system and process of medication reconciliation and testing the system and 3) Implementation, evaluation and comparison of outcomes measured at pre and post implementation period of electronic medication reconciliation in patients with diabetes or hypertension or other comorbidities who were hospitalized and received continuing care in primary care units. Results: There were 104 patient visits each at pre and post implementation period. After the implementation of electronic medication reconciliation, percentage of medication reconciliation was increased (77.88 and 100; P<0.001). The mean time to collect drug history of patients was decreased (429.79 ± 868.50 to 1.00 minutes; P<0.001). The mean time to obtain drugs being taken by patients was reduced (482.04 ± 913.64 minutes to 33.78 ± 93.08 minutes; P < 0.001). The problems on patients not receiving necessary medication was reduced (22.12% to 0; P < 0.001). Medication errors with severity in D category was reduced (18.27% to 5.77; P < 0.001). The average satisfaction score among staff (with full score of 5) in system efficiency and utility was 4.06 ± 0.41. That of design was 3.90 ± 0.54, and that of usability was 4.07 ± 0.71. Conclusion: Electronic program shortens the time for medication reconciliation, prevents and reduces medication errors at the transition of care between the hospital and primary care units.