Work

The accuracy, completeness and timeliness of discharge medication information and implementing medication reconciliation: A cross-sectional survey of general practitioners

Year: 2020

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: General practitioners (GPs) require accurate medication information to care for recently discharged hospital patients. Pre-discharge medication reconciliation improves the accuracy of patient medication lists that GPs receive. This study aimed to explore GPs' perceptions of the accuracy, completeness and timeliness of hospital discharge medication information, and how they undertake medication reconciliation. METHOD: Using a cross-sectional online survey, quantitative and qualitative data were collected from a convenience sample of GPs practising across the Gold Coast, Australia. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and content analysis. RESULTS: Twelve GPs were recruited. Patient hospital discharge medication information was mostly accurate and complete, but delays in receiving this information affected the ability of GPs to undertake medication reconciliation. DISCUSSION: Receiving accurate and timely patient discharge medication information can reduce errors. Optimising the communication of medication information to GPs may improve patient safety.

Source: Australian Journal of General Practice

DOI: 10.31128/ajgp-04-20-5375

Authors: Sharon Latimer, Jayne Hewitt, Trudy Teasdale, Carl de Wet, Brigid M Gillespie

Institutions: Griffith University, Gold Coast Hospital, Gold Coast Health

Language: English

Topic: Pharmaceutical Practices and Patient Outcomes

Subfield: Geriatrics and Gerontology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Funder: Griffith University