What's New | October 13, 2010

Medication Management

Inappropriate medication use, adherence problems, and medication administration errors increase the risk of adverse events and can lead to unnecessary medical costs. The use of software-based screening protocols and medication reviews by pharmacists can help identify medication problems or concerns, improve appropriate use, and reduce the potential for errors.

The featured Innovations describe three programs that implemented medication management processes to reduce the risk of errors and adverse events.

The featured QualityTools provide guidelines and tools to improve medication safety and use in various care delivery settings.

Featured Innovations:

• Multiple Safeguards in Hospital Intravenous Medication Administration Processes Reduces Dosing Limit Violations and Improves Nurse Efficiency

• Pharmacy Clinics Help Low-Income, Elderly Individuals Access Medications, Leading to Better Adherence and Lower Costs

• Home Health Nurses and Care Managers Use Software-Aided Medication Review Protocol for Frail, Community-Dwelling Seniors, Leading to More Appropriate Medication Use

Featured QualityTools:

• Improving Medication Safety in Community Pharmacy: Assessing Risk and Opportunities for Change
Developed by Institute for Safe Medication Practices

• Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) Guidance on the Interdisciplinary Safe Use of Automated Dispensing Cabinets
Developed by Institute for Safe Medication Practices

• Medication Management Improvement System (MMIS) Toolkits
Developed by Partners in Care Foundation

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Also in This Issue:

Innovations >

• Community Addiction Recovery Center Helps Members Remain Drug/Alcohol Free and Find Housing and Employment

• Health Plan Uses Nurse Practitioners to Improve Outcomes for Seniors With Diabetes, Congestive Heart Failure, Hypertension, and Wounds

• Medical "Extensivists" Care for High-Acuity Patients Across Settings, Leading to Reduced Hospital Use

QualityTools >

• HealthCare.gov
Developed by U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

• The Community Health Promotion Handbook: Action Guides to Improve Community Health
Developed by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Partnership for Prevention