Authors: Kristen Bondesio, Ross Vergios, Zoe Lysaght
Medication errors during hospitalisation are common and can lead to significant patient harm. In South Eastern Sydney 73% of patients will have at least one medication discrepancy on their initial medication chart. Completion of an accurate medication history and reconciliation at the point of admission has been shown to reduce the risk of errors reaching the patient. Currently 31% of high-risk patients in our district do not receive a complete and accurate medication history at any point during admission, leaving them at risk of medication related harm.
The SESLHD Medication Management Matters project demonstrates a district-wide, innovative approach to medication safety. By reviewing and redesigning the medication management journey for high-risk patients we aim to provide a targeted, patient-centered medication management service that reduces the risk and cost of medication related harm.
Utilising the Agency for Clinical Innovation Clinical Redesign methodology, the multi-disciplinary project team have completed extensive diagnostic investigations. This has provided the team with an understanding of the current systems, processes and workflows in medication management of hospitalised high-risk patients from both the patient and clinician perspective and allowed the identification of key areas for improvement.
The project is currently in the solution design and early implementation phase. Several multi-faceted solutions are being developed that will incorporate process improvements including:
- District wide collaboration in defining, endorsing and embedding roles and responsibilities of clinicians in the completion of medication management tasks
- Engaging and empowering patients to have greater involvement in the collection of their medication information
- Optimising IT infrastructure to support medical workflows· Enhancing functionality within the eMR
- Utilising machine learning/artificial intelligence in conjunction with real-time data to support clinicians in identifying and delivery of medication management services to high-risk patients
Through this collaborative, multidisciplinary and systems wide approach, the project aims to improve patient safety and clinician experience by reducing the risk and cost of medication related error in high-risk patients at Sydney Local Health District.