This online learning module teaches clinicians how using a systematic process for medication reconciliation (MedRec) can prevent medication errors and adverse drug events (ADEs), by identifying and resolving discrepancies between medications a client is actually taking (Best Possible Medication History - BPMH) and medications documented or recorded in a client’s health record(s).

In the context of home care, there are several specific interfaces of care where a home care client can benefit from MedRec processes.

At the end of this module you will be able to:

1.      Understand the role of MedRec and how it affects client care

2.      Improve your ability to engage clients and caregivers in discussions in collecting a comprehensive BPMH

3.      Apply a consistent approach to identify and resolve medication discrepancies

4.      Demonstrate learning by completing a case study

Who should take this module?

Healthcare practitioners working in home health care including: care coordinators, case managers, prescribers, nurses, community pharmacists, family caregivers, and others in the client’s circle of care.

What is included in this module?

·         What is MedRec

·         Medication issues in home care

·         MedRec process at admission to home care including collecting a BPMH

·         Case study: transitioning from hospital to home care

Program Cost: Single user: CAD $9.95 plus applicable taxes

Organization: Contact ISMP Canada for our special organizational rates.  Note: Module can be uploaded to a Learning Management System (LMS) that supports SCORM 1.2 for organization-wide access only.

A Best Possible Medication History (BPMH) is a history created using 1) a systematic process of interviewing the client/family; and 2) a review of at least one other reliable source of information to obtain and verify all of a client’s medication use (prescribed and non-prescribed). 3) Complete documentation includes medication name, dosage, route and frequency. The BPMH is more comprehensive than a routine primary medication history which may not include multiple sources of information.

Medication Reconciliation is a formal process in which healthcare providers partner with clients to ensure accurate and complete medication information transfer at interfaces of care. It involves a systematic process for obtaining a medication history and using that information to compare to medication orders in order to identify and resolve discrepancies. It is designed to prevent potential medication errors and adverse drug events.

Reference

Safer Healthcare Now! (2015). Medication Reconciliation in Home Care: Getting Started Kit. Safer Healthcare Now! http://ismp-canada.org/download/MedRec/Medrec_HC_English_GSK_v2.pdf