What is Medication Review?
Medication review is a systematic evaluation of a patient's medications with the goal of optimizing the impact of drugs, minimizing the number of medication-related problems, and reducing waste. It involves a critical assessment of all medications a patient is taking, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and supplements.
1. Safety: It helps identify potential drug-drug interactions, adverse effects, and contraindications.
2. Efficacy: Ensures that each medication is effective for the patient's condition.
3. Adherence: Identifies issues with patient compliance and provides strategies to improve it.
4. Cost: Helps in identifying and discontinuing unnecessary or duplicate medications, reducing healthcare costs.
Who Should Conduct a Medication Review?
While a medication review can be conducted by various healthcare professionals, nurses play a pivotal role due to their close relationship with patients and their extensive time spent on direct patient care. Nurses can collaborate with
pharmacists and
physicians to ensure a comprehensive review.
1. Upon Admission: To assess the patient’s current medication regimen.
2. During Hospital Stay: Regular reviews can identify issues early.
3. At Discharge: Ensures the patient understands their medication regimen and any changes made during the hospital stay.
4. Periodically: For patients with chronic conditions or those on long-term medication, periodic reviews are essential.
Steps Involved in Medication Review
The process typically involves several steps:1. Medication Reconciliation: Collecting a complete list of the patient’s medications.
2. Assessment: Evaluating each medication for its indication, efficacy, safety, and adherence.
3. Identification of Problems: Detecting potential or actual medication-related problems.
4. Intervention: Addressing identified issues, possibly involving changes to the medication regimen.
5. Documentation: Recording findings and actions taken.
6. Follow-Up: Monitoring the patient to ensure the effectiveness of interventions.
Common Issues Identified During Medication Review
During a medication review, several common issues may be identified:1. Polypharmacy: The use of multiple medications, which increases the risk of interactions and side effects.
2. Non-Adherence: Patients not taking medications as prescribed.
3. Adverse Drug Reactions: Unintended side effects that may require discontinuation or change of medication.
4. Drug Interactions: Harmful interactions between drugs that can compromise patient safety.
5. Duplication: Unnecessary repetition of medications.
Role of Technology in Medication Review
Technology plays a significant role in enhancing the effectiveness of medication reviews. Electronic Health Records (EHRs) and Clinical Decision Support Systems (CDSS) can provide real-time access to patient information, flag potential issues, and suggest alternatives or adjustments.Patient Education and Medication Review
A crucial component of medication review is educating patients about their medications. Nurses should ensure that patients understand:1. Why they are taking each medication.
2. How to take it correctly.
3. Potential Side Effects: What to look out for and how to manage them.
4. Importance of Adherence: The importance of following the prescribed regimen.
Challenges in Medication Review
Several challenges can arise during a medication review:1. Incomplete Information: Missing or incomplete patient medication history.
2. Communication Barriers: Difficulty in communication between healthcare providers and patients.
3. Time Constraints: Limited time to conduct thorough reviews.
4. Patient Non-Disclosure: Patients sometimes do not disclose all medications they are taking, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements.
Conclusion
Medication review is a critical aspect of nursing practice that ensures patient safety, improves therapeutic outcomes, and enhances overall healthcare quality. By systematically evaluating and optimizing medication regimens, nurses can significantly contribute to better health outcomes and patient satisfaction.
