Effect of Medication Reconciliation at Female Medical Ward of One General Hospital

Abstract

Background: Medication reconciliation is the process to prevent medication errors and improve patient safety.

Objectives: To analyze the incidence and factors associated with medication error and to find out strengths, problems and suggestions for medication reconciliation process.

Method: Mixed method research was conducted at a female medical ward. Medication errors data was collected between October 2022 to January 2023. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and Fisher’s exact test. Interviews were conducted with 15 staff. Qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis.

Results: Of 166 patients, 2,301 medications were reconciled, we identified 33 medication errors (1.43%). Of these, 0.26% occurred during admission, and 1.17% at discharge of total items. The most frequently observed error was the failure to prescribe medication for the patient needing pharmacotherapy, accounting for 84.85% of errors. A significant association was found between group of medication numbers at discharge and medication errors (p-value = 0.032). The medication reconciliation process demonstrated strengths, such as the use of a new form, clear communication of policies and processes, and effective coordination among multidisciplinary teams. However, we identified obstacles related to medication databases and staff. Our study suggests improvements in medication network databases, encouraging patients to bring their medications when visiting the hospital, and promoting better adherence to medication reconciliation among multidisciplinary teams.

Conclusion: Medication errors occurred more frequently during admissions and less so during discharges. Despite its strengths, there is room for improvement in the medication reconciliation process.