RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 ApoLänk decreases patient medication discrepancies at discharge: initial experience from a Swedish bedside pharmacy service
JF European Journal of Hospital Pharmacy: Science and Practice
JO Eur J Hosp Pharm
FD British Medical Journal Publishing Group
SP 54
OP 56
DO 10.1136/ejhpharm-2012-000109
VO 20
IS 1
A1 Eriksson, Tommy
A1 Wallin, Frida Strobel
A1 Henricson, Karin
A1 Lundin, Anna
A1 Petersson, Jesper
YR 2013
UL http://ejhp.bmj.com/content/20/1/54.abstract
AB Objective To develop a working model so that dispensing pharmacists, patients and medical staff can work together to identify, solve and prevent problems associated with discharge prescriptions. Methods A routine was developed for communication between pharmacists, patients and medical staff and for dispensing drugs at the bedside. Hospital medication lists and prescriptions from the pharmacy and healthcare databases were simultaneously assessed. The study was carried out in two neurological wards in a Swedish university hospital. Results Major shortcomings were identified in the coordination of pharmacy and healthcare records and in patients’ ability to take responsibility for their medication at discharge. Discussion between patients and staff allowed discrepancies in communication and documentation to be corrected. Cooperation between pharmacists and nurses was perceived as being very positive and important. Conclusions The Apolänk service was appreciated by nurses, is almost cost neutral and reduces discrepancies that have the potential to cause patient harm.