Access Control
Open Access
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 License.
Embargo Period
7-18-2012
Degree Program
Doctor of Nursing Practice
Degree Track
Public Health Nurse Leader
Year Degree Awarded
2012
Month Degree Awarded
May
Keywords
polypharmacy, older adults, medication safety, nursing informatics, medication/health literacy
Advisor Name
Jean
Advisor Middle Initial
E.
Advisor Last Name
Swinney, PhD, RN
Capstone Chair Name
Jean
E.
Swinney, PhD, RN
Capstone Member Name
Jeungok
Choi, PhD, MPH, RN
Capstone Outside Member Name
Sarah
Kemble, MD, MPH
Abstract
Medication safety and prevention of medication related problems are important issues in promoting and maintaining health and safety in one’s home for community dwelling older adults. Assessment of medications and management of a medication schedule are essential elements of medication safety, medication review, and medication care coordination. The Framework for Geriatric Homecare Excellence (Collaboration for Home Care Advances and Practices, 2009) is used as the foundation of this project to improve medication management, and promote and maintain health and safety at home. An in-home medication assessment was completed, using a medication management software informatics system to review medications, identify medication related problems, and convey this information to the Primary Care Provider, case manager, and client. Educational interventions on management and understanding of medications were provided to participants to assess and emphasize the correct use of medications and use of a personal medication record. The goal of this health promotion and health maintenance project was to improve medication safety through focused assessment and medication related education interventions for community dwelling older adults. This informatics based medication safety intervention showed considerable strength in completing and sharing medication home assessments enhanced by the software abilities. Significant outcome improvements were associated with the pre-post test comparison in provision of an up-to-date medication list and comprehension by clients of specific medication safety education.