International Journal of Community Health Nursing

MEDICATION HISTORIES OF PHARMACISTS OBTAINED IN AN EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT CAN BE USED TO IDENTIFY PATIENT GROUPS AT RISK OF MEDICATION MISADVENTURES

Sai Manasa A*, Siri, Lohith M, Reena Abraham, Sai Sowmya G

addurumanasa@gmail.com

Pharmacist, Hospital, Diagnosis, Medication Errors

At the time of admission to an Emergency Department (ED), the Advisory Committee recommends taking a detailed medication history. Medication misadventures have been identified as a potential risk among the elderly, including those in residential aged care properties and those who speak languages other than English. This study aimed to examine whether pharmacists' elicited medication histories differed from those taken by emergency department physicians in these demographic groups. As part of the study, we also investigated the incidence of ED presentations related to medication. During the six-week study, 100 patients over 70 who took five or more regular medications, had three or more clinical comorbidities and/or had been discharged from a hospital in the past three months were included. The participants were categorized into three categories: those with a language barrier, those in residential aged care facilities, and those with a general language barrier. Patients with a 'language barrier' were less likely to correctly record medications (15.8%), as compared with those with a 'general' diagnosis (18% and 19.6%), respectively. There were 14 patients in the 'general' category suspected to have medication related ED presentations, including seven patients with 'language barrier' (29.2%), one from an aged care facility (8.3%) and 13 from the 'language barrier' category (20.3%). It is clear from this study that ED pharmacists have a positive impact on medication management throughout the continuum of care. Moreover, this study confirms that patients with language barriers are vulnerable to medication errors and require interpreter services throughout their hospitalization, particularly when they present to the emergency room