What's New | March 16, 2011

eMedication Monitoring

Electronic systems and devices are increasingly being used to monitor and evaluate medication-related processes such as ordering, administration, and medication reconciliation.

The featured Innovations describe three programs that utilized electronic systems in various ways to improve medication safety, reduce costs, and increase medication adherence.

The featured QualityTools provide information and guidelines related to telepharmacy, medication reconciliation, and safe, appropriate medication use among older adults.

Featured Innovations:

• 14-Hospital Telepharmacy Program Reduces Order Processing Time, Frees Up Pharmacists for Quality-Enhancing Initiatives, and Saves Money

• Electronic and Telephone Reminders Increase Medication Adherence in Adults With Uncomplicated Hypertension

• Electronic Medical Record–Based System Featuring "Soft" and "Hard" Stops Significantly Improves Completion of Medication Reconciliation

Featured QualityTools:

• How-To Guide for Telepharmacy
Developed by North Dakota State Board of Pharmacy; North Dakota State University

• Medication Reconciliation Essential Data Specifications
Developed by National Transitions of Care Coalition

• Medication Use Safety Training (MUST) for Seniors™
Developed by National Council on Patient Information and Education

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Also in This Issue:

Innovations >

• Algorithm Enhances Provision of Preventive Treatment to At-Risk Inpatients, Reducing Incidence of Venous Thromboembolism

• Easily Accessible, Welcoming Center Enhances Access to Medical and Social Services for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Homeless Youth

• Emergency Medical Technician Screening of Rural-Dwelling Older Adults Enhances Access to Needed Health and Social Services

• Program Makes Staff More Sensitive to Health Literacy and Promotes Access to Understandable Health Information

• Rapid HIV Testing Program Enhances Access to HIV Education and Screening for At-Risk African-American and Hispanic Youth

• Statewide Telehealth Program Enhances Access to Care, Improves Outcomes for High-Risk Pregnancies in Rural Areas

• Transition Home Program Reduces Readmissions for Heart Failure Patients

QualityTools >

• Incorporating Health Information Technology Into Workflow Redesign: Summary Report
Developed by The Center for Quality and Productivity Improvement, University of Wisconsin- Madison

• LGBTQ Communities: Motivation to Quit Smoking
Quitguide
Developed by National LGBT Tobacco Control Network

• Livingston Help for Seniors Toolkit
Developed by Genesee Valley Health Partnership

• Rapid HIV Testing
Developed by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention