Medication Errors In Home Care Essay

Homecare is a short term, acute care setting in which patients need additional support, assistance, and/ or education. There are many benefits of homecare, including a personalized care setting, a decreased risk of exposure to infections, and is a cost-effective alternative to hospital care. Homecare patients need to meet eligibility requirements, to have service in their home, which includes having skilled needs. The overall goal for homecare is to improve the patient’s ability to self-manage their disease or illness, and to prevent unnecessary harm.

Introduction: Problem One problem, in the homecare setting, is the occurrence of medication errors resulting in harm or re-hospitalization of patients. It is important to explore, in detail,

In terms of health, the patient must have a condition that requires medication, to be a potential victim of a medication error. The patient plays a big role in the manifestation of a medication error. Some factors include, non-adherence, health literacy, financial barriers, comorbid conditions, cognitive status, and anxiety. If a nurse does not practice safe medication reconciliation, does not validate that education provided was successful, is rushing, or has a lack of knowledge then the likelihood a medication error will occur increases. Antecedents related to the environment include miscommunication due to multiple communication methods, conflicting provider schedules, and lack of understanding of the electronic medical record.

The consequences of medication errors to the patient include a loss of trust in the healthcare system, re-hospitalization, short or long term side effects, and possible death. Due to patient injury, caregivers may need to take on more active roles as primary caretakers. Clinicians and providers may carry a sense of guilt or failure to prevent patient harm. These consequences are also costly in terms of the care that needs to be provided, re-education of staff for prevention, and hospital reimbursement