|
ProvidersImproving Individual Patient Care |
Reducing Adverse Drug EventsSometimes, medications just don’t mix. Each year, more than 700,000 people are treated in emergency departments for adverse drug events nationwide. Older adults are at particular risk and are twice as likely to visit the emergency department and seven times more likely to be hospitalized due to Adverse Drug Events than people under age 65. HQSI, a part of the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services nationwide network of quality improvement organizations, is leading the change in New Jersey to decrease Adverse Drug Events. HQSI is bringing together pharmacists, physicians and facilities to reduce negative health effects caused by incompatible medications and improve patient health outcomes. We support the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services' national goal to prevent and eliminate Adverse Drug Events in 265,000 lives per year. What Can You Do Right Now? Form a Local TeamHealth care providers and stakeholders are encouraged to join in local improvement initiatives that target adverse drug events, like those that may result when older people take multiple medications. The initiative is modeled on the Health Resources and Services Administration’s successful Patient Safety and Clinical Pharmacy Services Collaborative. Participants can expect to benefit from participation in a statewide Learning and Action Network, access to evidence-based tools for assessing pharmacy processes and implementing safer practices, support for rapid-cycle improvement, and strategies for spreading success within their community. Focus on Medication Safety and ManagementPhysicians and other providers can improve medication safety for their patients and in their community taking the following steps:
Key Resources |
|
