Medication Discharge Planning Prior to Hospital Discharge

Understanding and taking multiple medications can become problematic for patients who have been discharged from the hospital. These patients don't always understand the medications they need to take at home. A patients' misunderstanding of prescribed medications can lead to hospital readmission and increased mortality. The purpose of this study was to determine whether a written educational resource used by nurses at discharge could improve patient knowledge of cardiovascular medications. At a 650-bed hospital, 50 charts pre-intervention and post-intervention were reviewed for medication reconciliation, and patients were interviewed concerning medication adherence and knowledge. Three focus groups were conducted concerning ways to improve medication discharge planning. Patients in the pre- and post-intervention groups were similar in age and education, and both groups reported forgetting to take medications at home. Registered nurses provided an educational intervention. More patients were able to verbalize correct medication, dose, schedule, and purpose post-intervention than pre-intervention. Nurses who are up to date on medication treatment plans are in a key position to be able to carry out and sustain a medication discharge planning program. Medication discharge planning that includes an advanced nursing practice intervention with a comprehensive verbal and written format pertaining to patients' knowledge of medications presented to patients prior to discharge has the potential to increase patients' knowledge of their medication regimen.