Opportunities for improving post-hospital home medication management among older adults

Effective post-hospital home medication management among older adults is a convoluted, error-prone process. Older adults, whose complex medication regimens are often changed at hospital discharge, are susceptible to medication-related problems (e.g. Adverse Drug Events or ADEs) as they resume responsibility for managing their medications at home. Human error theory frames the discussion of multi-faceted, interacting factors including care system functions, like discharge medication teaching that contribute to post-hospital ADEs. The taxonomy and causes of post-hospital ADEs and related risk factors are reviewed, as we describe in high-risk older adults a population that may benefit from targeted interventions. Potential solutions and future research possibilities highlight the importance of interdisciplinary teams, involvement of clinical pharmacists, use of transitional care models, and improved use of informational technologies.