Implementation of a Standardized Discharge Time-out Process to Reduce Prescribing Errors at Discharge

Area of Science:

• Health Services Research
• Patient Safety
• Medication Management

Background:

• Prescribing errors are a significant concern during hospital discharge.
• A standardized discharge time-out process was implemented to address these errors.
• This process involved a multidisciplinary team reviewing discharge medication regimens.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of a standardized discharge time-out process.
• To assess its impact on reducing prescribing errors during hospital discharge.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of patient discharge records from a general medicine service.
• Comparison of prescribing errors in periods before and after process implementation.
• Data collected from 142 patients (pre-group) and 124 patients (post-group).

Main Results:

• Discharge prescribing errors decreased from 34.5% to 13% after implementation (P < .0001).
• Compliance with the time-out process was high at 93%.
• Errors in the post-group were associated with non-involvement of clinical pharmacists.

Conclusions:

• A standardized, multidisciplinary discharge time-out process significantly reduces prescribing errors.
• This process is a valuable strategy for improving patient safety at hospital discharge.
• Clinical pharmacist involvement may further enhance error reduction.