Experience with a pharmacy technician medication history program.

Area of Science:

• Pharmacy Practice
• Patient Safety
• Healthcare Management

Background:

• Medication reconciliation is crucial for patient safety, particularly at discharge.
• Low provider compliance with medication reconciliation poses a significant risk.
• Pharmacy technicians can play a vital role in medication history collection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the implementation and outcomes of a pharmacy technician-led medication history program.
• To assess the impact of a standardized medication history process on accuracy and completeness.
• To evaluate the effect on provider compliance with medication reconciliation.

Main Methods:

• Developed a medication history standard defining documentation rules and medication categories.
• Implemented a training and accountability program for pharmacy technicians.
• Pharmacy technicians conducted structured interviews and validated medication information.
• Pharmacists supervised technicians using approved protocols for best possible medication history.

Main Results:

• Achieved consistent medication history accuracy and completeness rates exceeding 90%.
• Increased provider compliance with medication reconciliation from under 20% to 100% post-implementation.
• Demonstrated the effectiveness of a standardized approach in improving medication management.

Conclusions:

• A standardized medication history process is effective for pharmacy technician programs.
• Pharmacy technician involvement significantly improves discharge medication reconciliation compliance.
• This program enhances patient safety and supports reimbursement capture.