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Implementing the EQUiPPED Medication Management Program at 5 VA Emergency Departments.
Ann E Vandenberg1, Melissa Stevens1, Katharina V Echt1
1Dr. Vandenberg is an affiliate research associate, Dr. Stevens is an affiliate investigator, Dr. Echt is Atlanta site director for education and evaluation, Dr. Markland is a geriatrician and associate director for clinical programs, and Dr. Vaughan is a geriatrician and Atlanta site director for clinical programs, all at the Birmingham/Atlanta VA Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center (GRECC) in Georgia and Alabama. Dr. Hastings is a geriatrician at the Durham VAMC and an investigator at the Durham GRECC and the HSR&D Center for Health Services Research in Primary Care in North Carolina. Dr. Powers is associate director for clinical programs at the Tennessee Valley Healthcare System GRECC in Nashville. Dr. Hwang is an investigator and Dr. Hung is associate director for clinical programs at the James J. Peters VAMC GRECC in Bronx, New York. Dr. Belbis is a pharmacist at Carondelet St. Mary's Hospital in Tucson, Arizona.
The EQUiPPED program reduced inappropriate medication prescribing for older veterans leaving the emergency department. This quality improvement initiative focused on safer medication practices for elderly patients.
Area of Science:
- Geriatric Medicine
- Pharmacology
- Health Services Research
Background:
- Older adults are at higher risk for adverse drug events.
- Potentially inappropriate medication (PIM) prescribing is common in older populations.
- Transitions of care, such as emergency department discharge, present opportunities for medication review.
Purpose of the Study:
- To implement and evaluate the Enhancing Quality of Prescribing Practices for Older Veterans Discharged From the Emergency Department (EQUiPPED) program.
- To reduce potentially inappropriate medication prescribing in older adults discharged from the emergency department.
- To improve medication safety for geriatric patients at Veterans Affairs Medical Centers (VAMCs).
Main Methods:
- The EQUiPPED program was implemented across five VAMCs.
- Interventions focused on prescriber education and medication reconciliation.
- Data were collected to assess changes in PIM prescribing rates.
Main Results:
- The EQUiPPED program demonstrated a reduction in PIM prescribing.
- Specific metrics on the degree of reduction were observed.
- The program facilitated safer medication management for older veterans.
Conclusions:
- Quality improvement programs can effectively decrease PIM prescribing in older adults.
- Targeted interventions during emergency department discharge improve medication safety.
- The EQUiPPED program provides a model for enhancing geriatric pharmacotherapy.
