Reducing Surgical Complications in Spine Patients Through a Medication Management Support Program.

Area of Science:

• Medical Science
• Clinical Practice
• Patient Safety

Background:

• High-risk patients often require antiplatelet and anticoagulant medications.
• Managing these medications perioperatively is crucial to prevent complications.
• Systematic medication management programs can mitigate risks.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of a hospital-wide medication management program.
• To assess the program's impact on perioperative complications.
• To determine if the program reduces hemorrhage and thrombotic events.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of 9732 elective spine surgery patients (2011-2020).
• Comparison of complication rates before and after program implementation.
• Utilized National Surgical Quality Improvement Program data and Pearson's chi-squared tests.

Main Results:

• Significant reduction in hemorrhage rates (3.16% vs. 1.11%, P <0.001).
• Clinically significant reductions observed in myocardial infarction, stroke, pulmonary embolism, and deep vein thrombosis.
• Program implementation correlated with decreased perioperative complications.

Conclusions:

• The medication management support program effectively reduced blood transfusions and thrombotic complications.
• The findings suggest the program enhances patient safety in spine surgery.
• Further research is needed to validate effectiveness across different healthcare systems.