Medication Reconciliation as Repair Work.

Area of Science:

• Health Informatics
• Patient Safety
• Healthcare Management

Background:

• Norway is developing a national shared medication list to improve patient medication management.
• Effective use of this list depends on regular updates through medication reconciliation.
• Medication reconciliation involves healthcare personnel verifying patient medication details.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the work involved in bedside medication reconciliation.
• To examine the healthcare personnel engaged in this process.
• To understand the implications for the national shared medication list.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative exploration of the bedside medication reconciliation process.
• Analysis of the work performed by healthcare personnel.
• Examination of the impact on the shared medication list.

Main Results:

• Bedside medication reconciliation is characterized as 'collective repair work'.
• This work is essential for maintaining the accuracy and utility of the shared medication list.
• The reconciliation process requires continuous effort beyond initial implementation.

Conclusions:

• Medication reconciliation is vital for the success of shared medication lists.
• The concept of 'collective repair work' highlights the ongoing nature of maintaining medication data.
• Sustained reconciliation efforts are necessary for patient safety and effective medication management.