To evaluate the results of a medication reconciliation and drug information program at discharge in an orthopedic surgery and traumatology department.<h4 class="h4">Materials and methodsh4>
Patients with more complexity in their home treatment, admitted in this facility during 2008 were included in the study. Preadmission regimens were recorded and the patents were asked about medication-related problems (PRM) and drug adherence. On the day of discharge, prescribed medication was reconciled with the outpatient treatment, resolving discrepancies with the prescribers. Finally, the patients were given a complete list of their medications after the care episode and recommendations on their treatment with oral explanation. We conducted a survey of the physicians to ask about their reconciliation program knowledge and their assessment.<h4 class="h4">Resultsh4>
243 patients were selected, in whom 102 (42%) PRMs were detected. The major discrepancies were found in antithrombotic drugs (25%) and analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs (21%). The most frequent were: therapeutic duplication (53%) and interactions (27%). The PRMs were classified according to their severity: 65%would not have caused harm to the patient and 35%would require monitoring.
Regarding the survey, the overall evaluation of the program was "very good" for 100%of the physicians.<h4 class="h4">Discussionh4>
Medication reconciliation has proved to be a useful strategy for improving the safety of our patients as part of a system to reduce health risks and improving quality of care.