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Best Practice Medication Reconciliation In The Outpatient Setting, Meghan J. Hession

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Projects

Abstract

Background: Medication safety is a focus of the Joint Commission’s National Patient Safety Goals and research supports improved medication reconciliation as a strategy to reduce medication errors and adverse drug events. In a busy, outpatient specialty clinic where patients are routinely considered for high-risk pharmaceutical therapies, a consistent medication reconciliation process is essential for patient safety and positive health outcomes. Purpose: To improve consistency of medication reconciliation in this high-risk outpatient setting. Method: Based on a gap analysis between evidence-based and current practice, a quality improvement intervention was implemented to increase patient engagement in the medication reconciliation process. A …

Alzheimer’S Dementia Screening In Primary Care: Quality Improvement Project To Identify Those At Risk, Kirstin Drake

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Projects

Background: Identifying Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer’s Dementia (AD) in the Primary Care Practice (PCP) setting can initiate intervention early, before negative consequences occur including decreased quality of life and caregiver burden.

Purpose: To identify individuals at risk for AD and initiate early treatment and intervention. Methods: The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and Functional Activities Questionnaire (FAQ) were used as screening tools; adults age 65 and older were participants.

Implementation Procedure: Within the Internal Medicine Clinic, the standard annual wellness visits include Registered Nurses that administer a Mini-Cog screening tool with the patients. The Mini-Cog is a brief …