HomeMeds
What Is HomeMeds?
Medication-related problems endanger the lives of a high percentage of elders living at home, leaving them at risk for falls, dizziness, cardiac symptoms, confusion and other side effects that frequently result in unnecessary ER visits and hospitalization. HomeMeds is an invaluable evidence-based tool for identifying potential patient medication-related hazards.
Since 2011, more than 11,000 older adults have had their medications screened for potential risks via the HomeMeds program. A staggering 40-50% of those screened had potential problems.
- Each year there are nearly 100,000 emergency hospitalizations for adverse drug events in the U.S. adults aged 65+ years or older.*
- Adults 65 years or older are twice as likely as others to come to emergency departments for adverse drug events and nearly seven times more likely to be hospitalized after an emergency visit.**
*Centers for Disease Control & Prevention study, November 2011, New England Journal of Medicine
**http://www.cdc.gov/MedicationSafety/Adult_AdverseDrugEvents.html# Retrieved February 11, 2011
What Topics Are Covered
- In-Home, Medication Review
- Computerized Risk Assessment And Alert Process
- Pharmacist Review And Recommendation For Improvement
- Appropriate Use Of Medications
Who can attend ?
What can I expect from the class ?
The HomeMeds Program helps to facilitate medication reconciliation after hospitalization. Additionally you will learn to monitor adherence to medications for chronic illnesses, achieve an ROI similar to medication therapy management by decreasing adverse drug events such as falls and gastrointestinal bleeding. This course pairs well with medication management interventions such as dispensers and reminder systems, and fits well with care transition coaching.