title: Optimizing the Use of Discharge Medication Lists in Nursing Facilities.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To highlight the need to optimize the use of discharge medication lists in nursing facilities.
  
  
  METHODS
  In January 2014, the care transitions (CT) pharmacists at Frederick Memorial Hospital, Frederick, Maryland, began a pilot project in which they identified and followed high-risk patients transitioning from hospital to nursing facility and from nursing facility to home.
  
  
  METHODS
  This pilot project served as a needs assessment to identify opportunities to improve patients' transition from nursing facility to home with the goal of reducing hospital readmissions.
  
  
  METHODS
  One of the enormous opportunities that were immediately recognized was the nursing facility discharge medication list.
  
  
  METHODS
  The CT pharmacists found that patients had difficulty deciphering and understanding the medication lists.
  
  
  RESULTS
  By reviewing the elements of existing medication lists, the CT pharmacists identified 11 components of a nursing facility discharge medication list that would increase patient safety and potentially reduce medication-related hospital readmissions. These elements include the capability of electronically generating a medication list that includes both brand and generic medication names with accurate indications in layperson terms. The ideal discharge medication list would also be patient-specific and remove irrelevant information and take into consideration patients' age, vision, and health literacy.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  With the upcoming implementation of the nursing facility value-based purchasing program, nursing facilities may soon receive incentives to improve their medication management systems at discharge.
authors.affiliation: Frederick Memorial Hospital, Frederick, Maryland, USA.
authors.forename: Andrea C
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Backes
authors.forename: Patricia
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Cash
authors.forename: Jessica
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Jordan
mesh_terms: D004358:Drug Therapy / Q000592:standards; D006801:Humans; D010351:Patient Discharge; D010359:Patient Readmission / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D010360:Patient Transfer / Q000379:methods*; D010595:Pharmacists / Q000458:organization & administration; D010607:Pharmacy Service, Hospital / Q000458:organization & administration; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012866:Skilled Nursing Facilities / Q000458:organization & administration