Hospitals in pursuit of excellence

Implementation of Electronic Medication Reconciliation Reduces Process Cycle Time by 24% in a Tertiary Medical Center

This project has decreased cycle time for medication reconciliation at time of admission and for documentation of the home medication list. The organization utilizes enhanced electronic health record functionality and pharmacy students hired as medication reconciliation technicians, who contact patients before admission to obtain their list of medications, allowing for faster cycle times. The time frame for medication reconciliation has been reduced from 7.75 hours to 5 hours, and the lists are completed before they are required by the physician.

The improved process allows physicians to complete medication reconciliation in real time. An entirely electronic process eliminates the need to transfer information from paper and allows for better data collection, measurement and tracking to ensure compliance with best practices. Physicians and other stakeholders have been involved with every step of the project, thereby ensuring both satisfaction and functionality upon completion.

This case study is part of the Illinois Health and Hospital Association's annual Quality Excellence Achievement Awards. Each year, IHA recognizes and celebrates the achievements of Illinois hospitals and health systems in continually improving and transforming health care in the state. These organizations are improving health by striving to achieve the Triple Aim—improving the patient experience of care (including quality and satisfaction), improving the health of populations, and reducing the per capita cost of health care—and the Institute of Medicine’s six aims for improvement—safe, effective, patient centered, timely, efficient, and equitable. To learn more, visit https://www.ihaqualityawards.org/javascript-ui/IHAQualityAward/