Medication Reconciliation in Hospice Care: Maximizing Quality of Life (Empowering Excellence in Hospice: A Nurse's Toolkit for Best Practices)

By Peter Abraham

Medication Reconciliation in Hospice Care: Maximizing Quality of Life is an essential guide for hospice nurses and clinical managers committed to enhancing patient care through effective medication management. This comprehensive resource delves into the critical medication reconciliation process, offering practical strategies to ensure patients' safety, effectiveness, and comfort in their final journey. From admission to quarterly reviews, the book explores critical moments for medication assessment, providing invaluable insights on deprescribing, managing high-risk medications, and navigating complex patient needs. Focusing on clear communication and patient-centered care, it addresses common challenges and offers solutions grounded in best practices. The book establishes the importance of medication reconciliation in hospice care, emphasizing its role in patient safety and quality of life. It then guides readers through the intricacies of gathering complete medication information, reviewing side effects against patient conditions, and understanding drug interactions specific to end-of-life care. Much of the text evaluates medication effectiveness and risks in terminal patients. It introduces the concepts of absolute and relative risk reduction, providing tools for understanding the true impact of medications on patient outcomes. This section empowers nurses to make informed decisions that align with patients' goals and contribute positively to their final days. The book also explores the application of established criteria like BEERS and START/STOPP in hospice settings, offering practical guidance on integrating these tools into daily practice. It provides real-world case studies demonstrating how these criteria can guide decision-making and improve patient care. An entire chapter is devoted to the principles and practices of deprescribing, a crucial skill in hospice care. It offers strategies for identifying candidates for deprescribing and communicating these decisions effectively with patients and families, always emphasizing the importance of patient autonomy and informed consent. The text does not avoid addressing challenges with medication reconciliation, such as time constraints, incomplete information, and the delicate balance of benefits and risks in terminal care. It offers practical solutions and best practices for overcoming these obstacles. Recognizing the importance of documentation and team communication, the book offers guidance on best practices for precise, accurate, and accessible documentation. It explores the effective use of electronic health records and strategies for ensuring clear communication among all care team members. Looking to the future, the book concludes with a discussion on emerging technologies and evolving best practices in medication reconciliation for hospice care. It prepares nurses and managers for the changing landscape of end-of-life care, including the potential role of artificial intelligence and machine learning in enhancing medication management. Throughout, the book maintains a professional yet warm tone, acknowledging the compassion and dedication of hospice nurses while providing them with the knowledge and tools to excel in this critical aspect of patient care. It serves as a practical guide and a source of empowerment for hospice professionals committed to providing the highest standard of care during patients' final days. Medication Reconciliation in Hospice Care: Maximizing Quality of Life is an indispensable resource for any hospice nurse or clinical manager seeking to enhance their skills, improve patient outcomes, and navigate the complexities of medication management in end-of-life care.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: B0DJFT6Z61
• ISBN13: 9798341098237
• Release Date: October 2024
• Publisher: Independently published
• Length: 200 Pages
• Weight: 0.80 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.0" x 0.5" x 6.0"