Running head: HEALTH PROMOTION PLAN 1
Health Promotion: Medication Reconciliation to Reduce Readmissions
Name
Capella University
NURS-FPX4060: Practicing in the Community to Improve Population
Health Health Promotion Plan
Date
, Running head: HEALTH PROMOTION PLAN 2
Health Promotion Plan
For this health promotion plan, I will be working with Debra Burger, BSN, RN, who is a
primary care nurse for UPMC Pinnacle. The plan will be implemented in a multicultural
community of patients who are at least 65 years of age, have two or more chronic medical
conditions, and have been recently hospitalized. After reviewing the charts of patients
discharged from UPMC Pinnacle, it was identified that elderly patients with multiple
comorbidities are at increased risk for medication discrepancies due to confusion regarding
recent medication changes, limited education, lack of social support, or financial constraints. In
order to make an effective and realistic change, education, support, and barriers must be
addressed. I will create the plan utilizing SMART goals.
Analyzing Medication Reconciliation to Prevent Rehospitalization
As patients transition between healthcare settings, medication reconciliation becomes an
important tool in preventing avoidable outcomes such as rehospitalization. A 2005 National
Patient Safety Goal, medication reconciliation is the process of reviewing and comparing a
patient’s complete medication list, including prescription, over-the-counter, herbal, and
supplements, at all times of transition (Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, [AHRQ],
2019). After talking to Debra about the community and its health disparities, medication
discrepancies are common among recently discharged elderly patients who have multiple
comorbidities and limited social support. This is frequently compounded with suboptimal
communication between providers, and reports of financial difficulty in affording medications.
Newly prescribed regimens may unintentionally omit necessary medications, duplicate current
therapies, or contain wrong dosages (AHRQ, 2019). Improvements in outpatient follow-up is
necessary to help patients understand why they are taking a medication and address any barriers
Health Promotion: Medication Reconciliation to Reduce Readmissions
Name
Capella University
NURS-FPX4060: Practicing in the Community to Improve Population
Health Health Promotion Plan
Date
, Running head: HEALTH PROMOTION PLAN 2
Health Promotion Plan
For this health promotion plan, I will be working with Debra Burger, BSN, RN, who is a
primary care nurse for UPMC Pinnacle. The plan will be implemented in a multicultural
community of patients who are at least 65 years of age, have two or more chronic medical
conditions, and have been recently hospitalized. After reviewing the charts of patients
discharged from UPMC Pinnacle, it was identified that elderly patients with multiple
comorbidities are at increased risk for medication discrepancies due to confusion regarding
recent medication changes, limited education, lack of social support, or financial constraints. In
order to make an effective and realistic change, education, support, and barriers must be
addressed. I will create the plan utilizing SMART goals.
Analyzing Medication Reconciliation to Prevent Rehospitalization
As patients transition between healthcare settings, medication reconciliation becomes an
important tool in preventing avoidable outcomes such as rehospitalization. A 2005 National
Patient Safety Goal, medication reconciliation is the process of reviewing and comparing a
patient’s complete medication list, including prescription, over-the-counter, herbal, and
supplements, at all times of transition (Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, [AHRQ],
2019). After talking to Debra about the community and its health disparities, medication
discrepancies are common among recently discharged elderly patients who have multiple
comorbidities and limited social support. This is frequently compounded with suboptimal
communication between providers, and reports of financial difficulty in affording medications.
Newly prescribed regimens may unintentionally omit necessary medications, duplicate current
therapies, or contain wrong dosages (AHRQ, 2019). Improvements in outpatient follow-up is
necessary to help patients understand why they are taking a medication and address any barriers
