Introduction of an Ambulatory Care Medication Reconciliation Service in Dialysis Patients: Positive Impact on Medication Prescribing and Economic Benefit.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to assess the implementation of medication reconciliation (MedRec) and medication-related costs in dialysis-dependent patients.

METHODS: Completed best possible medication history and reconciliation forms were collected within 6 months from 77 patients' file at the dialysis center. Outcome measures were number and types of medication discrepancies, medication-related problems (MRPs), and their potential to cause harm, in addition to the type and number of interventions conducted during MedRec and the resulted medication costs reduction.

RESULTS: The mean number of medications was 11 ± 4, which was reduced to 8 ± 3 (P < 0.0001) after MedRec. Medication discrepancies accounted for 55, and MRPs were raised by pharmacists 216 times, and 55% had the potential to cause moderate patient discomfort. Mediations were held in 1.2%, discontinued in 21.2%, and changed in 5.4%, which led to €75.665 (U.S. $85.33) and €459.93 (U.S. $511.979) reduction in medication costs per patient for 1 and 6 months, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS: Several discrepancies and MRPs were identified in the present study that put patients undergoing dialysis at risk for potential harm and adverse drug events. Regularly performing ambulatory MedRec and involving pharmacists in the model of care can improve the quality of healthcare delivered to dialysis-dependent patients and reduce cost.