Date of Conferral

2020

Degree

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

School

Nursing

Advisor

Barbara A. Neidz

Abstract

Medication reconciliation is a fundamental step in the delivery of safe care, because if it is not done correctly, it can set the stage for medication errors. Medication reconciliation has been shown to alleviate safety issues that lead to mortality, falls, and adverse drug reactions. The project question examined how in-service training can improve the knowledge of nurse practitioners and medical assistants about medication reconciliation. The project was guided by Knowles’ theory of adult learning and Rosswurm and Larrabee’s health belief model. A 1-hour educational module was prepared, and all participants completed the training prior to a discussion period. Sources of evidence included 2 pre- and post-tests prepared for the nurse practitioners, medical assistants, and nurses (RNs/LPNs). There were 12 participants in the training: 4 NPs, 6 MAs, 1 LPN, and 1 RN. The nurse practitioners had 10 questions on the pre-test and post-tests; the MAs, LPNs, and RNs all had 7 role-specific questions. On the pretest, the NPs averaged 4.67; less than half (46.7%) answered the questions correctly. On the post-test, the NPs score improved to 6.17—61.7% was the average correct score—but not in a statistically significant way. The MAs, RNs, and LPNs scored less than half correct with an average score of 3.33 questions correct out of 7(47.6%); they, too, had an increased score on post-test with 4.67 answered correctly out of 7 questions (66.7%). Participants reviewed the correct answers in discussion, and all agreed on the answers. Positive social change for nursing practice occurs because of fewer adverse reactions, falls, and less mortality by promoting safe practice and prevention of medication errors within the outpatient setting.

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