Enhancing Education of Medication Side Effects to Improve Patient Outcomes

Patient satisfaction scores regarding how effectively staff educates patients about possible side effects of new medications are not consistently above the national average. The results of these patient satisfaction scores shed light on the need for evidence-based strategies to improve a patient’s perception of the medication education provided to them. The basis of the incentive to improve care is ultimately increased safety and better patient outcomes. From the Root Cause Analysis, it became apparent that a few common barriers need to be addressed, but the one most frequently reported by everyone that is the most crucial and easiest to address is the memory deficit issue. The focus of the author’s project is a combination of oral instructions supplemented by the distribution of a clear, simplified leaflet of medication information. The process of change being facilitated is intended to assist the bedside nurse to perform at the optimal level of practice where quality improvement and patient satisfaction are key to better patient outcomes. Following meetings with leadership, the author created his own comprehensive but very easily understandable medication information document in the “SAID the Med” format. He felt it was important because it streamlines, simplifies, and organizes the process already used by providers when educating patients. As part of a redesigned intervention using a different document provided by the pharmacy department, pharmacy’s leaflet was then used with patients as part of the education process. While initial results were affirming, the MSN student’s project is a continual process of performance improvement that requires heightened interdisciplinary education between management, nursing, pharmacy, evidence-based research, and patients over an extended period of time to successfully implement and sustain the best change for the topic.