College of Nursing and Health Sciences DNP Defense - Oyenike Ogunmekan, PMHN
College of Nursing and Health Sciences DNP Defense - Oyenike Ogunmekan, PMHN
Improving Medication Reconciliation Process in an Outpatient Psychiatric Clinic:
A Quality Improvement Project
Date: 4/22/2026
Time: 10:00 AM
ZOOM: email dhoffman@umassd.edu for link
Committee:
Martha M. Whitfield, PhD, Faculty Mentor
Maryellen Brisbois, PhD, Second Reder
Francisca Nebe, Clinical Site Mentor, DNP, APRN, MHNP-BC, FNP-BC
Abstract:
Medication reconciliation (MedRec) is a critical patient safety practice designed to ensure that patients’ medication lists are accurate and complete during healthcare encounters. In outpatient psychiatric settings, patients frequently receive prescriptions from multiple providers, increasing the risk of medication discrepancies, duplicate therapies, and adverse drug events. The purpose of this quality improvement project was to improve staff knowledge, confidence, and adherence to medication reconciliation processes in an outpatient psychiatric clinic in Texas. A multi-part intervention based on the Medication at Transitions and Clinical Handoffs (MATCH) Toolkit was implemented to improve medication reconciliation workflow and documentation practices. Changes were made to patient messaging to remind patients to bring medication bottles/list to their appointments. The clinical and front office staff all participated in an educational session that emphasized the importance of medication reconciliation, standardized documentation procedures, and workflow expectations. Baseline data were obtained through chart audits and staff surveys to assess existing medication reconciliation practices and staff knowledge. Following the intervention, medication reconciliation knowledge and confidence improved following the educational intervention (p = .006 and p = .005, respectively), with chart completion rates increasing from 40% to 55% after two weeks. Findings are congruent with the literature which suggests that structured educational interventions and workflow standardization can improve medication reconciliation practices, enhance medication accuracy, support continuity of care, reduce medication discrepancies, and promote patient safety in mental health care environments.
ZOOM
Deanna Hoffman
dhoffman@umass.edu