Abstract

Abstract Introduction Patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) are commonly admitted into hospital with various acute medical conditions. Inaccurate prescription can result in adverse effects, increased hospital stay, and increased morbidity and mortality. We present a QIP conducted to improve PD medication prescription pattern among doctors and medication delivery from the nursing staff. Method In PDSA 1, we conducted a survey among doctors and nurses to assess their initial knowledge on PD medications. A baseline review of PD prescriptions on our Frail Elderly Assessment Unit (FEAU) was conducted. Our interventions include Introduction: of PD medication alert sticker attached to drug charts and recorded drug chart when they are taken off the wards. In PDSA 2, repeat survey was carried on Elderly care wards. We also reviewed PD prescriptions over a 2-week period on Elderly care wards. Results During the surveys, there were 55 respondents in PDSA 1 and 51 respondents in PDSA 2. The percentage of those who feel PD medications are critical medications remain similar in both cycles (98%). There was an improvement in the awareness of PD stickers from 44% to 83%. Those who feel PD alert stickers are appropriate improved from 93% to 100%. Respondents who chose all included appropriate PD medication sources for improving prescription pattern improved from 38% to 62%. There were 8 prescriptions during PDSA 1 and 21 prescriptions during PDSA 2. The use of PD stickers improved from 0% to 76%. The numbers of PD medications prescribed appropriately improved from 50% to 65%. Conclusion An improvement in prescription pattern was demonstrated, as we hope to improve patient safety and increase awareness across the trust. Our recommendations include use of PD medication alert sticker and recorded drug chart. We discussed our plans in Medicine Governance meeting, departmental newsletter, and presented in departmental audit meeting.

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