Hospital staff perspectives: medication reconciliation responsibility and barriers at a tertiary teaching hospital in Jordan

Abstract

Abstract Objectives To explore hospital staff perspective on the responsibility and barriers to medicine reconciliation (MedRec) at a leading internationally renowned teaching hospital in Jordan. Methods A cross-sectional study using a self-completed questionnaire was conducted at Jordan University Hospital (JUH). The target sample was members of the health team caring for patients across various locations and settings. A convenient sample of physicians, pharmacists and nurses was targeted. Those were approached at various days, shifts, locations to scop various views and practices across JUH. Key findings Two hundred questionnaires were included in the analysis, of which 41 (20.5%) completed by physicians, 23 (11.5%) by pharmacists and 136 (68.0%) by nurses. For most steps, physicians were seen as the prim responsible health providers. Nurse perceived their role to come second. Whilst pharmacists perceived limited or no role of nurses in a number of steps. The main barriers reported are heavy workload 158 (79%), followed by lack of time 152 (76%) and communication between health care providers 140 (70%). Pharmacists highlighted lack of knowledge, clarity and training as leading barriers too. Conclusions Physicians are perceived as the leading provider responsible for all MedRec steps. MedRec as a process involve overlapping functions with various skill-based steps. A number of steps allocated potentially to nurses or pharmacists, particularly comparing different sources of information, constructing medication lists or written summaries upon discharge. Barriers to MedRec might be overcome by interdisciplinary discussions and mapping MedRec process clearly.