Medication Safety and Opioid Risk Screenings Conducted by Nurses in Patients' Homes

Abstract

Home health patients are at risk of medication safety issues due to lack of pharmacy follow up. A Home Health Screening Program was created by NDSU’s ONE Program to expand medication safety and opioid risk screenings to these patients. Given the screening results, patients receive a combination of individualized interventions such as medication education, Deterra drug disposal bags, a pill organizer, a medication lock box, or Narcan. To date, more than 1,400 screenings have been completed. This program has helped address gaps in medication safety research and has provided critical safety information to a vulnerable population in North Dakota.