Bridging the Gap in Medication Management: Using Student-Patient Interviews to Identify Redundant and Counteracting Medications
Abstract
The Patients as Teachers program was established to allow medical and dietitian students to interact with patients in the Johnson City community. It was evident that many patients were overwhelmed or possibly unaware of what their extensive medication lists were actually used for, raising questions about whether a review was needed to assess the necessity and effectiveness of such medications. This study evaluates the various medications of patients partaking in the program to identify any redundancies, interactions, or contraindications that could be missed by a team of providers in the electronic health record. Data was collected via patient interviews conducted by medical and dietitian students. A general medication list was obtained, followed by a comprehensive, qualitative review of the mechanisms, indications, and side effects of the drugs, led by a pharmacist. After the medication review, students submitted a Medication Checklist document highlighting potential medication issues. We collected data from all patients and, based on the number of participants and the number of medications they were taking, identified the number of potential medication-related problems per patient. There were 20 patients in the program, and 15 medication reviews were conducted. It was determined that 113 unique medications have been taken by the patients interviewed thus far in the program, and that vitamin supplementation, particularly vitamin D, is the most common category, followed by cardiovascular medications and mental health medications. Once the interviews are complete, we will be able to estimate the extent of potential medication errors further. Overall, there was a pattern of multiple medications prescribed to patients that exert the same effect or are counteracted by another medication they were already prescribed, meaning we must improve communication among interprofessional teams to improve the patient experience.
Start Time
15-4-2026 9:00 AM
End Time
15-4-2026 12:00 PM
Room Number
Culp Ballroom 316
Poster Number
44
Presentation Type
Poster
Presentation Subtype
Posters - Competitive
Presentation Category
Health
Student Type
Graduate and Professional Degree Students, Residents, Fellows
Faculty Mentor
Kelly Karpa
Bridging the Gap in Medication Management: Using Student-Patient Interviews to Identify Redundant and Counteracting Medications
Culp Ballroom 316
The Patients as Teachers program was established to allow medical and dietitian students to interact with patients in the Johnson City community. It was evident that many patients were overwhelmed or possibly unaware of what their extensive medication lists were actually used for, raising questions about whether a review was needed to assess the necessity and effectiveness of such medications. This study evaluates the various medications of patients partaking in the program to identify any redundancies, interactions, or contraindications that could be missed by a team of providers in the electronic health record. Data was collected via patient interviews conducted by medical and dietitian students. A general medication list was obtained, followed by a comprehensive, qualitative review of the mechanisms, indications, and side effects of the drugs, led by a pharmacist. After the medication review, students submitted a Medication Checklist document highlighting potential medication issues. We collected data from all patients and, based on the number of participants and the number of medications they were taking, identified the number of potential medication-related problems per patient. There were 20 patients in the program, and 15 medication reviews were conducted. It was determined that 113 unique medications have been taken by the patients interviewed thus far in the program, and that vitamin supplementation, particularly vitamin D, is the most common category, followed by cardiovascular medications and mental health medications. Once the interviews are complete, we will be able to estimate the extent of potential medication errors further. Overall, there was a pattern of multiple medications prescribed to patients that exert the same effect or are counteracted by another medication they were already prescribed, meaning we must improve communication among interprofessional teams to improve the patient experience.
