Medication Management Coalition Launched
A number of large organizations involved in healthcare delivery in the U.S. formed a new coalition dedicated to improving the safety of medication use, called The Center for Medication Management. The group is advocating for the use of technology in medication delivery and management, in addition to protocols to improve patient compliance with medications.
Participants in the collaborative cross a variety of perspectives in healthcare; including health insurers represented by Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association and Humana, Incorporated. Representatives from healthcare delivery include the American Academy of Family Physicians and pharmacy groups, the National Community Pharmacists Association and SureScripts. Other participants include Intel Corporation and the Medical Group Management Association. These organizations represent the founding members of the Coalition.
The goal of the collaborative is to further increase the quality, efficiency, and safety of medication management across the drug delivery process. The organization specifically plans to develop best practice guidelines for medication management, both for pharmacies and clinicians, with particular consideration of electronic tools and information sharing. Another area for planned investigation are means to better address and evaluate patient outcomes.
One current project in planning stages will work with the Rand Corporation to examine the benefits of EMRs and e-prescribing tools to improve compliance with medication regimens, the safety of drug products, and control costs for drug management and delivery.
Related story: Health IT Coalition Forms
August 16, 2007 Related topics: Quality, Safety, Errors, Pharmaceuticals