Transition From Hospital to Home: The Role of the Nurse Case Manager in Promoting Medication Adherence in the Medicare Population

Abstract

Lack of adherence to medication plans is a factor in costly hospital readmissions. Adherence to medication plans in the home care setting in relation to hospital readmission is a major issue among the Medicare population. Nurse case managers are in a key position to provide care after hospital discharge to promote medication adherence and thus reduce the chance of hospital readmission. This article discusses barriers to taking medications as prescribed and directed, the importance of ongoing medication reconciliation at home, and strategies to promote adherence to medication plans.