This report examines evidence-based medication safety Quality Improvement (QI) programs and strategies that could be implemented in Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs), particularly with respect to MBQIP Phase 3 Measures.

Key Findings

• Sixteen of eighteen states surveyed have implemented projects which address medication safety in Critical Access Hospitals, and 30% of the 616 CAHs in those states have participated (or are participating) in those projects.
• All states that had implemented medication safety projects reported that the projects were successful in improving medication safety.
• The evidence indicates that Critical Access Hospitals can improve medication safety via five strategies:
  1. maintain adequate pharmacist and nurse staffing,
  2. improve nurses’ workflow,
  3. adopt effective medication reconciliation strategies,
  4. implement appropriate technology (telehealth), and
  5. foster a culture of accountability that values quality improvement.