Improving the Accuracy of Medication Reconciliations for Medicare Advantage Patients at a Primary Care Clinic Using an Interdisciplinary Team

Author

• Sallie MannFollow

Date of Award

Summer 2026

Document Type

DNP Executive Summary

Degree Name

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Department

Nursing

Faculty Chair

Dr. Jessica Lockhart

Preceptor

Dr. Mallory Willis

Abstract

Background: Medication-related problems (MRPs) are a significant and often preventable cause of patient harm, particularly among older adults with complex medication regimens. In primary care settings, inaccurate or incomplete medication reconciliations contribute to adverse drug events, avoidable hospitalizations, increased healthcare costs, and reduced patient satisfaction.

Purpose: The purpose of this Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project was to evaluate whether implementing an interdisciplinary medication reconciliation process using the Medications at Transitions and Clinical Handoffs (MATCH) Toolkit would improve reconciliation accuracy in Medicare Advantage patients aged 65 and older in a primary care clinic.

Project Design: This DNP project used the Six Sigma Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control framework. Kurt Lewin’s Change Theory guided the implementation and sustainability of practice changes through the stages of unfreezing, change, and refreezing.

Results: Implementation of the interdisciplinary approach using the MATCH Toolkit improved the accuracy and completeness of Medicare Advantage patient medication lists. The proportion of completed medication reconciliations increased, reflecting improved adherence to quality standards.

Conclusion: An interdisciplinary, structured approach, such as the MATCH Toolkit, can improve the accuracy of medication reconciliation in primary care settings. Including both pre-visit and in-visit medication reconciliations supported improved clinical outcomes and aligns with quality performance metrics. The interdisciplinary method boosts sustainability, may lower healthcare costs, and help meet national patient care benchmarks.

Recommended Citation

Mann, Sallie, "Improving the Accuracy of Medication Reconciliations for Medicare Advantage Patients at a Primary Care Clinic Using an Interdisciplinary Team" (2026). Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects. 149.
https://digitalcommons.jsu.edu/etds_nursing/149