Utilizing community pharmacy dispensing records to disclose errors in hospital admission drug charts.

Objective: To identify and resolve discrepancies in admission medication histories, utilizing community pharmacy dispensing data, in newly hospitalized patients and investigate the relationship between unresolved discrepancies and length of hospital stay.

Methods: Eligible patients (2 or more chronic conditions, 3 or more chronic medications and aged over 50 years) were randomized to the intervention or control group. Within 24 h of admission, the patient's nominated community pharmacy was contacted, a 6-month dispensing history obtained, patient was interviewed and a current medication list compiled.