New models of chronic kidney disease care including pharmacists: improving medication reconciliation and medication management

Drug stewardship in chronic kidney disease to achieve effective and safe medication use

People living with chronic kidney disease (CKD) often experience multimorbidity and require polypharmacy. Kidney dysfunction can also alter the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of medications, which can modify their risks and benefits; the extent of these changes is not well understood for all situations or medications. The principle of drug stewardship is aimed at maximizing medication safety and effectiveness in a population of patients through a variety of processes including medication reconciliation, medication selection, dose adjustment, monitoring for effectiveness and safety, and discontinuation (deprescribing) when no longer necessary. This Review is aimed at serving as a resource for achieving optimal drug stewardship for patients with CKD. We describe special considerations for medication use during pregnancy and lactation, during acute illness and in patients with cancer, as well as guidance for the responsible use of over-the-counter drugs, herbal remedies, supplements and sick-day rules. We also highlight inequities in medication access worldwide and suggest policies to improve access to quality and essential medications for all persons with CKD. Further strategies to promote drug stewardship include patient education and engagement, the use of digital health tools, shared decision-making and collaboration within interdisciplinary teams. Throughout, we position the person with CKD at the centre of all drug stewardship efforts.

Polypharmacy in chronic kidney disease: Health outcomes & pharmacy-based strategies to mitigate inappropriate polypharmacy

The rising prevalence of comorbidities in an increasingly aging population has sparked a reciprocal rise in polypharmacy. Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) have a greater burden of polypharmacy due to the comorbidities and complications associated with their disease. Polypharmacy in CKD patients has been linked to myriad direct and indirect costs for patients and the society at large. Pharmacists are uniquely positioned within the healthcare team to streamline polypharmacy management in the setting of CKD. In this article, we review the landscape of polypharmacy and examine its impacts through the lens of the ECHO model of Economic, Clinical, and Humanistic Outcomes. We also present strategies for healthcare teams to improve polypharmacy care through comprehensive medication management process that includes medication reconciliation during transitions of care, medication therapy management, and deprescribing. These pharmacist-led interventions have the potential to mitigate adverse outcomes associated with polypharmacy in CKD.

Diabetic Kidney Disease Prevention Care Model Development

More than one-third of people with diabetes develop diabetic kidney disease (DKD), which substantially increases risks of kidney failure, cardiovascular disease (CVD), hypoglycemia, death, and other adverse health outcomes. A multifaceted approach incorporating self-management education, lifestyle optimization, pharmacological intervention, CVD prevention, and psychosocial support is crucial to mitigate the onset and progression of DKD. The American Diabetes Association convened an expert panel to develop the DKD Prevention Model presented herein. This model addresses prevention and treatment, including screening guidelines, diagnostic tools, and management approaches; comprehensive, holistic interventions; well-defined roles for interdisciplinary health care professionals; community engagement; and future directions for research and policy.

Association between inpatient education program for patients with pre-dialysis chronic kidney disease and new-onset cardiovascular disease after initiating dialysis

BACKGROUND

The association between inpatient education programs (IEPs) for patients with pre-dialysis chronic kidney disease (CKD) and new-onset cardiovascular disease (CVD) after initiating dialysis is unclear.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective cohort study between January 1, 2011 and December 31, 2018, evaluating CKD patients who were divided into two groups based on whether or not they participated in IEPs. The primary outcome was a new-onset CVD event after initiating dialysis. Cumulative incidence function was used to describe new-onset CVD considering the competing outcome of death. Additionally, Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate the hazard ratio of new-onset CVD between IEP and non-IEP groups.

RESULTS

Of the 493 patients, 131 (26.6%) patients had participated in IEPs. The IEP group had a significantly longer duration of CKD management by nephrologists (median 142 vs. 115 days, P = 0.007), lower rate of emergency hospital admissions (9.9% vs. 27.1%, P < 0.001), better ability to perform activities of daily living (Grade J; 81.6% vs. 69.1%, P = 0.046), higher rate of pre-placement of permanent vascular access or peritoneal dialysis catheters (82.4% vs. 59.4%, P < 0.001), and a higher serum albumin level at the beginning of dialysis (3.5 ± 0.5 vs. 3.3 ± 0.6 g/dL, P < 0.001). The cumulative incidence of new-onset CVD at three years after initiating dialysis in the IEP and non-IEP groups was 16.9% and 22.5%, respectively. The hazard ratio for new-onset CVD after initiating dialysis in the IEP group was 0.63 (95% CI: 0.41-0.97, P = 0.036).

CONCLUSION

IEPs were associated with a lower rate of new-onset CVD after initiating dialysis.

Pharmacotherapy considerations with finerenone in the treatment of chronic kidney disease associated with type 2 diabetes

PURPOSE

This review provides an overview of the management of chronic kidney disease (CKD) associated with type 2 diabetes (T2D), how the novel treatment class of nonsteroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs) fits within the treatment landscape, and how pharmacists can contribute to the multidisciplinary care of patients with CKD associated with T2D.

SUMMARY

Optimizing pharmacotherapy for patients with CKD associated with T2D is critical to prevent or slow progression to end-stage kidney disease and reduce the incidence of cardiovascular events. However, many patients with CKD receive suboptimal treatment, in part because of the high complexity of care required, a lack of disease recognition among providers and patients, and a failure to utilize new kidney-protective therapies. Finerenone is the first nonsteroidal, selective MRA to be approved by the US Food and Drug Administration and the European Medicines Agency for the treatment of adult patients with CKD associated with T2D. Clinical trials have demonstrated that finerenone significantly reduces the risk of cardiorenal disease progression vs placebo and has a reduced risk of hyperkalemia compared to traditional steroidal MRAs. Initiation of finerenone should follow evaluation of baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate and serum potassium levels. Consideration of potential drug-drug interactions, follow-up monitoring of potassium levels, and coordination of changes in pharmacotherapy across the patient care team are also important.

CONCLUSION

Finerenone is a valuable addition to the treatment landscape for CKD associated with T2D. Through their expertise in -medication -management, transitions of care, and patient education, clinical pharmacists are well positioned to ensure patients receive safe and effective -treatment.

Effect of medication therapy management services on medication-burden quality of life in hemodialysis patients

BACKGROUND

Hemodialysis (HD) patients commonly receive polypharmacy leading to increased likelihood of drug related problems (DRPs) and poor quality of life. Medication Therapy Management (MTM) services discover and resolve DRPs and may specifically improve Medication-burden Quality of life (MBQoL) in HD patients. We aimed to assess the effect of MTM services on DRPs and MBQoL among HD patients.

METHODS

A prospective pre-post study was conducted on 104 patients in an HD unit in Alexandria, Egypt. MBQoL was assessed at baseline and after three months of MTM sessions, using the Arabic, validated version of the Patient Reported Outcomes Measure of Pharmaceutical Therapy (PROMPT) questionnaire. Cohen's d test and multiple linear regression were used to assess the effect size of MTM and the factors affecting MBQoL, respectively. DRPs, adverse events and adherence were also monitored.

RESULTS

MBQoL improved significantly after the implementation of MTM (Cohen's d=0.88, p < 0.01) with the largest effect size in the "medicine information and relation with healthcare providers" domain. DRPs decreased significantly after MTM implementation (11.97 ± 4.65 versus 7.63 ± 3.85 per patient, p<0.001). The mean adverse events per patient were also reduced (9.69 ± 4.12 versus 6.56 ± 3.77, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Applying MTM services presents an opportunity to improve care for HD patients by improving MBQoL, decreasing DRPs and adverse events.

Evaluation of Curricula Content on Kidney Disease in US Doctor of Pharmacy Programs

Objective. Although pharmacists improve outcomes in the care of patients with kidney diseases and current guidelines advocate multidisciplinary care, pharmacist nephrology training is not well described. This study seeks to characterize required and elective coursework within US Doctor of Pharmacy curricula. This information will be valuable in identification and evaluation of educational gaps for pharmacists as best practices in the education and care of kidney diseases for pharmacists are established.Methods. This prospective, cross-sectional, descriptive study assessed current practices and trends in education on kidney diseases within Doctor of Pharmacy curricula at accredited programs in the United States through an electronic survey.Results. Forty-three percent (N=61) of all ACPE-accredited pharmacy institutions were represented in the survey. Content on kidney diseases was found to be taught in both required and elective coursework, and one-third of responding institutions offered advanced pharmacy practice experiences focused on kidney diseases. Variation was found in the amount of time allotted for the teaching of kidney diseases topics in pharmacy curricula and the types of experiential training offered. Six respondents reported offering postgraduate education that focused on kidney diseases. Most respondents were clinical faculty who had completed residency training and board certification.Conclusion. Given the complex interplay between kidney diseases and other health conditions, the increasing incidence and prevalence of kidney diseases, and the potential expansion of pharmacists' roles in the care of patients with kidney diseases, a review of current Doctor of Pharmacy curricula is necessary to guide any future optimization efforts to ensure practice-ready pharmacists.

The effect of pharmacist-led interventions on the management and outcomes in chronic kidney disease (CKD): A systematic review and meta-analysis protocol

Background and Aims

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a progressive condition that results in a decline in kidney function over time. There are several conditions that increase the likelihood of developing CKD, particularly diabetes and hypertension. CKD increases the risk of mortality and has a detrimental impact on quality of life (QoL). Strategies for managing CKD include controlling cardiovascular risk factors and treating complications of CKD. There is an ever-increasing role of pharmacists in managing CKD, from the optimization of risk factors to patient education. However, currently, there is a lack of data on the effect pharmacist-led interventions have on the clinical, economic, and humanistic outcomes.

Methods

This protocol, in adherence to PRISMA-P (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic review and Meta-Analysis Protocols) standards, describes a prospective systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials, where any intervention led by a pharmacist in CKD is used. Comparison groups will consist of usual care or non-pharmacist-led interventions. Literature searches will be conducted in the following databases: MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science. Data pertaining to clinical (e.g., mortality), economic (e.g., healthcare-associated costs), and humanistic (e.g., QoL) outcomes will be extracted. Risk of bias will be assessed using the United States National Heart Lung and Blood Institute quality assessment tool for controlled intervention studies. A meta-analysis will be conducted to synthesize appropriate comparable outcomes.

Results

The findings of this review will be published in a peer-reviewed journal, where the results will be presented in lay language with appropriate infographics online and via social media.

Conclusion

The findings of this review can identify gaps in the literature concerning optimizing pharmacist-led interventions in improving outcomes. In addition, this review will establish the importance of pharmacists in managing CKD patients, and whether this may result in their increased incorporation in multidisciplinary teams.

Pharmaceutical care program for patients with chronic kidney disease in the community pharmacy: Detection of nephrotoxic drugs and dose adjustment. Viability study

INTRODUCTION

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a major health problem. Early detection is the key to reducing morbidity and mortality, but it is difficult because it occurs without symptoms. Diagnosis of CKD is also important to avoid nephrotoxic drugs and to adjust the doses of other medications that may be affected. Pharmacies, due to their proximity to the population, frequency of patient visits, and knowledge of medication use are an ideal location for point-of-care diagnosis or CKD.

OBJECTIVE

To detect and refer to the primary care physician patients with low estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) who use nephrotoxic drugs or who may require a dose adjustment.

METHODOLOGY

Pharmacy users over 60 years of age who agreed to participate were given a creatinine/eGFR test with a point-of-care meter. The eGFR was calculated and if it was less than 60 ml/min/1.73 m2, their medications were evaluated to identify nephrotoxic drugs or drugs that potentially required adjustment. If either were found, they were referred to their doctor for further management.

RESULTS

198 patients were recruited in 4 pharmacies, of which 87 (43.9%) had an eGFR less than 60 ml/min/1.73 m2. They were taking a total of 635 medications. Of these 635 medications, 50 (7.9%) were affected by kidney function. Dose adjustment was recommended in 31 and discontinuation in 19. The primary care doctor accepted the recommendations for 14 medications: dose adjustment for 6 and withdrawal in 8. This represents 2.3% of medications taken by patients with an eGFR less than 60 ml/min/1.73 m2. The 50 medications identified were taken by 29 patients (33.3% of the 87 with a low eGFR) and a change in treatment was generated in 9 patients, representing 4.6% of the total number of patients in the sample, and 10% of the patients with a low eGFR.

CONCLUSION

Point-of-care testing for kidney function in a pharmacy setting is feasible and identifies a significant number of patients with eGFR under 60 ml/min/1.73 m2. It also allows for appropriate medication management recommendations in this patient group.

Application and implementation of telehealth services designed for the elderly population during the COVID-19 pandemic: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Telehealth has many benefits, in routine care and especially during times of epidemics in which restrictions to direct patient/healthcare-provider interaction exist.

OBJECTIVE

To explore the availability, application, and implementation of telehealth services during the Covid-19 era, designed for the aged population (age 65 and more).

METHODS

This systematic review/analysis was conducted by searching the most popular databases including PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science. We included studies that clearly defined any use of telemedicine services in any aspect of healthcare during the COVID-19 pandemic, aimed at the elderly population, published in peer-reviewed journals. We independently assessed search results, extracted the relevant studies, and assessed their quality.

RESULTS

3225 articles were identified after removing duplicates. After reading the full texts of 40 articles, 11 articles were finally included. Among the telehealth services, there were services aimed for triage and control during the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, remote monitoring and treatment, follow-ups online meetings for patients residing in health centers, and application of online services.

CONCLUSIONS

Although the elderly population may benefit the most from telehealth services, especially during pandemics and social distancing restrictions, not enough services were developed and implemented to satisfy the needs of this population.

Kidney Disease Management in the Hospital Setting: A Focus on Inappropriate Drug Prescriptions in Older Patients

Aging with multimorbidity and polytherapy are the most significant factors that could led to inappropriate prescribing of contraindicated medications in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). The aim of this study was to evaluate the prescriptions of contraindicated drugs in older adults in CKD and to identify their associated factors in a hospital context. An observational retrospective study was carried out considering all patients ≥65 years with at least one serum creatinine value recorded into the REPOSI register into 2010-2016 period. The estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was applied to identify CKD. A descriptive analysis was performed to compare demographic and clinical characteristics; logistic regression models were used to estimate factors of inappropriate and percentage changes of drug use during hospitalization. A total of 4,713 hospitalized patients were recorded, of which 49.8% had an eGFR <60 ml/min/1.73 m²; the 21.9% were in treatment with at least one inappropriate drug at the time of hospital admission with a decrease of 3.0% at discharge (p = 0.010). The probability of using at least one contraindicated drug was significantly higher in patients treated with more several drugs (OR 1.21, 95% CI 1.16-1.25, p <0.001) and with CKD end-stages (G4: 16.90, 11.38-25.12, p < 0.001; G5: 19.38, 11.51-32.64, p < 0.001). Low-dose acetylsalicylic acid was the contraindicated drug mainly used at the time of admission, reducing 1.2% at discharge. An overall increase in therapeutic appropriateness in hospitalized older patients with CKD was observed, despite a small percentage of therapeutic inappropriateness at discharge that underlines the need for a closer collaboration with the pharmacologist to improve the drug management.

Medicines optimization for patients with chronic kidney disease in the outpatient setting: the role of the clinical pharmacist

OBJECTIVES

Medicines optimization (MO) in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is at high risk at transition points of different ambulatory care levels such as nephrologists in outpatient clinics and general practitioners (GPs). We examined if adding a clinical pharmacist to the therapeutic team promotes implementation of nephrologists' drug therapy recommendations by GPs' and reduces drug-related problems (DRPs).

METHODS

A prospective, controlled intervention study was conducted in the nephrology outpatient clinic of the Klinikum Fulda, Germany. The control and intervention phases took place successively. Patients with CKD stage 3-5 and at least one concomitant disease, for example, arterial hypertension or type-2 diabetes were recruited consecutively in three subgroups (naive, 1 contact, ≥2 contacts with nephrologist) from June 2015 to May 2019. GPs' acceptance and frequency of DRPs without (control group [CG]) and with (intervention group [IG]) pharmacist's interventions were compared after 6 months. Interventions include educational training events for GPs between control- and intervention phase, medication therapy management and pharmaceutical patient counselling.

KEY FINDINGS

In total, 256 patients (CG = 160, IG = 96) were recruited into the study. GPs' acceptance of nephrologists' medication recommendations increased significantly among naive patients and those with one prior contact with the nephrologist (CG/IG: naive = 72.8%/95.5%, 1 contact = 81.1%/94.4%; P < 0.001). DRPs per patient were significantly reduced in all subgroups (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Interdisciplinary collaboration between the nephrologist, GPs and clinical pharmacist resulted in better MO for patients with CKD.

Implementation of a Clinical Pharmacist in a Hemodialysis Facility: A Quality Improvement Report

Rationale & Objective

Hemodialysis (HD) patients have complicated disease states, placing them at higher risk for medication-related problems, medication discrepancies, and nonadherence. The objective of this study is to evaluate the impact of a clinical pharmacist in a single HD facility by assessing the efficacy of medication reconciliation in HD patients and evaluating the potential impact on a single health care system.

Study Design

Retrospective study.

Setting & Participants

Greenfield Health Systems, a wholly owned subsidiary of Henry Ford Health System, operates 14 HD facilities throughout Southeast Michigan. The West Pavilion facility is located in Detroit, MI. Patients with end-stage kidney disease included in the study had a minimum of 4 encounters with the clinical pharmacist or pharmacy interns between August 2017 and October 2018.

Exposure

A clinical pharmacist performed medication reconciliation and medication reviews with HD patients to assess medication-related problems and identify gaps in care. Interventions made by the pharmacist were prespecified through a collaborative practice agreement.

Outcomes

To evaluate the impact of a clinical pharmacist in an HD facility by assessing the efficacy of medication reconciliation in HD patients and evaluating the potential impact on this health system through an estimated cost avoidance.

Analytical Approach

Descriptive statistics were used to collect medication-related problems and classified based on a modified Hepler-Strand approach.

Results

There were 1,403 medication-related problems, with an average of 8.96 medication-related problems per patient. Adherence was the most common medication-related problem (31%). Antihypertensive medication was the most common drug class in which the pharmacist intervened (37%), followed by vitamin D analogues and calcimimetics (29%). A projected total of US $447,355 was saved.

Limitations

Retrospective analysis of observational data and descriptive statistics with the potential for residual bias and confounding.

Conclusions

Pharmacists in HD facilities have a positive influence on HD patients through medication management that results in cost savings.

Impact of pharmacist-led medication therapy management in ambulatory elderly patients with chronic diseases

AIMS

This study aimed to assess the impact of pharmacist-led medication therapy management (MTM) performed on ambulatory elderly patients with chronic diseases.

METHODS

Patients who came to a pharmacist-led outpatient clinic between January 2016 and June 2018 were enrolled in this study. Eligible subjects received MTM services from the pharmacists at least twice a year and the clinical data of these patients were complete. Drug-related problems (DRPs) and recommendations were evaluated using The Pharmaceutical Care Network Europe Classification for Drug related problems V8.03.

RESULTS

A total of 525 DRPs were identified during the study period. Treatment effectiveness (53.71%) was the most common DRP. The most frequently recommended intervention was changing the drug (48.76%). There were 92.38% patients accepting the interventions and 90.48% patients completely implemented. The number of drugs taken was the significant associated factor for DRPs. Postintervention data collection showed lower levels in systolic blood pressure (BP) and diastolic BP compared to the preintervention data collection. There were statistically significant changes in total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides between the pre- and postintervention data collections. The average cost of medications per patient for every month decreased from 387.72 to 355.17 renminbi (P = .009).

CONCLUSION

We confirmed that pharmacists had a valuable role to perform MTM services for ambulatory elderly patients, not only in identifying and solving the DRPs, but also in improving clinical outcomes (BP and lipid level) and cost-saving effect.

Pharmacist impact on medication dosing and billable coding accuracy in outpatients with chronic kidney disease

BACKGROUND

Ambulatory care pharmacists can enhance economic and clinical outcomes as part of interdisciplinary health care teams. Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) often have complex medication regimens, potentially resulting in dosing errors and drug interactions.

OBJECTIVE

To demonstrate the impact that clinic-based pharmacists may have in populations comprising ambulatory patients with CKD.

PRACTICE DESCRIPTION

Community-owned, not-for-profit health system with outpatient, primary, and specialty care clinics.

PRACTICE INNOVATION

This quality-assurance, cohort, interventional study included patients aged at least 18 years with a CKD- or end-stage renal disease-associated diagnosis code seen by a clinic primary care provider at least once between January and June 2019. Primary outcomes included the number of medications requiring pharmacist intervention, pharmacist-initiated recommendations, and associated outcomes.

EVALUATION METHODS

Patients were randomly assigned to 2 cohorts. Providers of patients in the proactive pharmacist intervention group were notified of pharmacist recommendations immediately after initial data collection. Providers of patients in the group undergoing usual care (control group) were notified of identified medication recommendations after a 3-month period of usual care. Demographics were assessed using descriptive statistics. Differences in CKD staging, number of recommendations made, and provider responses were assessed using the chi-square, Fisher exact, and Mann-Whitney U tests.

RESULTS

A total of 182 patients were eligible for inclusion. In the intervention group, 22.1% of patients were identified as having inappropriately dosed medications versus 19.5% in the control group. In the intervention group, 46 of the 95 patients (48.4%) had an inaccurate CKD stage documented compared with 48 of the 87 patients (55.2%) in the control group (P = 0.772). The rate of pharmacist recommendation rejection substantially decreased between the intervention and control groups' provider responses (24% to 11.8%).

CONCLUSION

Pharmacist-initiated recommendations resulted in the identification and resolution of medication-dosing errors and improved collaboration between providers and pharmacists.

Rapid Integration of Home Telehealth Visits Amidst COVID-19: What Do Older Adults Need to Succeed?

OBJECTIVE

Our objective was to identify and address patient-perceived barriers to integrating home telehealth visits.

DESIGN

We used an exploratory sequential mixed-methods design to conduct patient needs assessments, a home telehealth pilot, and formative evaluation of the pilot.

SETTING

Veterans Affairs geriatrics-renal clinic.

PARTICIPANTS

Patients with scheduled clinic visits from October 2019 to April 2020.

MEASUREMENTS

We conducted an in-person needs assessment and telephone postvisit interviews.

RESULTS

Through 50 needs assessments, we identified patient-perceived barriers in interest, access to care, access to technology, and confidence. A total of 34 (68%) patients were interested in completing a home telehealth visit, but fewer (32 (64%)) had access to the necessary technology or were confident (21 (42%)) that they could participate. We categorized patients into four phenotypes based on their interest and capability to complete a home telehealth visit: interested and capable, interested and incapable, uninterested and capable, and uninterested and incapable. These phenotypes allowed us to create trainings to overcome patient-perceived barriers. We completed 32 home telehealth visits and 12 postvisit interviews. Our formative evaluation showed that our pilot was successful in addressing many patient-perceived barriers. All interviewees reported that the home telehealth visits improved their well-being. Home telehealth visits saved participants an average of 166 minutes of commute time. Five participants borrowed a device from a family member, and five visits were finished via telephone. All participants successfully completed a home telehealth visit.

CONCLUSIONS

We identified patient-perceived barriers to home telehealth visits and classified patients into four phenotypes based on these barriers. Using principles of implementation science, our home telehealth pilot addressed these barriers, and all patients successfully completed a visit. Future study is needed to understand methods to deploy larger-scale efforts to integrate home telehealth visits into the care of older adults.

[Cross-cultural adaptation of the PAIR instrument: Pharmacotherapy Assessment in Chronic Renal Disease for application in Brazil]

Individuals suffering from chronic kidney disease (CKD) are often on multiple medications, which exposes them to drug-related problems (DRP). There are no available tools in Brazil to assess the pharmacotherapy and management of DRPs systematically in this population. The scope of this study was to perform a cross-cultural adaptation of PAIR criteria (Pharmacotherapy Assessment in Chronic Renal Disease) to Brazilian Portuguese. PAIR criteria consist of 50 DRP clinically significant items for CKD. The process of cross-cultural adaptation involved translation, synthesis, back-translation, and an analysis by an expert committee as well as a pre-test of the first draft document. A review committee consisting of 2 pharmacists and 2 nephrologists analyzed the semantic, linguistic, experiential, and conceptual equivalence between the original and translated versions. All items that obtained a score below 80% were reviewed. Word adjustments were made, as well as the exclusion of 6 DRP due to non-applicability to the Brazilian context. Thus, the final version of PAIR defined as "Avaliação da farmacoterapia na doença renal crônica" was translated and adapted into the Brazilian Portuguese language.

Pharmacotherapy assessment in chronic kidney disease: validation of the PAIR instrument for use in Brazil

Individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD) use polypharmacy, which, in combination with renal impairment, exposes them to the risk of drug-related problems (DRPs). There are no available tools in Brazil to systematically assess the pharmacotherapy and management of DRPs in this population. Therefore, the objective of this work was to validate the PAIR instrument (Pharmacotherapy Assessment in Chronic Renal Disease) for use in Brazilian Portuguese. This is a retrospective longitudinal observational study. Medical records from 100 CKD patients under conservative treatment, between 2016 and 2017, in a nephrology clinic, were analyzed. PAIR was applied by pharmacists in two consultations of the same patient, with an interval of 6 months. Reliability, conceptual validity, responsiveness of the instrument and prevalence of DRPs in the studied sample were assessed. A mean of 1.26 ± 0.96 DRPs/patient was identified. Inter-rater reliability coefficients (k) ranged from 0.58 to 0.94 and from 0.79 to 1.00 for test-retest, revealing moderate to perfect level of agreement. In conceptual validity, a mean of 1.60 ± 1.24 DRPs/patient was identified by the nephrologist through clinical judgment, compared to 1.33±0.76 DRPs/patient identified by the pharmacist using PAIR (p = 0.07). Therefore PAIR allowed the identification of clinically significant DRPs. In responsiveness, a mean of 1.26 ± 0.96 DRPs/patient was identified at the first consultation and 1.11 ± 1.02 DRPs/patient at the subsequent consultation (p = 0.17) by the pharmacist using PAIR. The number of DRPs between the periods did not change. As a conclusion, the PAIR allowed the identification of clinically significant DRPs in CKD, constituting a new validated instrument to be used in Brazil.

Characterization of drug-related problems and associated factors in ambulatory patients in China

WHAT IS KNOWN AND OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and the type of drug-related problems (DRPs) in ambulatory patients and identify factors that may be associated with risk of DRPs.

METHODS

Consecutive patients were enrolled from pharmacist outpatient clinics between January 2018 and June 2019. The pharmacists performed a comprehensive assessment of the patient's drug therapy. The DRPs and recommendations were evaluated using the DOCUMENT classification system.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

The study population consisted of 248 patients with a mean age of 72.55 ± 6.29. The patients had a mean of 7.55 ± 4.72 ongoing medications during patients' routine clinic visits. A total of 1188 DRPs were identified during the study period. An average of 4.79 DRPs per patient was detected. Sixty-two different traditional Chinese patent medicines (TCPMs) contributed to 102 DRPs. Drug selection (24.9%) was the most common DRP followed by under treated (24.2%) and monitoring needed (24.2%). The number of medications taken was the significant factor for DRPs. Pharmacists made 1092 recommendations to address the DRPs (an average 0.92 recommendations per DRP). A change in therapy was the most common recommendation (43.6%), followed by the category 'monitoring' (28.6%). The overall acceptance rate of clinical pharmacist recommendations was 88.7%. More than a half (51.6%) of all interventions were assigned a moderate level of clinical significance.

WHAT IS NEW AND CONCLUSION

Drug-related problems were commonly observed among ambulatory Chinese patients. Clinical pharmacists had a valuable role to play in identifying and solving the DRPs.

Evaluation of the use of erythropoietin-stimulating agents in a hospital setting to assess the necessity of a protocol-driven anemia management service

Erythropoietin-stimulating agents (ESA) have revolutionized the management of anemia. However, these agents are not always utilized with proper monitoring parameters, which can present significant safety concerns, unwarranted drug expenditures, and decreased ESA efficacy. This retrospective study assessed the utilization of all ESAs in non-intensive care unit hospitalized patients at a large academic medical center from August 18, 2018, to August 31, 2018, using established guideline-based assessment criteria. Among the 167 doses of ESA evaluated, 86% (n = 144) were utilized in accordance with guideline-based assessment criteria regarding laboratory monitoring of iron studies. However, 24% (n = 40) of ESA doses were administered to patients with active, untreated iron deficiency at the time of administration. Although most ESA doses were utilized in accordance with the guideline-based criteria, interventions can be implemented to further improve anemia treatment. Implementing a protocol-driven anemia management service is one strategy that can improve patient care, advance patient safety, and be cost-beneficial.

Pharmacist-led medication reviews in pre-dialysis and dialysis patients

BACKGROUND

Pre-dialysis and dialysis patients are at risk for drug related problems (DRPs) due to a high incidence of comorbidities. Pharmacist-led medication reviews might reduce the number of DRPs.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to evaluate pharmacist-led medication reviews in pre-dialysis and dialysis patients by determining the number and type of DRPs, nephrologist acceptance of pharmacist interventions and time investment.

METHODS

From September 2017 until December 2018, pharmacist-led medication reviews were performed on pre-dialysis and dialysis patients. DRPs (medication discrepancies, prescribing issues related to drug and dose selection, drug use problems) were identified using the pharmacists' expert opinion and the STOPP/START criteria. Number and type of accepted pharmacist interventions, sustainability of interventions after at least 1 month and time investment were determined. Practical barriers in the process were appraised.

RESULTS

One-hundred twenty five patients were reviewed: 37 pre-dialysis and 88 dialysis patients. In 100 (80%) patients 277 medication discrepancies were identified of which 224 (81%) were accepted by the nephrologist. Pharmacists suggested 422 interventions concerning drug or dose selection for 115 patients; 106 interventions were accepted by the nephrologist, which resulted in 60 patients having medication changed. Ninety percent of those changes remained implemented on follow-up after at least 1 month. In 46 (37%) patients, the clinical pharmacist detected DRPs concerning the drug use process and performed patient counseling. The average time investment was 85 min per patient for the clinical pharmacist and 15 min for the nephrologist. Besides time investment, unclear responsibility for medication management due to multiple prescribers was an important barrier in the process and the main reason for nephrologists to reject pharmacist interventions.

CONCLUSION

Pharmacist-led medication reviews in pre-dialysis and dialysis patients led to medication changes in half of the patients. However, efficiency should be improved before adopting pharmacist-led medication reviews into clinical practice.

Patient-centered Pharmacist Care in the Hemodialysis Unit: a quasi-experimental interrupted time series study

BACKGROUND

Nonadherence to medications by patients requiring hemodialysis (HD) leads to unfavorable clinical outcomes. Limited data exist to demonstrate the effect of incorporating patient-centered interventions using concepts of medication therapy management and motivational interview by pharmacists on pharmacoadherence in patients requiring HD. Therefore, we assessed the impact of patient-centered pharmacist care on pharmacoadherence and its outcomes in patients requiring HD.

METHODS

Adult patients who had received outpatient HD for at least 3 months were enrolled. The study was conducted from October 2016 to April 2017. Pharmacists interviewed the patients at month 1, 2, 4 and 6, and the intervention (comprehensive review) occurred at months 3 and 5. The primary outcome was the change in pharmacoadherence as assessed by pre-HD serum phosphate levels and the differences in the number of medications between patient' self-report and medications records at the electronic healthcare records (EHRs). The secondary outcomes included changes in systolic blood pressure (SBP), glycosylated hemoglobin levels, serum low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels, and the prevalence and types of medication-related problems (MRPs).

RESULTS

Seventy-two patients were enrolled. Their median age was 59 (interquartile range: 47-67.5) years, and 53% were men. Pre- and post-intervention pharmacoadherence, as indicated by serum phosphate levels and the differences in the number of medications between patient' self-report and the medication records at the EHRs, did not significantly differ (p = 0.682 and 0.348, respectively). Mean SBP and mean LDL did not significantly change post-intervention. The median number of MRPs declined between Months 3 and 5 (p = 0.002): the prevalence of MRPs at Month 3 was 44.9% (95 confidence interval [CI]: 40.4-49.3) and decreased to 29.8% (95 CI: 25.6-34.3) at Month 5. Drug use without indication was the most frequent MRP (23.9%).

CONCLUSIONS

Patient-centered pharmacist care did not result in significant changes in pharmacoadherence. However, its clinical utility as a tool to identify and mitigate MRPs in patients requiring HD is indisputable.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03576404 (retrospectively registered on July 3rd, 2018).

Drug-Related Problems and Associated Factors among Patients Admitted with Chronic Kidney Disease at Jimma University Medical Center, Jimma Zone, Jimma, Southwest Ethiopia: A Hospital-Based Prospective Observational Study

Background

There is an alarming rise of chronic kidney disease prevalence globally associated with significant morbidity and mortality necessitating special attention as one of the major growing public health problems. Medication-related problems are common in hospitalized patients including chronic kidney disease and may lead to increase hospital stay and health care cost and augment the risk of morbidity and mortality.

Objective

To determine prevalence of medication-related problems and associated factors among chronic kidney disease patients admitted to Jimma University Medical Center from April to September 2018.

Methods

A hospital-based prospective observational study was conducted among 103 chronic kidney disease patients admitted to Jimma University Medical Center from April to September 2018. Data regarding patient characteristics, medications, diagnosis, length of hospitalization, and laboratory results were collected through review of patients' medical charts. Data were analyzed by using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21.0. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression was utilized to assess the associations between dependent and independent variables. Statistical significance was considered at p value <0.05.

Results

Out of 103 chronic kidney disease patients, 81 (78.6%) of patients had MDRs, on average 1.94 ± 0.873 per patient. The rate of overall MRPs was 30.95 per 100 medication orders. The most common MRPs among CKD patients were need additional drug therapy (62 (31%)), nonadherence (40 (20%)), and dose too low (36 (18%)). The most common cause of need additional drug therapy (52 (26%)) was untreated medical conditions; nonadherence (19 (9.5%)) was mostly due to that the patient/caregiver forgets to take/give the medication, and dose too low (29 (14.5%)) was mostly due to that the dose is too low to produce the desired response. Polypharmacy (AOR = 4.695, 95% CI: 1.370-16.091), number of comorbidities (AOR = 3.616, 95% CI: 1.015-1.8741), and stage of CKD (AOR = 3.941, 95% CI: 1.221-12.715) were independent predictors for MRPs.

Conclusions

We have demonstrated that medication-related problems are high among chronic kidney disease patients. Marital statuses, stage of CKD, polypharmacy, and comorbidity were independent predictors for MRPs. Interdisciplinary health professionals should work to decrease the high prevalence of MRPs among chronic kidney disease patients.

The missing piece: Clinical pharmacists enhancing the interprofessional nephrology clinic model

OBJECTIVES

To embed pharmacy residents in an interprofessional nephrology clinic to conduct medication reconciliation in targeted high-risk patients with nondialysis kidney disease.

SETTING

This pilot was a prospective quality improvement initiative conducted in an interprofessional outpatient nephrology clinic.

PRACTICE DESCRIPTION

The nephrology clinic team includes nephrology providers, a social worker, and a geriatrician. The team is responsible for the management of conditions such as nondialysis kidney disease, resistant hypertension, acute kidney injury, proteinuria, and nephropathy.

EVALUATION

Primary outcomes included the number and type of medication discrepancies and drug therapy problems identified. Secondary outcomes included the changes in care process directly resulting from the pharmacy residents' recommendations. The perceived value of the pharmacy residents to the interprofessional team was assessed through postintervention anonymous surveys and semistructured interviews.

RESULTS

The pharmacy residents conducted 118 visits for 87 unique patients (mean age 73 years, 97% male) with nondialysis kidney disease (89% stages III-V), polypharmacy (87% of patients taking > 10 medications), and a heavy comorbidity burden (85% hypertension, 80% dyslipidemia, 59% diabetes mellitus type II) from January to October 2017. Pharmacists identified 344 medication discrepancies and 301 drug therapy problems, resulting in 398 changes in care process. The most frequently identified discrepancies and drug therapy problems were the omission of an active medication from the medication list (86 of 344 discrepancies, 25%) and potentially inappropriate medications (106 of 301 drug therapy problems, 35%). Pharmacists recommended 228 medication changes, provided 76 adherence devices, facilitated 24 consults or referrals, and communicated with the primary care team on 70 occasions. The interprofessional team members all strongly agreed that patients and the team benefited from the pharmacists' involvement.

CONCLUSION

Pharmacy resident-led medication reconciliation resulted in the identification and resolution of medication discrepancies and drug therapy problems, leading to changes in the care process.

A Chinese and Western medication adherence scale in patients with Chronic Kidney Disease

OBJECTIVE

The self-reported scale is a widely used method to assess patients' medication adherence in clinical practice, but there is still a lack of medicine adherence measurement scale for patients with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). Therefore, this study aimed to develop a medication adherence measurement scale of traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine, providing a tool for evaluating medicine adherence of CKD patients.

METHODS

In the preliminary stage, we formed the prediction scale after three rounds Delphi method and it was filled by 20 patients, who were selected randomly. After pre-investigation and language adaption, we adjusted the prediction measurement scale which included 31 items based on Knowledge-Attitude-Belief Theory. Then, 222 CKD patients in Guangdong Hospital of traditional Chinese Medicine were investigated by this 31-item scale. We screened 31 items by Items analysis theory, including critical ratio, item correlation analysis, internal consistency analysis, principal component analysis and other methods. The left 26 items made up a formal scale. We collected and analyzed data of the 26-item scale and Chinese version of MGL scale, and took their scores correlation analysis as the criterion validity of the 26-item scale. At the same time, we evaluated content validity, Cronbach alpha coefficient and retest reliability of the 26-item scale.

RESULTS

We developed a scale with 26 items and 5 dimensions finally. In the validation analysis, the scale had good construct validity and content validity. The Pearson relation index between respective scores of the scale and Chinese version of MGL scale was 0.426, P<0.01. The scale also had good reliability as its 0.915 in Cronbach alpha, 0.753 in retest reliability and P<0.01.

CONCLUSION

The scale revealed great reliability and validity, which could be used as a measurement tool to evaluate the medication adherence of patients with CKD.

Dietitians can improve accuracy of prescribing by interacting with electronic prescribing systems

Background

Dietitians increasingly interact with electronic health records (EHRs) and use them to alert prescribers to medication inaccuracies.

Objective

To understand renal dietitians’ use of electronic prescribing systems and influence on medication accuracy in inpatients. In outpatients to determine whether renal dietitians’ use of the electronic medication recording might improve accuracy.

Methods

In inpatients we studied the impact of dietetic advice on medical prescribing before and after moving from paper recommendations to ePrescribing. In outpatients, when dietitians recommended changes in dialysis units, we assessed the time to patients receiving the new medications. We trained dietitians to use the ePrescribing system and assessed accuracy of medication lists at the start and end of the study period.

Results

Inpatients: before the use of EHRs, 25% of proposals were carried out and took an average of 20 days. This rose to 38% using an EHR and took an average of 4 days.

Outpatients: in dialysis units dietitians recommend initiating and stopping medications and advise on repeat medications. Most recommendations were during multidisciplinary team (MDT) meetings; the average time to receive medications was 10 days. Drug histories updated by dietitians increased after the start of the study and accuracy of medication lists improved from 2.4 discrepancies/patient to 0.4.

Conclusion

Dietitians can make medication suggestions directly using EHR, delivering more timely change to patient care and improving accuracy of patients’ medication lists. Allowing the whole of the MDT to contribute to the EHR improves data completeness and therefore patient care is likely to be enhanced.

Management of pharmacotherapy-related problems in acute coronary syndrome: Role of clinical pharmacist in cardiac rehabilitation unit

Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide and negatively impacts healthcare costs, productivity and quality of life. Polymorbidity and polypharmacy predispose ACS patients to medication discrepancies between cardiologist-prescribed medication and drug use by the patient, drug-related problems (DRPs) and inadequate drug adherence. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of clinical pharmacist-provided services on the outcome of ACS patients. This was a prospective, randomized, controlled study on ACS patients participating in a cardiac rehabilitation programme. Forty ACS patients were randomly assigned to either control group, who received standard medical care, or intervention group, who received standard medical care plus clinical pharmacist-provided services. Services included DRP management, clinical assessment and enforcing the patient education and adherence. For both groups, the following were assessed at baseline and after 3 months: DRPs, adherence (assessed by 8-item Morisky Adherence Questionnaire), patient's knowledge (assessed by Coronary Artery Disease Questionnaire), 36-Short Form Health Survey (SF-36), heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), total cholesterol (TC) and fasting blood glucose (FBG). After 3 months, there was a significant difference between the intervention and control groups in the per cent change of DRPs (median: -100 vs 5.882, P = 0.0001), patient's adherence score (median: 39.13 vs -14.58, P = 0.0001), knowledge score (median: 30.28 vs -5.196, P = 0.0001), SF-36 scores, heart rate (mean: -10.04 vs 6.791, P = 0.0001), diastolic blood pressure (mean: -17.87 vs 10.45, P = 0.0001), systolic blood pressure (mean: -16.22 vs 4.751, P = 0.0001), LDL (median: -25.73 vs -0.2538, P = 0.0071), TC (median: -14.62 vs 4.123, P = 0.0005) and FBG (median: -11.42 vs 5.422, P = 0.0098). Clinical pharmacists can play an important role as part of a cardiac rehabilitation team through patient education and interventions to minimize DRPs.

Medication Safety Principles and Practice in CKD

Ensuring patient safety is a priority of medical care because iatrogenic injury has been a primary concern. Medications are an important source of medical errors, and kidney disease is a thoroughfare of factors threatening safe administration of medicines. Principal among these is reduced kidney function because almost half of all medications used are eliminated via the kidney. Additionally, kidney patients often suffer from multimorbidity, including diabetes, hypertension, and heart failure, with a range of prescribers who often do not coordinate treatments. Patients with kidney disease are also susceptible to further kidney injury and metabolic derangements from medications, which can worsen the disease. In this review, we will present the key issues and threats to safe medication use in kidney disease, with a focus on predialysis CKD, as the scope of medication safety in ESKD and transplantation are unique and deserve their own consideration. We discuss drugs that need to be avoided or dose modified, and review the complications of a range of medications routinely administered in CKD, as these also call for cautious use.

Optimal Use of Ganciclovir and Valganciclovir in Transplanted Patients: How Does It Relate to the Outcome?

Objective

Organ transplant recipients receive immunosuppressive regimens to prevent transplant rejection, which put them at increased risk for opportunistic infections like cytomegalovirus (CMV). Ganciclovir and Valganciclovir are mostly used to prevent or treat CMV. Any incorrect use of the drug may have serious consequences for patients. In this study, the outcome of transplant recipients was assessed in relation to the optimal or suboptimal use of Ganciclovir or Valganciclovir.

Methods

This study was performed on 148 hospitalized patients who received Ganciclovir or Valganciclovir in the nephrology and kidney transplantation departments of our university hospitals, from March 2012 to December 2016. Patients' demographic and clinical data including dose and duration of treatment were collected and then analyzed in comparison with the standard CMV treatment protocols.

Findings

About 94.6% of patients received Ganciclovir or Valganciclovir therapy consistent with the standard defined indications. The mean ratio of prescribed daily dose to the optimal dose was 2.9 in the first dose, 2.0 in the second dose, 1.3 in the third dose, and 1.5 in the fourth dose. From 148 included patients, 26.5% experienced CMV infection once, 7.2% experienced CMV infection twice, and 1.2% had CMV infection for 3 times, within six-month follow-up after first episode of antiviral therapy during hospitalization.

Conclusion

In this study, empiric anti-CMV therapy was initially given. The doses used were generally higher than recommended but we could not find more adverse events in the patients receiving high initial doses. In any case, it seems necessary to advocate use of standard treatment guidelines to avoid adverse outcomes.

Prevalence and Management of Drug-Related Problems in Chronic Kidney Disease Patients by Severity Level: A Subanalysis of a Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial in Community Pharmacies

BACKGROUND

Drug-related problems (DRPs) are prevalent among chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. However, little is known about their severity and management by community pharmacists.

OBJECTIVES

To (a) describe the prevalence of DRPs by severity level in CKD patients and (b) assess the effect of a training-and-communication network program in nephrology (ProFiL) on these DRPs.

METHODS

This is a secondary analysis of a cluster randomized controlled trial evaluating the effect of the ProFiL-program. In 6 CKD clinics, patients at CKD stage 3 or 4 and their community pharmacists were recruited and assigned to the ProFiL group or a usual care (UC) group. Using validated criteria, 2 pharmacists identified DRPs and assessed their severity at baseline and after 12 months. The mean annual change in the number of DRPs per patient by severity level was assessed using a 2-level multivariable linear mixed-effects model.

RESULTS

A total of 494 pharmacists and 442 patients participated. At baseline, the prevalence (mean number of DRPs per patient [SD]) of mild DRPs (e.g., requiring dosage adjustment) and moderate DRPs (e.g., drug adherence requiring a monitoring plan) were 0.55 (0.98) and 1.04 (1.51), respectively. After 12 months, an unadjusted incremental annual reduction of 0.34 moderate DRPs (95% CI = -0.66 to -0.01) was observed in the ProFiL group compared with the UC group. After adjustment, no between-group differences were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Among patients followed in CKD clinics, most DRPs have a moderate severity requiring specific monitoring by pharmacists. The benefit of continuing education programs, such as ProFiL, to reduce moderate DRPs remains to be determined.

DISCLOSURES

This study was supported by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (grant number: MOP-230207). Part of the study was also funded by Pfizer Canada, Leo Pharma, and Amgen. The authors declare that they have no relevant financial interests. Study concept and design were contributed by Quintana-Bárcena, Lord, and Lalonde. Quintana-Bárcena, Lord, and Lizotte were responsible for the data analysis, and Quintana-Bárcena and Berbiche performed the statistical analysis. The manuscript was written by Quintana-Bárcena and Lalonde and revised by Quintana-Bárcena and Lalonde, along with the other authors.

Medical safety in the care of the person with end-stage kidney disease

Much is written about medical safety as it pertains to patients with chronic kidney disease, yet the transition to end-stage kidney disease and processes inherent to the receipt of dialysis present unique safety challenges in this population. Educational efforts in medical safety need to focus on the areas of greatest threat and where intervention can provide the greatest benefit. This study addresses such safety topics in the dialysis population and identifies potential strategies that may aid in harm reduction.

Pharmacist-based antihypertensive medication review and assignment of morning versus evening dosing of once-daily antihypertensive medications: A pilot study to assess feasibility and efficacy in chronic kidney disease patients

Evening dosing of antihypertensive medications lowers nighttime blood pressure, and in one large randomized trial, it reduced the risk for cardiovascular outcomes. However, the feasibility of nighttime dosing in routine clinical practice is unknown. The purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate the effect of a brief pharmacist intervention to assign patients to take antihypertensive medications at specific times of the day. In this pilot, randomized controlled trial, 79 patients with moderate to severe chronic kidney disease (CKD) taking one or more antihypertensive medications once daily were randomized to take one once-daily antihypertensive either in the morning or in the evening. A total of 79 patients were randomized (39 to morning dosing, 40 to evening dosing). Average (SD) age was 56.5 (14) years, 68% were male, and average (SD) estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was 36.6 (8.9) mL/min/1.73m². Adherence, defined as taking the once-daily medication at the time indicated six or seven times in the last 7 days and not taking it at any other time during the day, was 91% in the morning arm and 95% in the evening arm (p = 0.57). This pilot demonstrates the feasibility and efficacy of a pharmacist-physician collaborative to assign once-daily antihypertensive medications to either morning or evening dosing.

Current State and Future Trends to Optimize the Care of Chronic Kidney Disease in African Americans

BACKGROUND

African Americans (AAs) suffer the widest gaps in chronic kidney disease (CKD) outcomes compared to Caucasian Americans (CAs) and this is because of the disparities that exist in both health and healthcare. In fact, the prevalence of CKD is 3.5 times higher in AAs compared to CAs. The disparities exist at all stages of CKD. Importantly, AAs are 10 times more likely to develop hypertension-related kidney failure and 3 times more likely to progress to kidney failure compared to CAs.

SUMMARY

Several factors contribute to these disparities including genetic and social determinants, late referrals, poor care coordination, medication adherence, and low recruitment in clinical trials. Key Messages: The development and implementation of CKD-related evidence-based approaches, such as clinical and social determinant assessment tools for medical interventions, more widespread outreach programs, strategies to improve medication adherence, safe and effective pharmacological treatments to control or eliminate CKD, as well as the use of health information technology, and patient-engagement programs for improved CKD outcomes may help to positively impact these disparities among AAs.

What is involved in medicines management across care boundaries? A qualitative study of healthcare practitioners' experiences in the case of acute kidney injury

OBJECTIVES

To examine the role of individual and collective cognitive work in managing medicines for acute kidney injury (AKI), this being an example of a clinical scenario that crosses the boundaries of care organisations and specialties.

DESIGN

Qualitative design, informed by a realist perspective and using semistructured interviews as the data source. The data were analysed using template analysis.

SETTING

Primary, secondary and intermediate care in England.

PARTICIPANTS

12 General practitioners, 10 community pharmacists, 7 hospital doctors and 7 hospital pharmacists, all with experience of involvement in preventing or treating AKI.

RESULTS

We identified three main themes concerning participants' experiences of managing medicines in AKI. In the first theme, challenges arising from the clinical context, AKI is identified as a technically complex condition to identify and treat, often requiring judgements to be made about renal functioning against the context of the patient's general well-being. In the second theme, challenges arising from the organisational context, the crossing of professional and organisational boundaries is seen to introduce problems for the coordination of clinical activities, for example by disrupting information flows. In the third theme, meeting the challenges, participants identify ways in which they overcome the challenges they face in order to ensure effective medicines management, for example by adapting their work practices and tools.

CONCLUSIONS

These themes indicate the critical role of cognitive work on the part of healthcare practitioners, as individuals and as teams, in ensuring effective medicines management during AKI. Our findings suggest that the capabilities underlying this work, for example decision-making, communication and team coordination, should be the focus of training and work design interventions to improve medicines management for AKI or for other conditions.

Availability of information on renal function in Dutch community pharmacies

Background Early detection and monitoring of impaired renal function may prevent drug related problems. Objective To assess the availability of information on patient's renal function in Dutch community pharmacies, for patients using medication that might need monitoring in case of renal impairment. Methods Per pharmacy, 25 patients aged ≥65 years using at least one drug that requires monitoring, were randomly selected from the pharmacy information system. For these patients, information on renal function [estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR)], was obtained from the pharmacy information system. When absent, this information was obtained from the general practitioner (GP). Results Data were collected for 1632 patients. For 1201 patients (74 %) eGFR values were not directly available in the pharmacy, for another 194 patients (12 %) the eGFR value was not up-to-date. For 1082 patients information could be obtained from the GP, resulting in 942 additional recent eGFR values. Finally, recent information on renal function was available for 72 % (n = 1179) of selected patients. Conclusion In patients using drugs that require renal monitoring, information on renal function is often unknown in the pharmacy. For the majority of patients this information can be retrieved from the GP.

Cluster analysis and its application to healthcare claims data: a study of end-stage renal disease patients who initiated hemodialysis

Background

Cluster analysis (CA) is a frequently used applied statistical technique that helps to reveal hidden structures and “clusters” found in large data sets. However, this method has not been widely used in large healthcare claims databases where the distribution of expenditure data is commonly severely skewed. The purpose of this study was to identify cost change patterns of patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) who initiated hemodialysis (HD) by applying different clustering methods.

Methods

A retrospective, cross-sectional, observational study was conducted using the Truven Health MarketScan® Research Databases. Patients aged ≥18 years with ≥2 ESRD diagnoses who initiated HD between 2008 and 2010 were included. The K-means CA method and hierarchical CA with various linkage methods were applied to all-cause costs within baseline (12-months pre-HD) and follow-up periods (12-months post-HD) to identify clusters. Demographic, clinical, and cost information was extracted from both periods, and then examined by cluster.

Results

A total of 18,380 patients were identified. Meaningful all-cause cost clusters were generated using K-means CA and hierarchical CA with either flexible beta or Ward’s methods. Based on cluster sample sizes and change of cost patterns, the K-means CA method and 4 clusters were selected: Cluster 1: Average to High (n = 113); Cluster 2: Very High to High (n = 89); Cluster 3: Average to Average (n = 16,624); or Cluster 4: Increasing Costs, High at Both Points (n = 1554). Median cost changes in the 12-month pre-HD and post-HD periods increased from $185,070 to $884,605 for Cluster 1 (Average to High), decreased from $910,930 to $157,997 for Cluster 2 (Very High to High), were relatively stable and remained low from $15,168 to $13,026 for Cluster 3 (Average to Average), and increased from $57,909 to $193,140 for Cluster 4 (Increasing Costs, High at Both Points). Relatively stable costs after starting HD were associated with more stable scores on comorbidity index scores from the pre-and post-HD periods, while increasing costs were associated with more sharply increasing comorbidity scores.

Conclusions

The K-means CA method appeared to be the most appropriate in healthcare claims data with highly skewed cost information when taking into account both change of cost patterns and sample size in the smallest cluster.

The burden of comorbidity in people with chronic kidney disease stage 3: a cohort study

BACKGROUND

Multimorbidity is a growing concern for healthcare systems, with many countries experiencing demographic transition to older population profiles. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is common but often considered in isolation. The extent and prognostic significance of its comorbidities is not well understood. This study aimed to assess the extent and prognostic significance of 11 comorbidities in people with CKD stage 3.

METHODS

A prospective cohort of 1741 people with CKD stage 3 was recruited from primary care between August 2008 and March 2010. Participants underwent medical history, clinical assessment, blood and urine sampling. Comorbidity was defined by self-reported doctor-diagnosed condition, disease-specific medication or blood results (hemoglobin), and treatment burden as number of ongoing medications. Logistic regression was used to identify associations with greater treatment burden (taking >5 medications) and greater multimorbidity (3 or more comorbidities). Kaplan Meier plots and multivariate Cox proportional hazards models were used to investigate associations between multimorbidity and all-cause mortality.

RESULTS

One thousand seven hundred forty-one people were recruited, mean age 72.9 +/-9 years. Mean baseline eGFR was 52 ml/min/1.73 m(2). Only 78/1741 (4 %) had no comorbidities, 453/1741 (26 %) had one, 508/1741 (29 %) had two and 702/1741 (40 %) had >2. Hypertension was common (88 %), 30 % had 'painful condition', 24 % anemia, 23 %, ischaemic heart disease, 17 % diabetes and 12 % thyroid disorders. Median medication use was 5 medications (interquartile range 3-8) and increased with degree of comorbidity. Greater treatment burden and multimorbidity were independently associated with age, smoking, increasing body mass index and decreasing eGFR. Treatment burden was also independently associated with lower education status. After median 3.6 years follow-up, 175/1741 (10 %) died. Greater multimorbidity was independently associated with mortality (hazard ratio 2.81 (95 % confidence intervals 1.72-4.58), p < 0.001) for 3 or more comorbidities vs 0 or 1).

CONCLUSIONS

Isolated CKD was rare and multimorbidity the norm in this cohort of people with moderate CKD. Increasing multimorbidity was associated with greater medication burden and poorer survival. CKD management should include consideration of comorbidities.

Self-reported Medication Adherence and Adverse Patient Safety Events in CKD

BACKGROUND

Promoting medication adherence is a recognized challenge for prescribers. In this study, we examine whether lower medication adherence is associated with adverse safety events in individuals with decreased estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFRs).

STUDY DESIGN

Cross-sectional baseline analysis of prospective cohort.

SETTING & PARTICIPANTS

Baseline analysis of the Safe Kidney Care (SKC) Cohort Study, a prospective study of individuals with eGFRs<60 mL/min/1.73 m(2) intended to assess the incidence of disease-specific safety events. Kidney transplant recipients were excluded.

PREDICTOR

Self-reported medication adherence based on responses to 3 questions ascertaining degree of medication regimen adherence.

OUTCOMES

Adverse safety events were self-reported at baseline (class I events), such as hypoglycemia or fall thought to be related to a medication, or detected incidentally during the baseline visit (class II events), for example, hypotension or hyperkalemia. Potential drug-related problems (DRPs) were determined by analyzing participants' medications with respect to dosing guidelines based on their screening eGFRs at the time of medication reporting.

MEASUREMENTS

Relationship between medication adherence and disease-specific patient safety events.

RESULTS

Of 293 SKC participants, 154 (53%) were classified as having lower medication adherence. After multivariable adjustment, lower medication adherence was significantly associated with a class I or II safety event (prevalence ratio [PR], 1.21; 95% CI, 1.04-1.41) and potential DRPs (PR, 1.29; 95% CI, 1.02-1.63). Lower medication adherence was also significantly associated with multiple (≥2) class I events (PR, 1.71; 95% CI, 1.18-2.49), multiple class I or II events (PR, 1.35; 95% CI, 1.04-1.76), and multiple potential DRPs (PR, 2.11; 95% CI, 1.08-2.69) compared with those with higher medication adherence.

LIMITATIONS

Use of self-reported medication adherence rather than pharmacy records. Clinical relevance of detected safety events is unclear.

CONCLUSIONS

Lower medication adherence is associated with adverse safety events in individuals with eGFRs<60 mL/min/1.73 m(2).

Epidemiology of medication-related problems in children with kidney disease

BACKGROUND

Medication-related problems (MRPs) are the undesirable effects of pharmacotherapy that can potentially lead to harm. The epidemiology of MRPs in paediatric renal patients is unknown. We aimed to characterise MRPs in this population at two tertiary care hospitals in the UK.

METHODS

Prescription charts for children (≤18 years) were reviewed to identify MRPs, and characterised using a specific proforma with a standard operational definition. MRP predictors were evaluated by logistic regression and severity was assessed using a validated scale.

RESULTS

Two hundred and sixty-seven MRPs were identified from 266 prescription chart reviews. The incidence was 51.2 % (203 MRPs, 166 charts; 95 % CI 43.2-60.6 %) of hospitalised patients and 32 % (64 MRPs, 100 charts; 95 % CI 22.9-41.1 %) in outpatients. The number of prescribed medications was the only independent predictor during inpatient treatment (OR 1.06, 95 % CI 1.02-1.10, p = 0.002) with no significant predictors identified at outpatient clinics. The severity level of the MRPs was minor: 53.9 %, (144 out of 267); or moderate: 46.1 %, (123 out of 267). Sub-optimal drug effect was the predominant MRP (inpatient: 68 %; outpatient: 39 %). Prescribing error and patients' medicine-taking behaviour were the main contributory factors. The majority of the MRPs in the inpatient setting were resolved.

CONCLUSION

Many factors are associated with MRPs in children; the associations are cumulative and interdependent. Investment in preventive strategies and extending the support from the acute health care setting into the community are invaluable for optimising pharmacotherapy.