1
|
Nguyen AT, Wisniewski J, Leang DW, Keller MS, Rosen S, Shane R, Pevnick JM. Effect of the population health inpatient Medicare Advantage pharmacist intervention on hospital readmissions: A quasi-experimental controlled study. J Manag Care Spec Pharm 2023; 29:266-275. [PMID: 36840959 PMCID: PMC10387964 DOI: 10.18553/jmcp.2023.29.3.266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The population health inpatient Medicare Advantage pharmacist (PHIMAP) intervention is a pharmacist-led, transitions-of-care intervention that aims to reduce hospital readmissions among Medicare Advantage beneficiaries. PHIMAP includes inpatient pharmacist participation in interdisciplinary rounds, admission and discharge medication reconciliation, pharmacy staff delivery of discharge medications to the bedside, personalized discharge medication lists and counseling, and communication with outpatient pharmacists through an electronic health record. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of the PHIMAP intervention on unplanned 30-day same-hospital readmissions among Medicare Advantage patients. METHODS: Those included were patients admitted to a large urban academic medical center between May 2018 and March 2020 who had a Medicare Advantage plan and were aged at least 18 years. A 2-group, quasi-experimental design was utilized. Control patients received the usual care, which included a best possible medication history and a postdischarge phone call. A multivariable logistic regression model was estimated to predict unplanned 30-day same-hospital readmissions. This study was a Hypothesis Evaluating Treatment Effectiveness study. RESULTS: In total, 884 patients were included. The majority were White (59.0%), non-Hispanic (87.7%), English speaking (90.5%), and older adults (median age, 75 years; interquartile range, 70-83 years). We detected no statistically significant association between the PHIMAP intervention and unplanned 30-day same-hospital readmissions (odds ratio [OR] = 0.91, 95% CI = 0.56-1.52). After adjusting for patient demographics and clinical covariates, significant predictors of 30-day readmissions included the number of emergency department/inpatient visits within 180 days prior to index admission (OR = 1.40, 95% CI = 1.11-1.77); discharge to a post-acute care facility, such as an inpatient rehabilitation facility, long-term acute care facility, or skilled nursing facility (OR = 1.69, 95% CI = 1.06-2.66); hospital length of stay in days (OR = 1.04, 95% CI=1.01-1.07); and the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality Elixhauser Comorbidity Index score (OR = 1.01, 95% CI = 1.01-1.02). CONCLUSIONS: Significant predictors of readmissions among Medicare Advantage beneficiaries were consistent with greater illness severity, including a recent history of prior hospital utilization, a discharge to post-acute care facility (vs home), a longer length of hospital stay, and a higher comorbidity burden. Although we detected no statistically significant association between PHIMAP and unplanned 30-day same-hospital readmissions, differences in study group assignment based on the day of hospital discharge (weekend vs weekday) was a noted limitation of this study. Future studies of inpatient pharmacist-led interventions should plan to minimize the risk of selection bias due to differences in the time of patient discharge. DISCLOSURES: This study was supported in part by the National Institute on Aging under award number R01AG058911 (to Pevnick) and the UCLA Clinical Translational Science Institute (UL1 TR001881). The sponsor had no role in the design and conduct of the study, nor the writing of this report.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- An T Nguyen
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Jesse Wisniewski
- Department of Pharmacy Services, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Donna W Leang
- Department of Pharmacy Services, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Michelle S Keller
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Sonja Rosen
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Rita Shane
- Department of Pharmacy Services, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Joshua M Pevnick
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Harris M, Moore V, Barnes M, Persha H, Reed J, Zillich A. Effect of pharmacy-led interventions during care transitions on patient hospital readmission: A systematic review. J Am Pharm Assoc (2003) 2022; 62:1477-1498.e8. [PMID: 35718715 DOI: 10.1016/j.japh.2022.05.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Revised: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) established the Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program (HRRP) to reduce reimbursement payments to hospitals with excessive patient readmissions. Because of this program, hospitals have developed transitions of care (TOC) programs to improve patient outcomes. OBJECTIVES To identify and uniformly summarize the impact of pharmacy-led TOC interventions on 30-day readmission rates since the implementation of CMS HRRP. METHODS This study followed an a-priori protocol that was registered to International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews. A systematic search was conducted using PubMed, EMBASE, International Pharmaceutical Abstracts, and CINAHL from January 1, 2013 through January 14, 2022. Studies were included if they met the following criteria: pharmacy-led intervention, 30-day readmission outcomes, patients at least 18 years old, original research performed in the United States, and English language only articles. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize study characteristics, outcomes, and elements of the study interventions. RESULTS A total of 1964 abstracts were screened with 123 studies being included in the review. A total of 110 (89.4%) studies showed a decrease in readmission rates. The largest decrease in readmission rates was 44.5% (range 0.2%-44.5%, median = 7.4%) and the most common pharmacy-led intervention was patient counseling (n = 119, 96.7%) followed by medication reconciliation (n = 111, 90.2%). High-risk patient populations were commonly targeted with 52 studies (42.3%) focusing on CMS HRRP related diagnoses. CONCLUSION Most pharmacist-led TOC interventions contributed to lower rates of 30-day readmission. Future studies should investigate the types of interventions that most significantly impact readmission rates.
Collapse
|
3
|
Reducing Medication Problems among Minority Individuals with Low Socioeconomic Status through Pharmacist Home Visits. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19074234. [PMID: 35409914 PMCID: PMC8998841 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19074234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Revised: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: In this study, pharmacists conducted home visits for individuals of medically underserved populations in Taiwan (i.e., socioeconomically disadvantaged individuals, middle-aged or older adults, and individuals living alone, with dementia, or with disabilities) to understand their medication habits. We quantified medication problems among various groups and investigated whether the pharmacist home visits helped to reduce the medication problems. Materials and Methods: From April 2016 to March 2019, pharmacists visited the homes of the aforementioned medically underserved individuals in Taipei to evaluate their drug-related problems and medication problems. Age, living alone, diagnoses of dementia or disabilities, and socioeconomic disadvantages contributed significantly to inadequate disease and medical treatment knowledge and self-care skills as well as lifestyle inappropriateness among patients. The patients who were living alone and socioeconomically disadvantaged stored their drugs in inappropriate environments. Results: After the pharmacists visited the patients’ homes twice, the patients improved considerably in their disease and medical treatment knowledge, self-care skills, and lifestyles (p < 0.001). Problems related to the uninstructed reduction or discontinuation of drug use (p < 0.05) and use of expired drugs (p < 0.001) were also mitigated substantially. Discussion and conclusion: Through the home visits, the pharmacists came to fully understand the medicine (including Chinese medicine) and health food usage behaviors of the patients and their lifestyles, enabling them to provide thorough health education. After the pharmacists’ home visits, the patients’ drug-related problems were mitigated, and their knowledge of diseases, drug compliance, and drug storage methods and environments improved, reducing drug waste. Our findings can help policymakers address the medication problems of various medically underserved groups, thereby improving the utilization of limited medical resources.
Collapse
|
4
|
The role of the clinical pharmacist in mental health hospital-in-the-home: A scoping review. Res Social Adm Pharm 2022; 18:3724-3735. [DOI: 10.1016/j.sapharm.2022.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2021] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
|
5
|
Assessing the impact of adding pharmacist management services to an existing discharge planning program on 30-day readmissions. J Am Pharm Assoc (2003) 2021; 62:734-739. [PMID: 34975006 DOI: 10.1016/j.japh.2021.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Revised: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although hospital readmission rates are declining nationally, avoidable readmissions remain a public health concern. Effective readmission interventions are multifaceted and include discharge planning and transition-of-care coordination. Clinical pharmacists are effective contributors to these processes, bringing expertise to discharge counseling, medication reconciliation, medication adherence, and postdischarge follow-up counseling. OBJECTIVE We evaluated the impact of adding health plan clinical pharmacy management services to an existing discharge program on all-cause readmissions and postdischarge primary physician visits. METHOD Pharmacy management services by health plan clinical pharmacists of a large regional integrated delivery system were added to an existing optimal discharge planning (ODP) program. Criteria for eligibility for these pharmacists' services included patients who prescribed a new maintenance medication after discharge, received a therapeutic substitution, had a previous discharge within 30 days, or were taking a high-risk medication. A retrospective, observational analysis of a subgroup of patients, who received the pharmacy management services as part of ODP, was performed using a difference-in-difference model, by comparing propensity-matched discharges from February 22, 2016, to January 31, 2017 (preprogram implementation) with discharges from February 22, 2017, to January 31, 2018 (implementation period), to estimate changes in 30-day readmission rates and postdischarge primary physician visits. RESULTS A total of 111 of the propensity matched received the pharmacy management services; of these, 73% (ODP) versus 64% (non-ODP) were ≥ 58 years, 60% were females, and 62% (ODP) versus 52% (non-ODP) were Medicare beneficiaries. There was a 16.7% (P = 0.022) statistically significant reduction in combined inpatient and observation 30-day readmissions and a 19.7% increase in 5-day postdischarge follow-up physician visits (P = 0.037) for the subgroup who also received the pharmacy management services. CONCLUSION Addition of pharmacist management services to an existing hospital discharge program for select at-risk patients was associated with reduced inpatient and observation 30-day readmissions.
Collapse
|
6
|
Chim C, Joseph V. Identifying medication-related problems in pharmacist-run home visits. J Am Pharm Assoc (2003) 2021; 61:e114-e118. [PMID: 33485813 DOI: 10.1016/j.japh.2020.12.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Revised: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Home visits (HVs) may be warranted for many reasons (e.g., uncontrolled disease states, suspected psychosocial issues, frequent hospitalizations, poor health literacy). Patients who frequently visit the emergency department (ED) are high-risk individuals, oftentimes exhibiting health-related barriers and medication-related problems (MRPs). OBJECTIVES This study seeks to answer whether HVs for frequent ED users conducted by a pharmacist with pharmacy students will detect more MRPs compared to office visits (OVs) and enhance patient perception of HV services. METHODS Patients who visited the ED at least twice over a 12-month period were included in a retrospective chart review. Eligible patients were randomized into an HV group or OV group. Patients in the HV group were visited by a pharmacist and pharmacy students to identify and resolve MRPs, whereas patients in the OV arm brought their medications into the office for review. Patients in the HV group completed a pre- and postvisit survey about their experiences. RESULTS Eighteen patients participated in the study: 10 patients were randomized to the OV arm and 8 patients were randomized to the HV arm. A total of 39 MRPs were identified in 8 HVs versus 33 MRPs in 10 OVs (mean 5 ± 0.926 vs. 3.3 ± 1.89, P = 0.034). Overall, nonadherence was the most common MRP and medication reconciliation was the most common intervention. All 8 HV patients completed the pre- and post-HV surveys. Post-HV survey results indicated that patients agreed that student pharmacists were professional team members and that their HV was needed. The patients agreed to recommend a pharmacist-run HV. CONCLUSION Patient homes serve as alternative and convenient spaces for pharmacists to help manage their medications, specifically to identify MRPs and provide meaningful recommendations.
Collapse
|
7
|
Luetsch K, Rowett D, Twigg MJ. A realist synthesis of pharmacist-conducted medication reviews in primary care after leaving hospital: what works for whom and why? BMJ Qual Saf 2020; 30:bmjqs-2020-011418. [PMID: 33127835 PMCID: PMC8070649 DOI: 10.1136/bmjqs-2020-011418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Revised: 08/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Medication reviews for people transitioning from one healthcare setting to another potentially improve health outcomes, although evidence for outcome benefits varies. It is unclear when and why medication reviews performed by pharmacists in primary care for people who return from hospital to the community lead to beneficial outcomes. OBJECTIVE A realist synthesis was undertaken to develop a theory of what works, for whom, why and under which circumstances when pharmacists conduct medication reviews in primary care for people leaving hospital. METHODS The realist synthesis was performed in accordance with Realist And MEta-narrative Evidence Syntheses: Evolving Standards reporting standards. An initial programme theory informed a systematic literature search of databases (PubMed, Embase, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature, International Pharmaceutical Abstracts, OpenGrey, Trove), augmented by agency and government sources of information. Documents were synthesised by exploring interactions between contexts, intervention, outcomes and causal mechanisms. RESULTS The synthesis identified 9 contexts in which 10 mechanisms can be activated to influence outcomes of pharmacist medication reviews conducted in primary care postdischarge. For a medication review to take place these include trust patients have in healthcare professionals, their healthcare priorities postdischarge, capacity to participate, perceptions of benefit and effort, and awareness required by all involved. For the medication review process, mechanisms which issue an invitation to collaborate between healthcare professionals, enable pharmacists employing clinical skills and taking responsibility for medication review outcomes were linked to more positive outcomes for patients. CONCLUSIONS Medication reviews after hospital discharge seem to work successfully when conducted according to patient preferences, programmes promote coordination and collaboration between healthcare professionals and establish trust, and pharmacists take responsibility for outcomes. Findings of this realist synthesis can inform postdischarge medication review service models.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karen Luetsch
- School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Debra Rowett
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Pherson E, Swarthout M, Fu D, Barbour L, Green R, Ross P, Nesbit T. Medication management through pharmacist-provided home-based services. JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN COLLEGE OF CLINICAL PHARMACY 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/jac5.1225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Emily Pherson
- Department of Pharmacy; The Johns Hopkins Hospital; Baltimore Maryland USA
| | - Meghan Swarthout
- Department of Pharmacy; The Johns Hopkins Hospital; Baltimore Maryland USA
| | - Denise Fu
- Department of Pharmacy Services; Johns Hopkins Home Care Group; Baltimore Maryland USA
| | - Lauren Barbour
- Department of Pharmacy Services; Johns Hopkins Home Care Group; Baltimore Maryland USA
| | - Robert Green
- Department of Pharmacy Services; Johns Hopkins Home Care Group; Baltimore Maryland USA
| | - Patricia Ross
- Department of Pharmacy; The Johns Hopkins Hospital; Baltimore Maryland USA
| | - Todd Nesbit
- Department of Pharmacy; The Johns Hopkins Hospital; Baltimore Maryland USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Rivera J, Shcherbakova N, Vala C, Capoccia K. Community pharmacists' interventions and documentation during medication therapy management encounters delivered face-to-face versus via telephone: The devil is in the details. Res Social Adm Pharm 2020; 16:1447-1451. [PMID: 31889640 DOI: 10.1016/j.sapharm.2019.12.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2019] [Revised: 12/21/2019] [Accepted: 12/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To date, no studies are available comparing in-person versus telephone-administered medication therapy management (MTM) encounters in a community pharmacy setting with respect to medication-related problems, interventions and documentation. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to evaluate types of medication-related problems, interventions, and documentation among patients receiving MTM face-to-face versus over the telephone. METHODS A retrospective analysis was performed on all completed comprehensive medication reviews (CMR) between 2011 and 2017 in 14 community pharmacies in Western Massachusetts, USA that belong to one district of a national chain. Medication-related problems were classified as: Beers criteria medications, untreated condition, dose too high or low, medication omission, duplicate therapy, drug-drug interaction, non-adherence, complicated dosing. Pharmacist's interventions were classified as education, medication reconciliation, and vaccination. Documentation of assessment, plan, discussion notes, and recommendations were evaluated as being present or absent. RESULTS In total, 297 encounters (56.5% were over the telephone) were included in the analysis. There was no significant differences between clinical and demographic characteristics and types of medication-related problems and pharmacist interventions among patients who received face-to-face versus telephone MTM service. Assessment was documented among 28% of face-to-face and 42% of telephone CMR encounters (p < 0.05). Plan was documented among 27% of face-to-face and 40% of telephone CMR encounters (p < 0.05). Discussion notes were documented among 97% of face-to-face and 98% of telephone CMR encounters (p > 0.05). Pharmacist recommendations were documented among 92% of face-to-face and 95% of telephone CMR encounters (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Pharmacists identify medication-related problems and provide education and medication reconciliation interventions independent of the mode of delivery. The overall low frequency of assessment and plan documentation raises concerns. It is imperative for pharmacists to document both instances of provider outreach and follow-up to ascertain resolutions of patients' medication-related problems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Natalia Shcherbakova
- College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Western New England University, Springfield, MA, USA.
| | | | - Kam Capoccia
- College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Western New England University, Springfield, MA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Bethishou L, Herzik K, Fang N, Abdo C, Tomaszewski DM. The impact of the pharmacist on continuity of care during transitions of care: A systematic review. J Am Pharm Assoc (2003) 2020; 60:163-177.e2. [DOI: 10.1016/j.japh.2019.06.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2018] [Revised: 05/31/2019] [Accepted: 06/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
|
11
|
Coffey A, Leahy-Warren P, Savage E, Hegarty J, Cornally N, Day MR, Sahm L, O'Connor K, O'Doherty J, Liew A, Sezgin D, O'Caoimh R. Interventions to Promote Early Discharge and Avoid Inappropriate Hospital (Re)Admission: A Systematic Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:E2457. [PMID: 31295933 PMCID: PMC6678887 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16142457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2019] [Revised: 06/29/2019] [Accepted: 07/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Increasing pressure on limited healthcare resources has necessitated the development of measures promoting early discharge and avoiding inappropriate hospital (re)admission. This systematic review examines the evidence for interventions in acute hospitals including (i) hospital-patient discharge to home, community services or other settings, (ii) hospital discharge to another care setting, and (iii) reduction or prevention of inappropriate hospital (re)admissions. Academic electronic databases were searched from 2005 to 2018. In total, ninety-four eligible papers were included. Interventions were categorized into: (1) pre-discharge exclusively delivered in the acute care hospital, (2) pre- and post-discharge delivered by acute care hospital, (3) post-discharge delivered at home and (4) delivered only in a post-acute facility. Mixed results were found regarding the effectiveness of many types of interventions. Interventions exclusively delivered in the acute hospital pre-discharge and those involving education were most common but their effectiveness was limited in avoiding (re)admission. Successful pre- and post-discharge interventions focused on multidisciplinary approaches. Post-discharge interventions exclusively delivered at home reduced hospital stay and contributed to patient satisfaction. Existing systematic reviews on tele-health and long-term care interventions suggest insufficient evidence for admission avoidance. The most effective interventions to avoid inappropriate re-admission to hospital and promote early discharge included integrated systems between hospital and the community care, multidisciplinary service provision, individualization of services, discharge planning initiated in hospital and specialist follow-up.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alice Coffey
- Department of Nursing and Midwifery, Health Sciences Building, University of Limerick, Limerick V94X5K6, Ireland.
| | - Patricia Leahy-Warren
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, University College Cork, Cork City T12AK54, Ireland
| | - Eileen Savage
- Nursing and Vice Dean of Graduate Studies and Inter Professional Learning, College of Medicine and Health, University College Cork, Cork City T12AK54, Ireland
| | - Josephine Hegarty
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, University College Cork, Cork City T12AK54, Ireland
| | - Nicola Cornally
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, University College Cork, Cork City T12AK54, Ireland
| | - Mary Rose Day
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, University College Cork, Cork City T12AK54, Ireland
| | - Laura Sahm
- School of Pharmacy, University College Cork, Cork City T12T656, Ireland
| | - Kieran O'Connor
- Geriatric Medicine, Mercy University Hospital, Cork City T12WE28, Ireland
| | - Jane O'Doherty
- Department of Nursing and Midwifery, Health Sciences Building, University of Limerick, Limerick V94X5K6, Ireland
| | - Aaron Liew
- Clinical Sciences Institute, National University of Ireland, and Portiuncula University Hospital, Ballinasloe Galway H53T971, Ireland
| | - Duygu Sezgin
- Clinical Sciences Institute, National University of Ireland, and Portiuncula University Hospital, Ballinasloe Galway H53T971, Ireland
| | - Rónán O'Caoimh
- Clinical Sciences Institute, National University of Ireland, Galway City, Mercy University Hospital, Grenville Place, Cork City T12WE28, Ireland
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Graabaek T, Hedegaard U, Christensen MB, Clemmensen MH, Knudsen T, Aagaard L. Effect of a medicines management model on medication-related readmissions in older patients admitted to a medical acute admission unit-A randomized controlled trial. J Eval Clin Pract 2019; 25:88-96. [PMID: 30088321 DOI: 10.1111/jep.13013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2018] [Revised: 07/06/2018] [Accepted: 07/09/2018] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE, AIMS, AND OBJECTIVES Medication-related problems are frequent and can lead to serious adverse events resulting in increased morbidity, mortality, and costs. Medication use in frail older patients is even more complex. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a pharmacist-led medicines management model among older patients at admission, during inpatient stay and at discharge on medication-related readmissions. METHOD A randomized controlled trial conducted at the acute admission unit in a Danish hospital with acutely admitted medical patients, randomized to either a control group or one of two intervention groups. The intervention consisted of pharmacist-led medication review and patient interview upon admission (intervention ED) or pharmacist-led medication review and patient interview upon admission, medication review during inpatient stay, and medication report and patient counselling at discharge (intervention STAY). RESULTS In total, 600 patients were included. The pharmacist identified 920 medication-related problems with 57% of the recommendations accepted by the physician. After 30 days, 25 patients had a medication-related readmission, with no statistical significant difference between the groups on either primary or secondary outcomes. CONCLUSIONS This study showed that a clinical pharmacist can be used to identify and solve medication-related problems, but this study did not find any effect on the selected outcomes. The frequency of medication-related readmissions was low, leaving little room for improvement. Future research should consider other study designs or outcome measures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Trine Graabaek
- Institute of Regional Health Sciences, University of Southern Denmark, Hospital of South West Jutland, Finsensgade 35, 6700, Esbjerg, Denmark.,Research Unit of Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacy, Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, J.B.Winsløvsvej 17, 5000, Odense C, Denmark
| | - Ulla Hedegaard
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Odense University Hospital, J.B.Winsløvsvej 4, 5000, Odense C, Denmark
| | - Mikkel B Christensen
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg University Hospital, Bispebjerg Bakke 23, 2400, Copenhagen, NV, Denmark
| | - Marianne H Clemmensen
- The Danish Research Unit for Hospital Pharmacy, Amgros I/S, Dampfaergevej 22, 2100, Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
| | - Torben Knudsen
- Institute of Regional Health Sciences, University of Southern Denmark, Hospital of South West Jutland, Finsensgade 35, 6700, Esbjerg, Denmark
| | - Lise Aagaard
- Research Unit of Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacy, Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, J.B.Winsløvsvej 17, 5000, Odense C, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Flanagan PS, Barns A. Current perspectives on pharmacist home visits: do we keep reinventing the wheel? INTEGRATED PHARMACY RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2018; 7:141-159. [PMID: 30319952 PMCID: PMC6171762 DOI: 10.2147/iprp.s148266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The scope of clinical pharmacy services available in outpatient settings, including home care, continues to expand. This review sought to identify the evidence to support pharmacist provision of clinical pharmacy services in a home care setting. Seventy-five reports were identified in the literature that provided evaluation and description of clinical pharmacy home visit services available around the world. Based on results from randomized controlled trials, pharmacist home visit interventions can improve patient medication adherence and knowledge, but have little impact on health care resource utilization. Other literature reported benefits of a pharmacist home visit service such as patient satisfaction, improved medication appropriateness, increased persistence with warfarin therapy, and increased medication discrepancy resolution. Current perspectives to consider in establishing or evaluating clinical pharmacy services offered in a home care setting include: staff competency, ideal target patient population, staff safety, use of technology, collaborative relationships with other health care providers, activities performed during a home visit, and pharmacist autonomy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Priti S Flanagan
- Pharmacy Community Programs, Lower Mainland Pharmacy Services, Langley, BC, Canada,
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada,
| | - Andrea Barns
- Pharmacy Community Programs, Lower Mainland Pharmacy Services, Langley, BC, Canada,
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
McNab D, Bowie P, Ross A, MacWalter G, Ryan M, Morrison J. Systematic review and meta-analysis of the effectiveness of pharmacist-led medication reconciliation in the community after hospital discharge. BMJ Qual Saf 2018; 27:308-320. [PMID: 29248878 PMCID: PMC5867444 DOI: 10.1136/bmjqs-2017-007087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2017] [Revised: 10/13/2017] [Accepted: 10/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pharmacists' completion of medication reconciliation in the community after hospital discharge is intended to reduce harm due to prescribed or omitted medication and increase healthcare efficiency, but the effectiveness of this approach is not clear. We systematically review the literature to evaluate intervention effectiveness in terms of discrepancy identification and resolution, clinical relevance of resolved discrepancies and healthcare utilisation, including readmission rates, emergency department attendance and primary care workload. METHODS This is a systematic literature review and meta-analysis of extracted data. Medline, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), EMBASE, Allied and Complementary Medicine Database (AMED),Education Resources Information Center (ERIC), Scopus, NHS Evidence and the Cochrane databases were searched using a combination of medical subject heading terms and free-text search terms. Controlled studies evaluating pharmacist-led medication reconciliation in the community after hospital discharge were included. Study quality was appraised using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme. Evidence was assessed through meta-analysis of readmission rates. Discrepancy identification rates, emergency department attendance and primary care workload were assessed narratively. RESULTS Fourteen studies were included, comprising five randomised controlled trials, six cohort studies and three pre-post intervention studies. Twelve studies had a moderate or high risk of bias. Increased identification and resolution of discrepancies was demonstrated in the four studies where this was evaluated. Reduction in clinically relevant discrepancies was reported in two studies. Meta-analysis did not demonstrate a significant reduction in readmission rate. There was no consistent evidence of reduction in emergency department attendance or primary care workload. CONCLUSIONS Pharmacists can identify and resolve discrepancies when completing medication reconciliation after hospital discharge, but patient outcome or care workload improvements were not consistently seen. Future research should examine the clinical relevance of discrepancies and potential benefits on reducing healthcare team workload.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Duncan McNab
- Medical Directorate, NHS Education for Scotland, Glasgow, UK
- Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences, Glasgow, UK
| | - Paul Bowie
- Medical Directorate, NHS Education for Scotland, Glasgow, UK
- Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences, Glasgow, UK
| | | | | | - Martin Ryan
- Medical Directorate, NHS Education for Scotland, Glasgow, UK
| | - Jill Morrison
- Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences, Glasgow, UK
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Rodrigues CR, Harrington AR, Murdock N, Holmes JT, Borzadek EZ, Calabro K, Martin J, Slack MK. Effect of Pharmacy-Supported Transition-of-Care Interventions on 30-Day Readmissions: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Ann Pharmacother 2017; 51:866-889. [DOI: 10.1177/1060028017712725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: To describe pharmacy-supported transition-of-care (TOC) interventions and determine their effect on 30-day all-cause readmissions. Data Sources: MEDLINE/PubMed, EMBASE, International Pharmaceutical Abstracts, ABI Inform Complete, PsychINFO, Web of Science, Academic Search Complete, CINHAL, Cochrane library, OIASTER, ProQuest Dissertations & Theses, ClinicalTrials.gov , and relevant websites were searched from January 1, 1995, to December 31, 2015. Study Selection and Data Extraction: PICOS+E criteria were utilized. Eligible studies reported pharmacy-supported TOC interventions compared with usual care in adult patients discharged to home within the United States. Studies were required to evaluate postdischarge outcomes (eg, rate of readmissions, hospital utilization). Randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, or controlled before-and-after studies were included. Two reviewers independently extracted data and evaluated study quality. Data Synthesis: A total of 56 articles were included in the systematic review (n = 61 858), of which 32 reported 30-day all-cause readmissions and were included in the meta-analysis. A taxonomy was developed to categorize targeted patients, intervention types, and pharmacy personnel as sole intervener. The meta-analysis demonstrated about a 32% reduction in the odds of readmission (odds ratio [OR] = 0.68; 95% CI = 0.61 to 0.75) observed for pharmacy-supported TOC interventions compared with usual care. Heterogeneity was identified ( I2 = 55%; P < 0.001). A stratified meta-analysis showed that interventions with patient-centered follow-up reduced 30-day readmissions relative to studies without follow-up (OR = 0.70; CI = 0.63 to 0.78). Conclusions: Pharmacy-supported TOC programs were associated with a significant reduction in the odds of 30-day readmissions.
Collapse
|