Two recent studies have provided results that demonstrate the role and value of pharmacists in reducing hospital readmissions.
The first study published in the American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy shows reduced 30-day readmissions with pharmacist involvement and collaboration with other health team members during patient transitions from the hospital to home. The interventions included medication reconciliation, patient-centered education, resolution of access-to-care issues and follow-up counseling and communication with healthcare providers. The intervention reduced 30- and 90-day hospital readmission rates by 9.9 percent and 15.2 percent, respectively, compared with controls. The intervention also had positive effects on time to hospital readmission, length of hospital stay upon readmission, healthcare costs, patient beliefs about medicines, patient adherence to their medications, and patient satisfaction. Click here to read more.
A second study published in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology illustrates the benefits of having clinical pharmacists follow up, by telephone, with patients at risk of having medication-related issues after hospital discharge. The aim is to help patients manage their medications effectively. In the study, patients who received such pharmacist-led, post-discharge telephone follow-up were matched with patients in a control group. All patients in the study had been prescribed multiple medicines for the management of their medical conditions. The intervention reduced 30- and 90-day hospital readmission rates by 9.9 percent and 15.2 percent, respectively, compared with controls. The intervention also had positive effects on time to hospital readmission, length of hospital stay upon readmission, healthcare costs, patient beliefs about medicines, patient adherence to their medications, and patient satisfaction.
“Pharmacists have an increasing role in reducing readmissions. Some of their roles include medication reconciliation, Meds to Beds programs, and post discharge follow-up calls. The Great Plains QIN supports those efforts through our Medication Safety task including educational events and reports.“ ~Jayme Steig, PharmD, RPh, Great Plains QIN Quality Improvement Program Manager.