Clinical Pharmacist’s Contribution to Medication Reconciliation in Outpatient Specialty Clinics in Iran

2021 ◽  
Vol 16 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maryam Mehrpooya ◽  
Mohammad-Reza Khorami ◽  
Mojdeh Mohammadi ◽  
Younes Mohammadi ◽  
Davoud Ahmadimoghaddam
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Pharmacist ◽  
Medication Reconciliation ◽  
Significant Proportion ◽  
Medication Regimen ◽  
Medication Discrepancies ◽  
Potential Harm ◽  
Current Medication ◽  
Inpatient Settings ◽  
Outpatient Settings ◽  
Medication Changes

Background: The majority of research in medication reconciliation has focused on the inpatient settings, and little is known about the outpatient settings, particularly in developing countries. As such, we conducted this study to evaluate direct clinical pharmacist involvement in medication reconciliation in outpatient specialty clinics in Iran. Methods: This prospective interventional study was conducted from September 2019 to February 2020 in a University-affiliated clinic in Iran. For 196 patients over 18 years of age who were scheduled for an appointment with a physician, medication reconciliation intervention was carried out by a clinical pharmacist. The number and type of unintentional discrepancies, their potential harm to the patients, their correlation with the patients' demographic and clinical characteristics, and the number of accepted recommendations upon the unintentional discrepancies by the clinicians were assessed and recorded. Additionally, patients' understanding of any change made to their current medication regimen was also assessed. The association between the unintentional discrepancies with patients' characteristics was also assessed. Results: Totally, 57.14% of patients had at least one or more unintentional medication discrepancies, with an overall rate of 1.51 (±0.62) per patient. This is while the patient understanding of their medication changes was inadequate in a significant proportion of the study patients (62.2%). Patients with older ages, lower educational levels, and a higher number of medications and comorvidities were at a higher risk of having unintentional discrepancies. The most common type of unintentional discrepancy was the omission of a drug, and almost half of the reconciliation errors might have had the potential to cause moderate or severe harm to the patient. From 145 recommendations suggested by the clinical pharmacist upon unintentional discrepancies, 131 cases (90.34%) were accepted and implemented by the clinicians. Conclusion: These findings further support the need for conducting medication reconciliation in outpatient settings to identify discrepancies and enhance the safety of patient medication use.

scholarly journals Impact of a Pharmacy-Driven Transitions of Care Medication Reconciliation Following Hospitalization

2020 ◽  
Vol 36 (2) ◽  
pp. 68-71
Author(s):  
Rebecca L. Stauffer ◽  
Abigail Yancey
Keyword(s):  
Medication Reconciliation ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Emergency Department Visits ◽  
Transitions Of Care ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Medication Discrepancies ◽  
Institutional Review ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Medication Changes

Background: Medication changes are common after hospitalizations, and medication reconciliations are one tool to help identify potential medication discrepancies. Objective: To determine the impact of a pharmacy-driven medication reconciliation service on number of medication discrepancies identified. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort, chart-review study conducted at an internal medicine outpatient clinic. Patients at least 18 years of age were eligible for inclusion if they presented for a hospital follow-up appointment within 14 days of discharge between September 1, 2015, and May 31, 2016, from a system hospital. The 2 cohorts were patients with a pharmacist-completed medication reconciliation note written in the electronic health record on the date of their hospital follow-up appointment and those without. The primary outcome was number of medication discrepancies identified during medication reconciliation. Secondary outcomes included types of discrepancies, 30-day hospital readmission, and 30-day emergency department visits. This study was approved by the facility institutional review board. Results: Seventy-nine patients were included, and 38 patients had a pharmacist-completed medication reconciliation (48%). A total of 64 medication discrepancies were identified in 26 patients; of these, 49 discrepancies were resolved during the appointment (77%). There was an average of 2.46 medication discrepancies (±2.34) per patient. The most common discrepancy was missing medications. Thirty-day readmission rate was 5.3% in the intervention group and 19.5% in the control group ( P = .054). Conclusions: A pharmacist-completed medication reconciliation identified many medication discrepancies that were then resolved. From this study, pharmacist-led medication reconciliations following hospital discharge appear valuable.

Impact of a medication reconciliation program on cardiac surgery patients

2017 ◽  
Vol 25 (9) ◽  
pp. 579-585 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abdulrazaq S Al-Jazairi ◽  
Lujain Khalid Al-Suhaibani ◽  
Rayd A Al-Mehizia ◽  
Salma Al-Khani ◽  
Glyn Lewis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cardiac Surgery ◽  
Clinical Significance ◽  
Medication Errors ◽  
Medication Reconciliation ◽  
Medication Regimen ◽  
Medication Discrepancies ◽  
Team Care ◽  
Medication Regimen Complexity ◽  
Complexity Index ◽  
Regimen Complexity

Background Cardiac surgery patients are at high risk of medication errors. Resumption of home medications reduces the significance and number of medication errors. This could be achieved by implementing a medication reconciliation program. Patients and Methods Patients were eligible for inclusion in this prospective study if they were admitted, transferred, and/or discharged under cardiac surgery team care from September 2015 to March 2016. The primary outcome was the number and proportion of unintentional medication discrepancies. Secondary outcomes included the number of interventions to resolve discrepancies and their clinical significance, and the medication regimen complexity index and its correlation with discrepancies. Results There were 374 patients included and 1000 encounters tracked. Four-hundred and seventy (47%) of the included encounters were for adult patients. Of the 260 medication discrepancies detected, 181 (69.61%) were detected during admission. Discrepancies among adults were 0.913, 0.307, and 0.176 on admission, transfer, and discharge, respectively. Two-hundred (76.92%) of the interventions recommended by the pharmacy residents were accepted by the medical team, and the remaining were accepted with modifications, with no rejections. One-hundred and sixty-six (83%) of the accepted interventions were of high clinical significance. There was a significant correlation between the number of medication discrepancies and medication regimen complexity index on admission ( p < 0.0001, r = 0.34), transfer, and discharge. Conclusion Implementation of a medication reconciliation program in cardiac surgery units and its step-down units can be a powerful mean of identifying medication errors in post-cardiac surgery patients at admission and throughout the transition of care.

scholarly journals Medication Discrepancies and Regimen Complexity in Decompensated Cirrhosis: Implications for Medication Safety

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (12) ◽  
pp. 1207
Author(s):  
Kelly L. Hayward ◽  
Patricia C. Valery ◽  
Preya J. Patel ◽  
Catherine Li ◽  
Leigh U. Horsfall ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Risk ◽  
Usual Care ◽  
Medication Safety ◽  
Medication Reconciliation ◽  
Decompensated Cirrhosis ◽  
Medication Regimen ◽  
Medication Discrepancies ◽  
Medication Regimen Complexity ◽  
Regimen Complexity

Discrepancies between the medicines consumed by patients and those documented in the medical record can affect medication safety. We aimed to characterize medication discrepancies and medication regimen complexity over time in a cohort of outpatients with decompensated cirrhosis, and evaluate the impact of pharmacist-led intervention on discrepancies and patient outcomes. In a randomized-controlled trial (n = 57 intervention and n = 57 usual care participants), medication reconciliation and patient-oriented education delivered over a six-month period was associated with a 45% reduction in the incidence rate of ‘high’ risk discrepancies (IRR = 0.55, 95%CI = 0.31–0.96) compared to usual care. For each additional ‘high’ risk discrepancy at baseline, the odds of having ≥ 1 unplanned medication-related admission during a 12-month follow-up period increased by 25% (adj-OR = 1.25, 95%CI = 0.97–1.63) independently of the Child–Pugh score and a history of variceal bleeding. Among participants with complete follow-up, intervention patients were 3-fold less likely to have an unplanned medication-related admission (adj-OR = 0.27, 95%CI = 0.07–0.97) compared to usual care. There was no association between medication discrepancies and mortality. Medication regimen complexity, frequent changes to the regimen and hepatic encephalopathy were associated with discrepancies. Medication reconciliation may improve medication safety by facilitating communication between patients and clinicians about ‘current’ therapies and identifying potentially inappropriate medicines that may lead to harm.

Supplements for Diabetes Mellitus: A Review of the Literature

2016 ◽  
Vol 30 (6) ◽  
pp. 631-638 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zera Yilmaz ◽  
Fawad Piracha ◽  
Leeann Anderson ◽  
Nissa Mazzola
Keyword(s):  
General Circulation ◽  
Diabetes Management ◽  
Lifestyle Modification ◽  
Review Of The Literature ◽  
Medication Regimen ◽  
Efficacy Data ◽  
Potential Harm ◽  
Multiple Dimensions ◽  
Current Medication ◽  
Diet And Lifestyle

The primary approach to controlling diabetes involves diet and lifestyle modification combined with pharmacologic interventions. Patients who are interested in exploring dietary supplements in the management of diabetes may have questions about which supplement to choose and whether any issues will arise with their current medication regimen. After reading this review, the pharmacist should be able to identify supplements that may provide benefit to improve diabetes management, understand what potential harm to the patient may occur, and be able to assist the patient in choosing high-quality supplements. This review will focus on the safety and efficacy data surrounding nicotinamide, ginseng, fenugreek, vitamin D, chromium, and cinnamon. These supplements are commonly listed in general circulation periodicals with claims to improve blood sugar management. Efficacy data showed a modest decrease in fasting plasma glucose of −0.96 mmol/dL (−17.29 mg/dL) for fenugreek and −24.59 mg/dL for cinnamon. It remains to be seen whether supplementation with these products can affect outcomes such as morbidity and mortality. Despite many studies being available, the majority lack uniformity across multiple dimensions, including varying participant characteristics, inconsistent formulations of supplement and dose, and differing study durations. This, coupled with variation in quality and purity of commercially available products, prevents universal recommendation for use in diabetes management.

scholarly journals Characterization and Treatment Goals of Patients on Long-Acting Injectable vs Oral Antipsychotics: Results from a Patient/Caregiver/Psychiatrist Survey

CNS Spectrums ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. 154-154
Author(s):  
Heather M. Fitzgerald ◽  
Jason Shepherd ◽  
Hollie Bailey ◽  
Mia Berry ◽  
Jack Wright ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Real World ◽  
Sufficient Evidence ◽  
Treatment Goals ◽  
Full Time ◽  
Medication Regimen ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Course Of Illness ◽  
Current Medication ◽  
Long Acting

AbstractBackgroundPatient preferences in schizophrenia (SCZ), including identification of key goals and outcomes for treatment and relative importance of certain treatment goals to patients, have been assessed by several studies. However, there continues to be a lack of sufficient evidence on US patient attitudes and perceptions towards treatment goals and pharmacotherapy options in SCZ, especially taking into context long-acting injectable antipsychotics (LAIs) in this disease area. This lack of evidence is further pronounced in caregivers of individuals with SCZ. The objective of this analysis was to characterize patients with SCZ on LAIs vs patients on oral antipsychotics (OAPs) and evaluate the treatment goals of patients in each group.MethodsThis was a real-world, cross-sectional survey of US psychiatrists, patients =18 years old with a diagnosis of SCZ, and caregivers. Data was collected using the Disease Specific Programme (DSP) methodology, which has been previously published. Psychiatrists (n=120) completed detailed record forms for next 8 consecutive outpatients and 2 inpatients matching inclusion criteria, including non-interventional clinical and subjective assessments. The same patients and their caregivers, if present, were invited by their psychiatrist to voluntarily complete a separate survey.ResultsOf 1135 patients on treatment where the physician provided survey data; 251 were on an LAI, and 884 were on an OAP. Mean (SD) time to SCZ diagnosis for those on an LAI was 10.3 (12.0) years vs 7.8 (10.5) years for those on OAPs. More patients in the LAI vs OAP group were being treated as an inpatient (27.1% vs 15.7%, respectively; p<0.0001). Patients on an LAI reported being on their current medication regimen for less time (mean 1.7 years) vs those on OAPs (mean 2.5 years) (p=0.0093). More patients on LAIs were unemployed due to disability vs those on OAPs (56.1% vs 39.5%, respectively), and less patients on LAIs were able to work part-time or full-time (21.1% or 4.1%) vs those on OAPs (23.2% or 11.4%). More patients on an LAI had a caregiver vs those on OAPs (37.3% vs 26.1%, respectively; p=0.0011). Regarding the most important treatment goals reported by patients, both groups reported similar preferences for decrease in disease symptoms (62% on LAI vs 65% on OAPs) and thinking more clearly (53% on LAI vs 46% on OAPs); however, a numerically higher proportion of LAI patients reported that the current medication helped decrease hospitalizations due to relapse vs those on OAPs (38% vs 32%, respectively).DiscussionGiven the characteristics of patients participating in this real-world survey, those on LAIs exhibited qualities which indicate a higher severity of illness vs those on OAPs. Results suggest that treatment with LAIs is still mainly being provided to patients later in the disease course and/or who have adherence problems, despite a growing body of evidence of utility in younger patients earlier in the course of illness.FundingOtsuka Pharmaceutical Development & Commercialization, Inc. and Lundbeck LLC

scholarly journals Preparing for CBME: How often are faculty observing residents?

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sheenagh J K George ◽  
Sarah Manos ◽  
Kenny K Wong
Keyword(s):  
Direct Observation ◽  
Assessment Tools ◽  
Inpatient Setting ◽  
Institutional Research ◽  
Professional Activities ◽  
Inpatient Settings ◽  
Competency Based ◽  
Resident Assessment ◽  
Outpatient Settings ◽  
Common Barriers

Abstract Background The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada officially launched ‘Competence by Design’ in July 2017, moving from time-based to outcomes-based training. Transitioning to competency-based medical education (CBME) necessitates change in resident assessment. A greater frequency of resident observation will likely be required to adequately assess whether entrustable professional activities have been achieved. Purpose Characterize faculty and resident experiences of direct observation in a single paediatric residency program, pre-CBME implementation. Qualitatively describe participants’ perceived barriers and incentives to participating in direct observation. Methods Surveys were sent to paediatric residents and faculty asking for demographics, the frequency of resident observation during an average 4-week rotation, perceived ideal frequency of observation, and factors influencing observation frequency. Descriptive data were analyzed. Institutional research ethics board approval was received. Results The response rate was 54% (34/68 faculty and 16/25 residents). When asked the MAXIMUM frequency FACULTY observed a resident take a history, perform a physical examination, or deliver a plan, the median faculty reply was 1, 2, and 3, for outpatient settings and 0, 1, and 2, for inpatient settings. The median RESIDENT reply was 2, 4, and 10 for outpatient settings and 1, 2, and 20 for inpatient settings. When asked the MINIMUM frequency for each domain, the median FACULTY and RESIDENT reply was 0, except for delivering a plan in the inpatient setting. Faculty reported observing seniors delivering the plan more frequently than junior residents. Faculty and resident median replies for how frequently residents should be observed for each domain were the same, three to four, three to four, and five to six times. Four per cent of faculty reported regularly scheduling observations, and 77% of residents regularly ask to be observed. The most common barriers to observation were too many patients to see and both faculty and residents were seeing patients at the same time. Most faculty and resident responders felt that observation frequency could be improved if scheduled at the start of the rotation; faculty were provided a better tool for assessment; and if residents asked to be observed. Conclusions This study provides baseline data on how infrequent faculty observation is occurring and at a frequency lower than what faculty and residents feel is necessary. The time needed for observation competes with clinical service demands, but better scheduling strategies and assessment tools may help.

A Critical Analysis of the Specific Pharmacist Interventions and Risk Assessments During the 12-Month TRANSAFE Rx Randomized Controlled Trial

2021 ◽  
pp. 106002802110447
Author(s):  
Haley M. Gonzales ◽  
James N. Fleming ◽  
Mulugeta Gebregziabher ◽  
Maria Aurora Posadas Salas ◽  
John W. McGillicuddy ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Risk ◽  
Medication Reconciliation ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Therapy Monitoring ◽  
Pharmacist Intervention ◽  
Risk Levels ◽  
Medication Therapy ◽  
Risk Patients ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Medication Changes

Background Medication safety issues have detrimental implications on long-term outcomes in the high-risk kidney transplant (KTX) population. Medication errors, adverse drug events, and medication nonadherence are important and modifiable mechanisms of graft loss. Objective To describe the frequency and types of interventions made during a pharmacist-led, mobile health–based intervention in KTX recipients and the impact on patient risk levels. Methods This was a secondary analysis of data collected during a 12-month, parallel-arm, 1:1 randomized clinical controlled trial including 136 KTX recipients. Participants were randomized to receive either usual care or supplemental, pharmacist-driven medication therapy monitoring and management using a smartphone-enabled app integrated with telemonitoring of blood pressure and glucose (when applicable) and risk-based televisits. The primary outcome was pharmacist intervention type. Secondary outcomes included frequency of interventions and changes in risk levels. Results A total of 68 patients were randomized to the intervention and included in this analysis. The mean age at baseline was 50.2 years; 51.5% of participants were male, and 58.8% were black. Primary pharmacist intervention types were medication reconciliation and patient education, followed by medication changes. Medication reconciliation remained high throughout the study period, whereas education and medication changes trended downward. From baseline to month 12, we observed an approximately 15% decrease in high-risk patients and a corresponding 15% increase in medium- or low-risk patients. Conclusion and Relevance A pharmacist-led mHealth intervention may enhance opportunities for pharmacological and nonpharmacological interventions and mitigate risk levels in KTX recipients.

scholarly journals Engaging hospital patients in the medication reconciliation process using tablet computers

2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (11) ◽  
pp. 1460-1469 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer E Prey ◽  
Fernanda Polubriaginof ◽  
Lisa V Grossman ◽  
Ruth Masterson Creber ◽  
Demetra Tsapepas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Medication Review ◽  
Medication Safety ◽  
Medication Reconciliation ◽  
Adverse Drug Events ◽  
Medication List ◽  
Medication Discrepancies ◽  
Home Medication ◽  
Verbal Participation ◽  
Hospital Patients ◽  
Home Medication Review

Abstract Objective Unintentional medication discrepancies contribute to preventable adverse drug events in patients. Patient engagement in medication safety beyond verbal participation in medication reconciliation is limited. We conducted a pilot study to determine whether patients’ use of an electronic home medication review tool could improve medication safety during hospitalization. Materials and Methods Patients were randomized to use a toolbefore orafter hospital admission medication reconciliation to review and modify their home medication list. We assessed the quantity, potential severity, and potential harm of patients’ and clinicians’ medication changes. We also surveyed clinicians to assess the tool’s usefulness. Results Of 76 patients approached, 65 (86%) participated. Forty-eight (74%) made changes to their home medication list [before: 29 (81%),after: 19 (66%),p = .170].Before group participants identified 57 changes that clinicians subsequently missed on admission medication reconciliation. Thirty-nine (74%) had a significant or greater potential severity, and 19 (36%) had a greater than 50-50 chance of harm.After group patients identified 68 additional changes to their reconciled medication lists. Fifty-one (75%) had a significant or greater potential severity, and 33 (49%) had a greater than 50-50 chance of harm. Clinicians reported believing that the tool would save time, and patients would supply useful information. Discussion The results demonstrate a high willingness of patients to engage in medication reconciliation, and show that patients were able to identify important medication discrepancies and often changes that clinicians missed. Conclusion Engaging patients in admission medication reconciliation using an electronic home medication review tool may improve medication safety during hospitalization.

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