Variations in pharmacy-based transition-of-care activities in the United States: A national survey

Abstract

Approximately one third of survey respondents indicated that pharmacists complete medication histories. Most respondents indicated that pharmacists do not routinely or consistently provide patients with tools to facilitate medication adherence before hospital discharge or follow up with patients after discharge. Lack of pharmacy staff resources and insufficient recognition of the value of pharmacists' provision of TOC by health care executives, medical staff, nursing staff, and other health care professionals were the most frequently cited barriers to pharmacists assuming more significant roles in the TOC at the respondent's institution.

Cross-sectional survey of patients’ need for information and support with medicines after discharge from hospital

“…Many participants had a problem with one or more medicines post-discharge, mostly relating to adverse Felt knew enough about medicines, but was taking a medicine daily for which information stated: "one to be taken weekly or as advised by your health professional" and he was also unsure for how long the medicine would be needed. [24] Our findings contrast with the Adult In-patient Survey (AIS), [5] in that only 39% felt involved in decisions about medicines versus 59% in the AIS. Previous work in other countries has identified the need and desire for more information to be provided to patients prior to discharge, particularly when medicines have been changed, to prevent problems occurring.…”

Early Clinical Experiences for Second-Year Student Pharmacists at an Academic Medical Center

“…22 Further, in a recent national survey of nearly 400 pharmacy directors, only 30% of respondents indicated student pharmacists were involved with transitions of care activities like medication histories and reconciliation, indicating that opportunities to integrate student pharmacists into models of care exist. 23 This model is also consistent with objectives for the PPMI, which highlight engaging students in mutually beneficial practice experiences. 4,24 As with any collaborative partnership, creating a sustainable, reproducible, and manageable early clinical program requires adaptation and adjustments.…”

Pharmacist Involvement in Care Transitions in an Academic Medical Center

“…. However, a national survey by Kern and colleagues found that, out of 393 respondents, 70% of pharmacists spend less than 10% of a 40 hour work week assisting with care transitions activities [9].…”