Late Breaking Original Research
Tuesday, November 14, 2023
08:30 AM–10:00 AM
Abstract
Introduction: Nearly one in four heart failure (HF) patients are readmitted to the hospital within a period of 30 days, in which about 25% of heart failure readmissions is preventable. HF hospital readmission places financial, emotional, and clinical burdens on patient and healthcare system. In the effort to improve HF readmission rate and patient outcomes, pharmacist involvement has shown to be the optimal care to assist patients with understanding the disease progression and ensure medication compliance.
Research Question or Hypothesis: This study examined the impact of pharmacy student-driven medication reconciliation and counseling in patients with HF on the hospital readmission rate and patient perspectives of care survey, Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS).
Study Design: This single-center, retrospective cohort review was conducted at a 250-bed community hospital. The data was collected through the EMR chart review.
Methods: The adult patients admitted from March 2022 to June 2022 with the HF diagnosis were included. Patients were excluded if they were admitted for less than 24 hours or hospice care. The primary outcome was 30-day hospital readmission rate.
Results: A total of 136 patients were included in the study, 108 (79%) received pharmacy student-driven medication counseling and reconciliation. The average age was 67 years; 80% were white; 17% were African American, and 34% had a commercial insurance. The 30-day readmission rate in patients received pharmacy counseling was 26%, versus 29% in the group did not receive pharmacy counseling. The first quarter of HF 30-day readmission rate among Medicare patients was 25.5% and the rate in the second quarter, which was the study period was reduced to 12%. HCAHPS score on medication communication improved from 40 to 74 in the quarter 1 and 2, respectively.
Conclusion: Pharmacy-led medication counseling in patients with HF had shown to make a significant impact in 30-day readmission rate and patient survey.
Presenting Author
HA Neul Yang Pharm.DTexas Health Huguley
Authors
Oscar Torres Pharm.D
Texas Health Huguley