Original Research
Sunday, October 13, 2024
12:45 PM–02:15 PM
Abstract
Introduction:
Limited access to patient health information (e.g., laboratory values) hinders community pharmacists' ability to deliver a wide range of services. Contacting prescriber offices for patient health information can cause workflow disruptions. While recent survey research identified information needs for independent pharmacists and the potential for health information exchange to improve current practices, real-world data about information requests is unknown.
Research Question or Hypothesis:
How often are patient information requests made by chain community pharmacists during routine practice and what are the characteristics (e.g., reason for request, time required) of these requests?
Study Design:
This electronic card study captured cross-sectional observational data on patient information requests made by pharmacists during routine practice. Information requests were documented in real time by one pharmacist meeting eligibility criteria at each participating pharmacy.
Methods:
Pharmacists from one district of a national chain were randomized to a two-week data collection period. Pharmacists recorded the type of information requested, reason for request, information source, whether initial or follow up request, modality of communication, and the time required to make the request. Data were summarized using descriptive statistics. The Indiana University Institutional Review Board approved all study procedures.
Results:
Nineteen of 33 eligible pharmacists consented to participate, providing an enrollment rate of 57.58%. Most participants held a PharmD degree (78.9%) and were the pharmacy manager (89.5%). Pharmacists requested information mostly from patient/caregivers (39.80%) and the prescriber office (53.60%). The most common information requests from pharmacists included updated medication orders/lists (41.30%) and insurance (33.30%). These were primarily used for prescription clarification/filling (93.40%). Requests required an average of 6.0 (SD: 4.8) minutes. Over half (61.2%) of requests were made by telephone.
Conclusion:
Community pharmacists often need current medication lists and insurance information during routine prescription processing. This emphasizes the potential value of HIE for all pharmacies, regardless of the extent of clinical service implementation.
Presenting Author
Elizabeth Riley-Jensen PharmDPurdue University
Authors
Katie Hettinger-Riddell PharmD, MS
Jonathan Sarky PharmD
Walgreens Co.
Margie Snyder PharmD, MPH, FCCP, FAPhA
Purdue University College of Pharmacy