Original Research
Sunday, October 13, 2024
12:45 PM–02:15 PM
Abstract
Introduction: Academic Service-Learning (AS-L) is an experiential site-based program that involves students in some form of required service that benefits the public good and to understand course concepts. Clinical pharmacy interventions, such as medication reconciliation, is an important course concept for pharmacy students during clinical rotations.
Research Question or Hypothesis: What is the feasibility of incorporating AS-L in an eight-week inpatient Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience (APPE) in an academic hospital?
Study Design: Prospective study, patient chart review
Methods: Two pharmacy students conducted medication reconciliation (8/1/23 to 9/11/23) in an Inpatient Geriatrics APPE. Students identified potential discrepancies, presented them to clinical faculty, and discussed with the geriatric team. Students used a standardized data collection form to document patient age and gender, intervention types, pharmacologic category, and prescriber acceptance. Students determined the percentage of prescriber-accepted recommendations, subdivided by intervention type and pharmacologic category.
Results: 64 patients (average age 85 years; age range 60-101 years; female 73%; male 27%) received medication reconciliation. A total of 53 recommendations were made. The most common were dose adjustments (n=15, 28%) and initiation of drug therapy (n=11, 21%). Majority of recommendations pertained to anti-infectives (n=13, 25%), cardiovascular (n=12, 23%), and neuropsychiatric medications (n=7, 13%). Prescribers accepted 38 recommendations (72%). The most accepted types include dose adjustments (n=11, 29%) and initiation of therapy (n=8, 21%). Prescribers accepted most clinical interventions regarding anti-infectives (n=11, 29%) and cardiovascular medications (n=10, 26%).
Conclusion: It is feasible to incorporate AS-L in an eight-week inpatient APPE in an academic hospital. Pharmacy students enhance drug therapy in older hospitalized patients through medication reconciliation and clinical recommendations. Incorporating A-SL projects into APPE helps pharmacy students to set search-related goals while completing curriculum requirements.
Presenting Author
Trisha Khong Pharm.D.St. John's University
Authors
Sum Lam Pharm.D., BCPS, BCGP
St. John's University
Yamilex Tomala Pharm.D.
St. John's University