Clinical Pharmacist Intervention to Reduce Drug-related Readmissions Among Older People

Umeå University

Status: Enrolling

Conditions: Drug Use

Treatments: Other: Enhanced clinical pharmacist service

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT03671629

UmU-2018-700

Details and patient eligibility

About

This randomized controlled trial primarily investigates if a clinical pharmacist intervention can reduce drug-related readmissions among patients >75 years. The intervention targets the transfer between hospital and primary care. In brief, the intervention includes medical chart reviews and patient interviews during a period of 180 days.

Full description

At discharge from the hospital, patients that meet the inclusion criteria are offered to participate in the study. At this point the investigators will also gather baseline data through questionnaires on self-reported adherence (MARS-5) and quality of life (EQ-5D). The participants are randomized to the different study arms according to a stratified procedure based on their cognitive function.

The intervention group will have their charts reviewed every second week and be contacted by the clinical pharmacist through phone within 7 and after 30 and 60 days respectively to discuss their medications. If possible drug-related problems are suspected during the interviews that cannot be solved immediately, the physician is contacted.

Both groups have a follow-up time of 30 and 180 days. After 30 and 180 days, the patients will once again report adherence and quality of life. All other data can be gathered from the medical charts.

Enrollment: 700 estimated patients

Sex: All

Ages: 75+ years old

Volunteers: Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Living at home
• Acutely admitted
• Registered at one of ten pre-specified primary care health centers

Exclusion criteria

• Patients unable to communicate or who do not speak Swedish
• Patients scheduled for palliative care
• Patients admitted due to intoxication by alcohol or drug (non prescription)

Trial design

Primary purpose: Other

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: Single Blind

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700 participants in 2 patient groups

Intervention group

Experimental group

Description:

In addition to a standard medication review at the hospital, this group also receives an enhanced clinical pharmacist service during 180 days after discharge from the hospital.

Treatment:

Other: Enhanced clinical pharmacist service

Control group

No Intervention group

Description:

This group receives standard care, which might include a medication review at the hospital.