Bridging the gap between hospital and primary care: the pharmacist home visit

Authors H.T. (Rik) Ensing, Ellen S. Koster, Clementine C.M. Stuijt, Ad van Dooren, Marcel Bouvy
Published in International Journal of Clinical Pharmacy
Publication date 2015
Research groups Innovation in Healthcare Processes in Pharmacology
Type Article

Summary

Bridging the gap between hospital and primary care is important as transition from one healthcare setting to another increases the risk on drug-related problems and consequent readmissions. To reduce those risks, pharmacist interventions during and after hospitalization have been frequently studied, albeit with variable effects. Therefore, in this manuscript we propose a three phase approach to structurally address post-discharge drug-related problems. First, hospitals need to transfer up-todate medication information to community pharmacists. Second, the key phase of this approach consists of adequate follow-up at the patients’ home. Pharmacists need to apply their clinical and communication skills to identify and analyze drug-related problems. Finally, to prevent and solve identified drug related problems a close collaboration within the primary care setting between pharmacists and general practitioners is of utmost importance. It is expected that such an approach results in improved quality of care and improved patient safety.

Language English
Published in International Journal of Clinical Pharmacy
Year and volume 37 3
Key words care transitions, community pharmacists, home visit
Page range 430-434

Innovation in Healthcare Processes in Pharmacology