Open AccessInvolving community pharmacists in transfer of care from hospital: Indications of reduced 30‐day hospital readmission rates for patients in Cornwall
Author(s) -
Wilcock Michael,
Sibley Andrew,
Blackwell Richard,
Kluettgens Bettina,
Robens Sarah,
Bastian Liam
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
international journal of pharmacy practice
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.42
H-Index - 37
eISSN - 2042-7174
pISSN - 0961-7671
DOI - 10.1111/ijpp.12603
Subject(s) - medicine , pharmacy , community hospital , pharmacist , community pharmacy , community pharmacist , emergency medicine , odds ratio , hospital discharge , family medicine , intensive care medicine , nursing
Abstract Objectives The purpose of this study was to determine any benefit from a discharge transfer of care service from hospital to community pharmacy. Method A cross‐sectional cohort design was used to compare actioned and non‐actioned transfers of care. Key Findings Of the 1130 transfers of care referrals to pharmacies in 2017, 365 patients received an actioned community pharmacy service after discharge. The 30‐day readmission rate was 8.5% (31/365) in those who received an actioned community pharmacist service compared to 23.3% (178/765) in those who did not. Odds ratio for readmission at 30 days was 3.26 (95% CI 2.04 to 4.59, P < 0.0001), significantly higher in those not receiving an actioned transfer of care service. Conclusion Involving community pharmacy at patient discharge appears to contribute to lower rates of readmission.