Key result
A national survey of 393 pharmacy directors revealed that only 27% report pharmacists completing admission medication histories, with most noting inconsistent postdischarge follow-up.
Cross-Sectional (n=393)
Yes
Despite recognizing the importance of pharmacist involvement in transition-of-care activities, actual implementation remains low due to resource constraints and lack of recognition.
Low pharmacist involvement in transitions of care persists; leaves open optimal strategies to overcome barriers before broader adoption.
PURPOSE: A national survey was conducted to assess pharmacist roles in transition-of-care (TOC) activities in the United States. METHODS: An online survey was sent to 1246 pharmacy directors who were members of the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists to assess their involvement in TOC activities including medication reconciliation, admission histories, medication counseling, and postdischarge follow-up; pharmacy student and pharmacy technician involvement in TOC activities; the use of technology to facilitate TOC activities; and barriers to performing such activities. RESULTS: A total of 393 respondents completed the survey (31.5% response rate). Twenty-seven percent of respondents indicated that pharmacists complete medication histories on admission, and 5% indicated that pharmacy technicians complete medication histories. Most respondents indicated that pharmacists do not routinely or consistently provide patients with tools to facilitate medication adherence before hospital discharge and that pharmacists do not routinely or consistently follow up with patients after discharge. Fifty-six percent of respondents indicated that pharmacists provide patient education for specific medications or for medications for specific diseases. Few respondents indicated that student pharmacists are involved with TOC activities. Most respondents either agreed or strongly agreed that it is important for pharmacists to be involved in TOC activities for hospitalized patients. CONCLUSION: Approximately one third of survey respondents indicated that pharmacists complete medication histories. Most respondents indicated that pharmacists do not routinely or consistently provide patients with tools to facilitate medication adherence before hospital discharge or follow up with patients after discharge. Lack of pharmacy staff resources and insufficient recognition of the value of pharmacists' provision of TOC by health care executives, medical staff, nursing staff, and other health care professionals were the most frequently cited barriers to pharmacists assuming more significant roles in the TOC at the respondent's institution.
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Kern et al. (2014) reported a cross-sectional. Pharmacist involvement in transition-of-care activities was evaluated on Pharmacists completing medication histories on admission. A national survey of 393 pharmacy directors revealed that only 27% report pharmacists completing admission medication histories, with most noting inconsistent postdischarge follow-up.
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