Involving Clinical Pharmacists in Transitional Care to Reduce Drug-related Readmissions Among the Elderly - a Randomized Controlled Trial

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying whether involving clinical pharmacists in care transitions can lower drug-related hospital readmissions among patients aged over 75 years. This randomized controlled trial focuses on patients recently discharged from the hospital, assessing if pharmacist-led interventions improve medication management and patient outcomes during the critical post-discharge period. Participants are divided into two groups: one receives standard hospital medication review plus enhanced pharmacist services for 180 days after discharge, including biweekly medical chart reviews and phone calls within 7, 30, and 60 days to discuss medications and address potential issues with physicians. The control group receives standard hospital care, which may include medication review but no additional pharmacist follow-up. Participants complete questionnaires on medication adherence and quality of life at baseline, 30 days, and 180 days. Researchers also review medical charts for readmissions and other health outcomes. The primary measurement is the time from hospital discharge to first drug-related readmission within 180 days. Secondary outcomes include readmission rates at 30 days, quality of life assessments, medication appropriateness, and mortality. Follow-up occurs at 30 and 180 days to monitor these outcomes.

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