The EMITT study: development and evaluation of a medication information transfer tool

Area of Science:

• Pharmacy Practice
• Health Informatics
• Patient Safety

Background:

• Continuity of care necessitates effective medication information transfer between pharmacists.
• Drug-related problems (DRPs) can arise from inadequate communication during patient care transitions.
• Seamless medication data exchange is crucial for patient safety and optimal therapeutic outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a tool for transferring medication information between pharmacists caring for the same patients.
• To evaluate the practical utility and pharmacist satisfaction with the developed tool.
• To address communication gaps in medication information transfer across different care settings.

Main Methods:

• A needs assessment involving patient and pharmacist interviews and a literature review informed tool development.
• An optimal tool for medication information transfer was designed based on identified needs.
• A feasibility pilot study evaluated the tool's utility and pharmacist satisfaction.

Main Results:

• The Electronic Medication Information Transfer Tool (EMITT) was developed, providing letters and updated drug lists to outpatient pharmacists.
• 187 medication issues were communicated via 40 transferred letters, with 61 requiring follow-up.
• Active follow-up on communicated issues potentially prevented 348 DRPs, with common issues including medication restarts and dose adjustments.

Conclusions:

• A practical tool can be created to bridge communication gaps between pharmacists during patient care transitions.
• Evaluating healthcare professional needs is key to developing effective medication information transfer solutions.
• The developed tool's components are adaptable for improving medication information transfer in various institutions.