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Pharmacist-Led Model to Reduce Hospital Readmissions in Medically Complex Children
Alison M DaCosta1, Courtney B Sweet1, Lisa R Garavaglia1
1Department of Pharmaceutical Services, WVU Medicine Children's, Morgantown, West Virginia.
Summary
A pharmacist-led care coordination model for medically complex children proved feasible, showing varied but overall decreased healthcare utilization. Caregiver satisfaction was high, though quality of life outcomes differed.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Health Services Research
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Medically complex children require intensive care coordination.
- Existing models may not fully address the needs of these patients.
- Pharmacist involvement in care coordination is an emerging area.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the feasibility of a pharmacist-led care coordination model for medically complex children.
- To evaluate the impact of this model on healthcare utilization.
- To measure changes in quality of life and caregiver satisfaction.
Main Methods:
- Pilot study involving 4 medically complex children over 5 months.
- Weekly pharmacist contact and time tracking per patient.
- Collection of hospital admissions, ED visits, and clinic visits.
- Assessment of quality of life (PedsQL 4.0) and caregiver satisfaction (PACIC).
Main Results:
- Pharmacist spent 60-80 minutes per patient weekly.
- 3 of 4 patients showed decreased hospital admissions and days of stay.
- Quality of life scores varied; caregiver satisfaction increased for all.
- Overall pooled healthcare utilization decreased.
Conclusions:
- Pharmacist-led care coordination is feasible but requires physician collaboration.
- Healthcare utilization impacts were patient-specific but trended downward overall.
- Caregiver satisfaction was high, indicating perceived value of the service.
- Further research is needed to refine quality of life assessments for this population.
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