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Impact of Pharmacist-Driven Heart Failure in-Home Counseling on 30-Day Readmission Rates
Tova Berman1, Nicole Clark, Amy A Lemieux
1Tova Berman, PharmD, is a pharmacist who recently completed her PGY-1 residency at Melrose Wakefield Healthcare, Medford, MA. In addition to continuing on part-time at Melrose Wakefield, she recently began working as a clinical pharmacist at Commonwealth Care Alliance focusing on transitions in care. Nicole Clark, PharmD, MHA, BCPS, FMSHP, is a pharmacy clinical practice and education manager at Melrose Wakefield Healthcare. In this role, Dr. Clark directs development, implementation, and maintenance of clinical pharmacy services for the system. Dr. Clark is a residency program director for the PGY1/PGY2 Health System Administration Residency Program and oversees the pharmacy student program. Amy A. Lemieux, PharmD, BS, is a pharmacist focusing on transitions in care at Melrose Wakefield Healthcare, Medford, MA. She is an adjunct faculty member of MCPHS University and WNEU College of Pharmacy. Amy was previously a clinical supervisor at Melrose Wakefield Healthcare and prior to that a clinical pharmacist at McLean Hospital.
Pharmacist interventions for heart failure patients significantly reduce 30-day readmissions and enhance quality of life. This study highlights the value of pharmacist involvement during care transitions to improve patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Clinical Pharmacy
- Cardiology
- Health Services Research
Background:
- Patients with heart failure face high readmission risks during hospital-to-home transitions.
- Early intervention is crucial for improving patient care and reducing healthcare costs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of a pharmacist-led intervention on heart failure readmission rates.
- To assess the effect of this intervention on the quality of life for heart failure patients.
Main Methods:
- A pharmacist-driven intervention was implemented for heart failure patients.
- Data on patient demographics, readmissions, and quality of life were collected.
Main Results:
- Two out of 21 patients were readmitted within 30 days.
- One readmitted patient's death was unlikely to be preventable by the intervention.
- The study did not reach its target sample size due to limitations.
Conclusions:
- Despite limitations, preliminary data suggest pharmacist interventions are beneficial for heart failure patients.
- Further research is warranted to confirm the positive impact of pharmacist-led care transitions.
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