Reducing 30-Day All-Cause Rehospitalizations: A Pharmacist-Led Telehealth Service

Area of Science:

• Geriatric Pharmacy
• Health Services Research
• Telehealth

Background:

• Skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) are increasingly used for post-acute care, highlighting the need for effective discharge planning.
• Current SNF discharge processes often lack comprehensive medication reviews by pharmacists, potentially impacting patient outcomes.
• Reducing hospital readmissions is crucial for patient well-being and healthcare facility reimbursement.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of a pharmacist-driven discharge consultation service on 30-day all-cause rehospitalization rates.
• To assess secondary outcomes including readmission diagnoses, consultation duration, pharmacist interventions, and patient satisfaction.

Main Methods:

• A prospective cohort pilot study with historical controls was conducted, involving patients discharging from SNFs.
• Informed consent was obtained for video consultations provided by pharmacists at the time of discharge.
• The primary outcome was the 30-day hospital readmission rate, compared to the previous year.

Main Results:

• 196 counseling sessions were completed across three facilities, with an average consultation time of 15.4 minutes.
• Patients had an average of 15.5 medications and a Charlson Comorbidity Index of 5.6.
• A positive correlation was observed between participation in the consultation service and reduced readmission rates.

Conclusions:

• Pharmacist-led telehealth discharge consultations are associated with reduced hospital readmissions from SNFs.
• Patient satisfaction surveys indicate a high value placed on medication education provided during consultations.
• This telehealth model can potentially decrease readmission penalties for facilities and improve access to pharmacist care.