Developing pharmacy services in a home hospital program: The Mayo Clinic experience
Margaret Peinovich1, Robert Darracott2,3, Jordan Dow4
1Medically Home, Boston, MA, USA.
Summary
Home hospital programs offer a new model for patient care. This article details developing pharmacy services for home hospital programs, aiding others in creating their own.
Area of Science:
- Healthcare delivery models
- Pharmacy practice
- Acute care
Background:
- Home hospital programs are an emerging patient care model.
- The impact of these programs on hospital pharmacy is not well understood.
- The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated interest in home-based acute care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the development of pharmacy services within a home hospital program.
- To provide guidance for other organizations establishing home hospital pharmacy services.
Main Methods:
- Development of clinical pharmacy services aligned with inpatient and ambulatory care.
- Modification of dispensing functions to meet the unique needs of home hospital care.
- Integration of pharmacy into the home hospital care team over two years.
Main Results:
- A robust pharmacy presence was established within the home hospital care team.
- A comprehensive medication management approach was developed.
- Clinical and dispensing activities were adapted for the home environment.
Conclusions:
- Home hospital medication management presents complexities and significant opportunities for pharmacy involvement.
- Pharmacy services are integral to the success of home hospital programs.
Related Concept Videos
Methods Of Healthcare Delivery System
At the different levels of the healthcare system, we see varying methods of healthcare used. These methods include managed care systems, case management, and primary healthcare.
Managed Care System:
The managed care system is designed to control the cost while maintaining the quality of care. The patient's care from admission to discharge is planned by the primary care provider or the case manager, also known as the gatekeeper. In a managed care system, the number of care providers is limited...
Managed Care System:
The managed care system is designed to control the cost while maintaining the quality of care. The patient's care from admission to discharge is planned by the primary care provider or the case manager, also known as the gatekeeper. In a managed care system, the number of care providers is limited...
Specialized Care Centers and Settings-I
Specialized care settings or centers are situated in convenient locations within the community and offer care to a specific group or population. They consist of daycare facilities, mental health facilities, rural health facilities, educational institutions, industries, shelters for the homeless, and rehabilitation facilities.
Daycare centers
They provide several functions. Some facilities care for healthy newborns and children whose parents work, while others are medically focused and care for...
Daycare centers
They provide several functions. Some facilities care for healthy newborns and children whose parents work, while others are medically focused and care for...
Specialized Care Centers and Settings-II
Rural Health Centers
Rural health centers are specialized care facilities in remote locations with very few medical personnel. The primary care providers who run the centers are mostly Registered Nurse Practitioners. Here, emergency treatment is provided to critically ill or injured patients before they are transferred to the closest hospital. Fortunately, due to advancement in technology, many rural healthcare facilities and professionals have easy access to diagnostic and treatment...
Rural health centers are specialized care facilities in remote locations with very few medical personnel. The primary care providers who run the centers are mostly Registered Nurse Practitioners. Here, emergency treatment is provided to critically ill or injured patients before they are transferred to the closest hospital. Fortunately, due to advancement in technology, many rural healthcare facilities and professionals have easy access to diagnostic and treatment...
Hospitals-II
Hospitals provide inpatient and outpatient services. Inpatient services provide care to patients that stay in the hospital for an extended period, ranging from days to months. Examples of inpatient services include intensive care units, hospital wards, or surgeries. Outpatient services provide care to patients who come to a hospital for a diagnostic or treatment but do not stay overnight —for example, diagnostic tests, surgical procedures, or health education.
Nurses that work in hospitals have...
Nurses that work in hospitals have...
Methods of Documentation VI: Case Management Model
The case management model is a multidisciplinary approach that involves healthcare professionals from diverse disciplines, such as physicians, nurses, therapists, social workers, and pharmacists, working collaboratively to address the various needs of patients. Each healthcare professional brings unique expertise and perspectives, contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of the patient's condition and tailoring treatment plans accordingly.
For example, a patient with a chronic illness...
For example, a patient with a chronic illness...
Documentation in Long-Term and Home Healthcare Setting
Documentation in long-term care facilities and home healthcare settings is crucial for ensuring continuous, coordinated, and comprehensive care for patients. Each setting has its specific documentation processes and tools:
Long-Term Care Facilities
Long-Term Care Facilities


