Preventing drug-related adverse events following hospital discharge: the role of the pharmacist

Abstract

Transition of care (ToC) points, and in particular hospital admission and discharge, can be associated with an increased risk of adverse drug events (ADEs) and other drug-related problems (DRPs). The growing recognition of the pharmacist as an expert in medication management, patient education and communication makes them well placed to intervene. There is evidence to indicate that the inclusion of pharmacists in the health care team at ToC points reduces ADEs and DRPs and improves patient outcomes. The objectives of this paper are to outline the following using current literature: 1) the increased risk of medication-related problems at ToC points; 2) to highlight some strategies that have been successful in reducing these problems; and 3) to illustrate how the role of the pharmacist across all facets of care can contribute to the reduction of ADEs, particularly for patients at ToC points.

Keywords: adverse drug events; drug-related problems; hospital discharge; pharmacist; transitions of care.

Figure 1

Schema of the medicines reconciliation process at admission and discharge. Abbreviations: MR, medication reconciliation; OTC, over the counter; PHO, Primary Health Organization; GP, General Practitioner.