Pharmacist and Social Worker Services in Discharge Planning: Reducing Medication-Related Hospital Readmissions

Authors: Hala H. Al Mutairi, Sami S. Alenazi, Mutaz M. Alotaibi, Bader K. Alotaibi, Fawaz F. Alashjaai, Abdullah A. Alkahtany, Atallah K. Alruwaili

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.13888693

Short DOI: https://doi.org/g6zhbm

Country: Saudi Arabia

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Abstract: Hospital readmissions due to medication-related issues are a significant burden on healthcare systems. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of integrating pharmacist and social worker services in discharge planning to reduce 30-day hospital readmissions. Conducted at a tertiary hospital with 300 high-risk patients, 150 received collaborative discharge planning involving both pharmacists and social workers, while 150 received standard care. The intervention group had a significantly lower readmission rate (13.3%) compared to the control group (30.0%) (p < 0.05). Medication adherence and patient satisfaction were also significantly higher in the intervention group. The results suggest that collaborative discharge planning, addressing both clinical and social determinants of health, is effective in reducing hospital readmissions. This approach highlights the importance of multidisciplinary care in discharge planning.

Keywords: pharmacist, social worker, discharge planning, hospital readmissions, medication adherence, multidisciplinary care, social determinants of health.

Paper Id: 231294

Published On: 2024-06-10

Published In: Volume 12, Issue 3, May-June 2024

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