Enhancing Patient Safety: The Impact of Pharmacists in High-Risk Medication Management

Authors: Nada S. Almaklhafi, Asma F. Ashehri, Hana A. Albyyaai, Alanoud E. Alhumoud

Country: Saudi Arabia

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Abstract: Abstract

Background:
Managing high-risk medications (HRMs) is crucial for ensuring patient safety and preventing adverse drug events (ADEs). Pharmacists, with their specialized knowledge and training, are ideally suited to oversee and manage HRMs in various healthcare settings. However, their valuable contributions in this area are often overlooked and not well-documented.
Objective: This study aims to assess the impact of pharmacists on patient safety regarding high-risk medication management. It specifically seeks to measure the effectiveness of pharmacist-led interventions in reducing medication-related complications and enhancing overall patient outcomes.
Methods: A multi-center, prospective cohort study was carried out across several healthcare environments, including hospitals and outpatient clinics. The study included a sample of patients prescribed high-risk medications. Data were gathered over six months using a mixed-methods approach that combined quantitative measures with qualitative interviews. Key outcomes measured included the occurrence of ADEs, hospital readmission rates, and adherence to medication regimens. Pharmacists recorded their interventions, such as medication reviews, patient counseling, and collaboration with healthcare providers. Statistical analyses, including regression modeling, were employed to evaluate the relationship between pharmacist interventions and patient outcomes.
The findings show that having pharmacists involved in managing high-risk medications leads to a notable decrease in adverse drug events (ADEs), which fell by 35% during the intervention. Furthermore, the rates of hospital readmissions for patients on high-risk medications dropped by 20% for those who received counseling from pharmacists compared to those who did not. There was also a 25% improvement in patient adherence to medication regimens, which was positively linked to pharmacist interventions. Patient interviews provided qualitative insights, revealing that individuals felt more confident and knowledgeable about their medication use, underscoring the important role pharmacists play in patient care.

Keywords: Pharmacists ,High-Risk Medications ,Patient Safety ,Medication Management ,Adverse Drug Events (ADEs) ,Pharmacist Interventions ,Medication Adherence ,Medication Therapy Management (MTM) ,Patient Counseling ,Pharmaceutical Care ,Medication Review Process ,Patient Education ,Medication Safety

Paper Id: 231336

Published On: 2014-01-09

Published In: Volume 2, Issue 1, January-February 2014

Cite This: Enhancing Patient Safety: The Impact of Pharmacists in High-Risk Medication Management - Nada S. Almaklhafi, Asma F. Ashehri, Hana A. Albyyaai, Alanoud E. Alhumoud - IJIRMPS Volume 2, Issue 1, January-February 2014.

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