Real-Time Risk Tool for Pharmacy Interventions

Background

Adverse drug events (ADEs) result in excess hospitalizations. Thorough admission medication histories (AMHs) may prevent ADEs; however, the resources required oftentimes outweigh what is available in large hospital settings. Previous risk prediction models embedded into the Electronic Medical Record (EMR) have been used at hospitals to aid in targeting delivery of scarce resources.

Objective

To determine if an AMH scoring tool used to allocate resources can decrease 30-day hospital readmissions.

Design Setting and Participants

Propensity-matched cohort study, Medicine/Surgery patients in large academic safety-net hospital.

Intervention or Exposure

Pharmacy-conducted AMHs identified by risk model versus standard of care AMH.

Main Outcomes and Measures

A total of 30-day hospital readmissions and inpatient ADE prevention.

Results

The model screened 87 240 hospitalizations between June 2017 and June 2019 and 4027 patients per group were included. There were significantly less 30 day readmissions among high-risk identified patients that received a pharmacy-conducted AMH compared to controls (11% vs 15%; P = 0.004) and no significant difference in readmission rates for low-risk patients. While there was significantly higher documentation of major ADE prevention in the pharmacy-led AMH group versus control (1656 vs 12; P < 0.001), there was no difference in electronically-detected inpatient ADEs between groups.

Conclusions

A risk tool embedded into the EMR can be used to identify patients whom pharmacy teams can easily target for AMHs. This study showed significant reductions in readmissions for patients identified as high-risk. However, the same benefit in readmissions was not seen in those identified at low-risk, which supports allocating resources to those that will benefit the most.

Access to Telepharmacy Services May Reduce Hospital Admissions in Outpatient Populations During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Introduction:

Avoidable hospital admissions put increased pressure on already strained health care resources, causing emotional and financial distress for patients and their families while taxing the health system. Pharmacist involvement in patient care has been shown to improve health care outcomes. Telepharmacy allows for personalized interaction and access to pharmacy services in a flexible format. The primary aim of this report is to explore the impact that access to a personalized telepharmacy service has on the hospital admission rate in an outpatient population before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Materials and Methods:

A retrospective, double-arm cohort study was performed. Hospital admission rates were analyzed in two similarly aged groups; one group (n = 2,242) had access to telepharmacy services through their primary care provider and another group did not (n = 1,540), from 2019 to 2020. Statistical analysis was performed to explore hospitalization rates in both groups.

Results:

An increase in hospitalization rates was observed in both groups of patients from 2019 to 2020. The patient group that had access to the telepharmacy service demonstrated a reduced rise in hospitalization rates versus the group without access to the telepharmacy service (access group +12.9% vs. nonaccess group +40.2%, p < 0.05, Student's t-test).

Discussion:

The patient group with access to telepharmacy services demonstrated a reduced increase in hospitalizations versus the group without access in 2020. While this represents a preliminary investigation into the potential impacts of telepharmacy on hospitalization rates, telepharmacy services may have a role in improving patient outcomes and cost savings.

Pharmacists and community health workers improve medication-related process outcomes among Cambodian Americans with depression and risk for diabetes

BACKGROUND

Cambodian Americans have high rates of cardiometabolic and psychiatric disorders and disadvantaged social determinants of health (SDOH). These factors can make it challenging to resolve drug therapy problems (DTPs) and improve medication-related outcomes. This manuscript reports planned analyses from a randomized controlled trial in which participants were randomized to one of 3 treatment arms: (1) community health worker (CHW)-delivered lifestyle intervention called Eat, Walk, sleep (EWS), (2) EWS plus pharmacist/CHW-delivered medication therapy management (EWS + MTM), or (3) social services (SS: control).

OBJECTIVES

We compared the 3 arms on changes in self-reported medication adherence, barriers, and beliefs. Within the EWS + MTM arm only, we assessed the impact of EWS + MTM on DTP resolution and examined predictors of DTP resolution.

METHODS

Cambodian Americans at the age of 35-75 years at high risk of developing diabetes and meeting the criteria for likely depression (N = 188) were randomized (EWS, n = 67; EWS + MTM, n = 63; SS, n = 50; control). For all participants, self-reported surveys were collected at baseline, 12 months, and 15 months. DTPs were assessed on the same schedule but only for participants in the EWS + MTM.

RESULTS

All 3 groups reported a significant decrease in barriers to taking medications. Compared with the other arms, the EWS + MTM arm reported a decrease in forgetting to take medications at 15 months. In the EWS + MTM arm, mean DTPs per patient was 6.57 and 84% of DTPs were resolved. SDOH predictors of DTP resolution included years of education (odds ratio [OR] 0.94, P = 0.016), ability to write English (OR 0.73, P = 0.015), difficulty communicating with provider (OR 1.39, P < 0.001), private insurance (OR 1.99, P = 0.030), disability (OR 0.51, P = 0.008), and years living under Pol Pot (OR 0.66, P = 0.045). Medication barriers at baseline predicted DTP resolution (OR 0.79, P = 0.019) such that each additional barrier was associated with a 21% reduction (1-0.79) in the odds of having a resolution.

CONCLUSION

CHWs can reduce medications barriers and help pharmacists reduce DTPs in disadvantaged populations.

Mitigating Medication-Related Fall Risk Through Pharmacist-Prescriber Collaboration

Medications are known to increase the risk for fall in older adults, and pharmacists can contribute to fall risk prevention through medication therapy management services. STEADI-Rx is an initiative developed to facilitate fall risk reduction through pharmacist-prescriber collaboration. Key components of the STEADI-Rx algorithm are described as well as evidence supporting its integration in practice.

Impact of a Pharmaceutical Care Program at Discharge on Patients at High Risk of Readmission According to the Hospital Score

Background: A significant percentage of hospital readmissions within 30 days of discharge are a result of avoidable drug-related problems. Stratifying patients according to readmission risk is key to pharmaceutical intervention (PI) design strategies to improve treatment outcomes. Objective: To assess whether a pharmaceutical care (PC) program at discharge in polymedicated patients at high potentially avoidable readmission (PAR) risk, according to the HOSPITAL score, improves 30-day readmission rate (30-dRR). Methods: This prospective controlled, quasi-experimental, 11-month study included 163 chronic polymedicated patients (>5 medications) at high PAR risk according to the HOSPITAL score. We calculated the 30-dRR and number of medication variations and Medication Regimen Complexity Index-E (MRCI-E) after PI. Results were compared with a retrospective cohort of chronic patients at high PAR risk. Results: The 30-dRR was 18.4% in the intervention group and 25.6% in the control group (odds ratio [OR] = 0.66; 95% CI = 0.38 to 1.14). Total medication reduction (-1.28; 95% CI = -1.88 to -0.68), number of high-risk medications in chronic patients (-0.58; 95% CI = -0.9 to -0.26), and MRCI-E (-6.42; 95% CI = -8.07 to -4.76) were statistically significant (P < .001). The number of medications at discharge was associated with an increased readmission risk (OR = 1.07; 95% CI = 1.01 to 1.14). Conclusions: The degree of polypharmacy and patients' treatment complexity after hospital discharge significantly reduced as a result of the PC program compared with the control group. This highlights the need for patient selection and prioritization strategies for implementing PIs focused on reducing polypharmacy and preventing drug-related problems that may cause PAR.

Communication related to medication incidents-A concept analysis and literature review

AIMS

(1) To identify and analyse the conceptual framework and operationalise the concept of communication issues related to medication incidents in hospital to facilitate the development of a future tool for measuring frequencies of the communication issues. (2) To determine how the concept is distinct from related concepts.

DESIGN

Concept analysis.

DATA SOURCES

Twenty-three articles from seven scientific databases covering the years 2010-2020 and two official documents.

METHODS

Walker and Avant's concept analysis method was used. That was started by a systematised literature review on 2 November 2020 using specified criteria. Two authors evaluated articles' quality by Joanna Brigg's Institute's criteria. Literature review results were analysed deductive-inductively; conceptual framework was developed and concept defined presenting case scenarios. EQUATOR's standards were used in study reporting.

RESULTS

A conceptual framework and the concept of 'communication related to medication incidents in hospitals' were defined, comprising six main attribute categories: (1) communication dyads involved in communication, (2) patients' or professionals' individual issues, (3) institutional, (4) contextual and process issues, (5) communication concerning medication prescriptions and (6) qualitative characteristics of communication. The categories consisted of 128 quantitatively measurable and 10 qualitative attributes describing communication issues. The concept is distinct from related concepts by collating fragmented communication issues into the same concept.

CONCLUSION

The 128-item conceptual framework and the concept of communication related to medication incidents in hospitals were defined, as there was not one. The concept assembled parts of previous theories and fragmented information to one entity. The concept needs further condensing and validation to develop a tool for measuring communication issues.

IMPACT ON MEDICATION SAFETY

The conceptual framework can be used in practice and education as indicative rationale for reflection of current communication issues. The concept contributes to research by providing necessary grounding for tool development for measuring communication factors relating medication incidents.

STOPP-START Medication Review: A Non-Randomized Trial in an Indonesian Tertiary Hospital to Improve Medication Appropriateness and to Reduce the Length of Stay of Older Adults

Background: Inappropriate prescribing may lead to medication errors among older adults. Pharmacists can curb the occurrences of these errors by conducting medication reviews. Screening Tool of Older Person's Prescriptions (STOPP) or Screening Tool to Alert doctors to Right Treatments (START) may curb the incidence of adverse drug reactions and improve medication appropriateness by providing guides about when particular types of medications should be started or stopped. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the use of STOPP/START to improve the Adapted Medication Appropriateness Index (MAI), to reduce the risk of ADRs (GerontoNet score), and length of stay (LOS). Setting: Geriatric Inpatient Ward, Sanglah General Hospital, Bali, Indonesia. Method: A non-randomized controlled trial was conducted in older adults (>60 years) who were selected consecutively from inpatient units in a tertiary hospital in Bali, Indonesia. The intervention group received medication reviews by pharmacists in collaboration with physicians to assess its appropriateness with STOPP/START criteria on admission and during their stay at the hospital. The control group obtained standard care. Main Outcome Measures: The outcomes were measured using the Adapted MAI, GerontoNet Score, and LOS. Results: Thirty patients in the intervention group and 33 patients in the control group were included in this study. The adapted MAI was 2.97 (2.25) and 9.94 (6.14) with P < .001. The GerontoNet score was 3.33 (2.28) and 5.18 (2.10) with P = .003, LOS was 7.63 (3.00) days and 14.18 (9.97) days with P = .011, respectively. Conclusion: The use of STOPP/START as a tool for medication review improved medication appropriateness and reduced ADR risk and LOS.

Systemic Steroid and Nebulized Budesonide Combination Therapy Versus Systemic Steroid Monotherapy in Patients with Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in a Community Hospital: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Purpose: To evaluate clinical outcomes and costs of inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) and systemic corticosteroid combination therapy versus systemic corticosteroid monotherapy for treatment of acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD). Methods: Hospitalized patients aged 41 to 85 years old who received ≥40 mg/day of systemic prednisone equivalents between April 3, 2017 to July 31, 2017 and April 3, 2018 to July 31, 2018 with a primary discharge diagnosis of AECOPD. Two cohorts were identified: those who received >2 doses of ICS (combination therapy) and those who received ≤2 doses of ICS (monotherapy) while on systemic corticosteroid therapy. Primary outcomes were progression of respiratory support or ≥20% increase in daily dose of systemic corticosteroids. Secondary outcomes were hospital length of stay (LOS), COPD 30-day readmissions, in-hospital mortality, and nebulized budesonide costs. Results: One hundred twenty-eight patients met inclusion criteria. Daily corticosteroid dose increases were similar between the combination and monotherapy cohorts (4% vs. 5%, P = 0.76) as was progression in ventilatory support (12% vs. 8%, P = 0.53). In-hospital mortality (4% vs. 1%, P = 0.36) and COPD 30-day readmissions (16% vs. 9%, P = 0.22) were not significantly different, however, patients in the combination arm had longer lengths of stay (4.8 days vs. 3.9 days, P = 0.04). Total nebulized budesonide costs were $1857 with a mean of $37 per patient stay for combination therapy cohort. Conclusion: Outcomes showed no clinical difference between combination therapy and monotherapy. This study suggests monotherapy may be more cost-effective while providing similar outcomes for the treatment of hospitalized patients with AECOPD.

Precision of Medication Therapy Problem Identification and Classification amongst Primary Care Clinic Pharmacists

This study assesses the level of agreement on medication therapy problem (MTP) identification and classification between primary care, ambulatory care pharmacists within a health-system that recently implemented system-wide pharmacist provision of comprehensive medication management (CMM) services. Twenty standardized case vignettes were created and distributed to pharmacists who reviewed each case and identified and categorized MTPs. Outcomes include the number of MTPs identified, identification (yes/no) of specific MTPs within each case (e.g., need for a statin), and Pharmacy Quality Alliance (PQA) category used when classifying MTPs. The level of agreement on MTP identification/categorization was measured using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and interpreted using the Landis and Koch interpretation scale. “Moderate agreement” was observed for the number of MTPs identified by pharmacists (ICC equal to 0.45; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.31 to 0.65). In approximately one-half of opportunities, the pharmacists agreed perfectly on the number of MTPs; in approximately one-third of opportunities, the number of MTPs identified varied by 1; and approximately one-tenth of the time, the number of MTPs varied by 2. In regard to the MTP identification (yes/no) and categorization, percent agreement was ≥73% across all MTPs. The results support the need for further training and education and provide the information necessary to target specific disease states.

Characterizing the reach of comprehensive medication management in a population health primary care model

INTRODUCTION

As care teams adopt team-based models of care, it is important to examine the reach of interdisciplinary services, such as pharmacists providing comprehensive medication management (CMM). This study examined the reach of pharmacist-delivered CMM in the first 10 months of a population health-focused primary care transformation (PCT).

METHODS

Using electronic health record data, descriptive statistics (counts and percentages, as well as means and standard deviations) were quantified to summarize the patients who received CMM in two PCT pilot clinics pre- and post-PCT.

RESULTS

Patients who had at least one CMM visit increased from 554 during the pre-PCT window to 880 during the post-PCT window. However, when adjusted for the increased pharmacist full-time equivalents (FTE) included as part of the PCT, 462 and 330 patients/FTE were seen in the pre- vs post-PCT periods, respectively. When calculating the percentage of patients who received CMM, this increased from 2.3% of all primary care patients seen in the two pilot clinics before the PCT began to 4.4% after the PCT was implemented. Most patient demographics remained largely the same between the pre- and post-PCT periods. However, CMM patients seen in the post-PCT period had more medication therapy problems across all medication therapy problem categories compared to patients in the pre-PCT period. Additionally, patients receiving CMM had significantly more conditions and medications and higher hospitalizations and emergency department use compared to the general clinic population.

CONCLUSIONS

Reach is an important implementation outcome to determine the representativeness of individuals participating in a given service. This study illustrates that pharmacists providing CMM see complex patients with a high propensity for medication therapy problems. However, opportunities exist to improve the reach of CMM and, in turn, enhance team-based care.

Educational program for orthopedic surgeons' influences for osteoporosis

Background

In this retrospective study, we studied the impact of educational osteoporosis program on the rates of bone mineral density (BMD) assessment and bone turnover markers (BTM) and drug medications in the patients with hip fracture.

Methods

This retrospective research enrolled 651 patients aged ≥50 years who experienced hip fractures from January 2013 to December 2015. We recorded whether patients had received BMD assessment, BTM measurement, and anti-osteoporosis therapy during the period of hospitalization. Orthopedic surgeons were classified into the trained group and the untrained group. The rates of BMD assessment, BTM measurement, and anti-osteoporosis medications in the patients with hip fracture were compared between the trained group and the untrained group.

Results

BMD assessment was performed in 109/220 patients in the trained group and 142/431 patients in the untrained group. BTM measurements were performed in 130 patients in the trained group and 124 patients in the untrained group. Forty eight patients in the trained group and 63 patients in the untrained group received bisphosphonate medications.

Conclusions

Although the rates of BMD assessment, BTM measurement, and bisphosphonate use in the patients after hip fractures are still insufficient, education programs help to improve the situation.

Clinical pharmaceutical screening in critical situations in a radioiodine therapy management service

Radioiodine therapy can be used in differentiated thyroid carcinoma and requires extensive evaluation to ensure effectiveness and safety. Therefore, it is necessary to evaluate all health problems and medications used in the pre-radioiodine therapy period and comprehensive medication managementservices can serve as a screening tool in this context. The present study aims to describe critical clinical situations identified during the initial assessments of a comprehensive medication management service offered to differentiated thyroid carcinoma patients pre-radioiodine therapy, and the pharmaceutical interventions performed to solve them. A descriptive study with regard to the initial ten months of a comprehensive medication management service was carried out in a large oncology hospital (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil). Descriptive analysis was used to describe the critical clinical situations identified, as well as the correspondent drug therapy problems and the type, acceptability, and outcomes of the pharmaceutical interventions performed to solve them. Thirty patients with an average of 45.8 years and 5.1 medications were evaluated. Five critical clinical situations were identified; corresponding to drug therapy problems two(needs additional drug therapy - n = 4) and drug therapy problems four (dosage too low - n = 1). All pharmaceutical interventions were accepted. The comprehensive medication management service provision pre-radioiodine therapy is feasible and represents an important screening strategy.

Extemporaneous Compounding: A Possible Trigger Tool to Detect potentially health incidents

BACKGROUND

Extemporaneous compounding (EC) involves preparation of a therapeutic product to a specific-patient need. However, there is a potential relation between this procedure and the occurrence of health incidents (HI). The use of triggers tool increases HI identification.

OBJECTIVE

This study assessed the performance of EC as trigger to detect potentially health incidents arising from this procedure.

METHOD

A one-month observational and cross-sectional study was performed in internal medicine ward and intensive care unit of medium-sized hospital. Data collection was carried out in 5 stages: all triggered patients with dysphagia or enteral feeding tube with prescription of EC were included; it was observed all EC executed in standardized drugs prescribed; the procedure was compared with the hospital guide and scientific literature; HI monitoring and their evaluation using WHO and NCC MERP algorithms; a search for pharmaceutical alternatives (PA) that would avoid the observed EC.

RESULTS

197 patients were recruited. Almost half of them were triggered by EC from 84 standardized drugs. 48 patients met inclusion criteria. It was identified 28 adverse drug reactions, 01 therapeutic ineffectiveness and 29 medication errors. EC as trigger tool showed a PPV value of 0.38. Finally, only 24 drugs have PA available in the market, that could avoid one third of all observed EC.

CONCLUSION

It was possible to detect potentially HI in one of two patients with enteral feeding tube using EC as trigger tool. The use of EC as a trigger tool contributes to identify potentially HI arising from drugs, which have not gotten pharmaceutical alternatives to be administered via enteral feeding tube.

Needs Assessment of Safe Medicines Management for Older People With Cognitive Disorders in Home Care: An Integrative Systematic Review

Background and Objectives: The global trend of healthcare is to improve the quality and safety of care for older people with cognitive disorders in their own home. There is a need to identify how medicines management for these older people who are cared by their family caregivers can be safeguarded. This integrative systematic review aimed to perform the needs assessment of medicines management for older people with cognitive disorders who receive care from their family caregivers in their own home.

Methods: An integrative systematic review of the international literature was conducted to retrieve all original qualitative and quantitative studies that involved the family caregivers of older people with cognitive disorders in medicines management in their own home. MeSH terms and relevant keywords were used to search four online databases of PubMed (including Medline), Scopus, CINAHL, and Web of Science and to retrieve studies published up to March 2021. Data were extracted by two independent researchers, and the review process was informed by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). Given that selected studies were heterogeneous in terms of the methodological structure and research outcomes, a meta-analysis could not be performed. Therefore, narrative data analysis and knowledge synthesis were performed to report the review results.

Results: The search process led to retrieving 1,241 studies, of which 12 studies were selected for data analysis and knowledge synthesis. They involved 3,890 older people with cognitive disorders and 3,465 family caregivers. Their methodologies varied and included cohort, randomised controlled trial, cross-sectional studies, grounded theory, qualitative framework analysis, and thematic analysis. The pillars that supported safe medicines management with the participation of family caregivers in home care consisted of the interconnection between older people's needs, family caregivers' role, and collaboration of multidisciplinary healthcare professionals.

Conclusion: Medicines management for older people with cognitive disorders is complex and multidimensional. This systematic review provides a comprehensive image of the interconnection between factors influencing the safety of medicines management in home care. Considering that home-based medicines management is accompanied with stress and burden in family caregivers, multidisciplinary collaboration between healthcare professionals is essential along with the empowerment of family caregivers through education and support.

National Trends and Policy Impacts on Provision of Home Medicines Reviews and Residential Medication Management Reviews in Older Australians, 2009-2019

Comprehensive medicines reviews such as Home Medicines Review (HMR) and Residential Medication Management Review (RMMR) can resolve medicines-related problems. Changes to Australia’s longstanding HMR and RMMR programs were implemented between 2011 and 2014. This study examined trends in HMR and RMMR provision among older Australians during 2009–2019 and determined the impact of program changes on service provision. Monthly rates of general medical practitioner (GP) HMR claims per 1000 people aged ≥65 years and RMMR claims per 1000 older residents of aged care facilities were determined using publicly available data. Interrupted time series analysis was conducted to examine changes coinciding with dates of program changes. In January 2009, monthly HMR and RMMR rates were 0.80/1000 older people and 20.17/1000 older residents, respectively. Small monthly increases occurred thereafter, with 1.89 HMRs/1000 and 34.73 RMMRs/1000 provided in February 2014. In March 2014, immediate decreases of –0.32 (95%CI –0.52 to –0.11) HMRs/1000 and –12.80 (95%CI –15.22 to –10.37) RMMRs/1000 were observed. There were 1.07 HMRs/1000 and 35.36 RMMRs/1000 provided in December 2019. In conclusion, HMR and RMMR program changes in March 2014 restricted access to subsidized medicines reviews and were associated with marked decreases in service provision. The low levels of HMR and RMMR provision observed do not represent a proactive approach to medicines safety and effectiveness among older Australians.

Effects of the Medicare Part D comprehensive medication review on medication adherence among patients with Alzheimer's disease

OBJECTIVE

Older patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) are challenged with adhering to complex medication regimens. We examined effects of Comprehensive Medication Review (CMR), a required Medicare Part D Medication Therapy Management (MTM) program component, on medication adherence among AD patients.

METHODS

This retrospective study analyzed 100% of 2016-2017 Medicare claims covering the entire United States, linked to Area Health Resources Files. Medicare beneficiaries aged ≥65 years were included. Propensity score matching identified comparable intervention and comparison groups with the intervention defined as receiving a CMR in 2017. A difference-in-differences analysis included in multivariate logistic regressions an interaction term between CMR receipt and year 2017. The outcome measured was nonadherence to diabetes, hypertension and hyperlipidemia medications, with nonadherence defined as proportion of days covered <80% for study medications.

RESULTS

Unadjusted comparisons indicated the proportion of nonadherence for intervention group members decreased from 2016 to 2017 but increased for the comparison group. In adjusted analyses, reduction in medication nonadherence among the intervention group remained higher: odds ratios for the interaction term were 0.62 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.54-0.71), 0.54 (95% CI = 0.50-0.58) and 0.50 (95% CI = 0.47-0.53) respectively for diabetes, hypertension and hyperlipidemia medications. This suggests that the likelihood of nonadherence in the intervention group was respectively reduced by 38%, 46% and 50% more than the comparison group.

CONCLUSIONS

CMR was found to reduce nonadherence to diabetes, hypertension and hyperlipidemia medications among older Medicare beneficiaries with AD. This provides evidence that the MTM program is effective for a population with unique medication compliance challenges.

Effects of the Medicare Part D Comprehensive Medication Review on Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Medication Adherence

Background

Substantial research has documented inequalities between US minorities and whites in meeting the eligibility criteria for the Medicare Part D medication therapy management (MTM) program. Even though the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services attempted to relax the eligibility criteria, a critical barrier to effective MTM reform is a lack of stronger evidence about the effects of MTM on minorities' health outcomes.

Objective

To examine the effects of comprehensive medication review (CMR), an MTM core component, on racial and ethnic disparities in adherence to diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia medications among Medicare beneficiaries aged ≥65 years.

Methods

This study used full-year 2017 Medicare Parts A, B, and D claims data, including MTM data, linked to the Area Health Resources Files. Racial and ethnic disparities in nonadherence to diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia medications were compared between CMR recipients and nonrecipients matched by their propensity scores. To determine the changes in racial and ethnic disparities after receiving CMR, a difference-in-differences framework was applied, by including in logistic regression analyses interaction terms between dummy variables for CMR receipt and each racial or ethnic minority group.

Results

Compared with CMR nonrecipients, CMR recipients had significantly lower racial and ethnic disparities across the 3 outcome measures, with the exception of the difference between whites and blacks in nonadherence to diabetes medications. For example, compared with CMR nonrecipients, among CMR recipients the differences in the odds of nonadherence to hypertension medications were reduced, respectively, by 8% (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.88-0.96) between whites and blacks; by 18% (95% CI, 0.78-0.86) between whites and Hispanics; by 16% (95% CI, 0.77-0.91) between whites and Asians; and by 9% (95% CI, 0.85-0.98) between whites and other racial and ethnic groups.

Conclusion

Receiving a CMR reduced the racial and ethnic disparities in adherence to diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia medications among Medicare beneficiaries aged ≥65 years. These findings provide critical empirical evidence that may inform the future design of the Medicare Part D MTM program, which is valuable for improving pharmacotherapy outcomes and could further realize its potential when additional people from racial and ethnic minorities are enrolled.

Multimodal Interventions to Improve the Management of Chronic Non-Malignant Pain in Primary Care Using Participatory Research

BACKGROUND

The use of diverse therapies combined with a multidisciplinary approach and prevention initiatives for patients with chronic non-malignant pain (CNMP) can improve health and have a positive impact on psychotropic drug use and the self-management of pain.

PURPOSE

This purpose of this study has been two-fold: to conduct a literature review with a view to selecting best evidence recommendations for CNMP and to prioritize self-care recommendations using a participatory methodology for the analysis and selection of interventions.

METHODS

A qualitative, descriptive, and documentary method based on participatory action research was used.

FINDINGS

Based on the study results, a multimodal psychosocial intervention program has been designed for CNMP that includes psychoeducational therapy, pharmacological therapy, physical exercise, and health assets.

DISCUSSION

The findings are consistent with previous studies underlining the need to invest in resources for the management of CNMP, including strategies for good differential diagnoses and pharmacological treatments combined with non-pharmacological treatments to confer greater well-being for people living with pain who want to participate in their own recovery.

Evaluation of a Novel Pharmacist-Delivered Adherence Improvement Service via Telehealth

Nearly half of all patients prescribed a chronic medication do not adhere to their regimen. Conversion from a 30- to 90-day medication refill is associated with improved adherence. The objective of the study was to assess the change in proportion of days covered (PDC) in those who converted to a 90-day fill and those who did not after a telehealth pharmacist-delivered, medication adherence intervention. This retrospective review involved data collected between May and December 2018. Patients with ≤85% baseline PDC rates were targeted. One group included patients who converted to a 90-day fill after the pharmacist intervention. The comparator group did not convert to a 90-day fill. Differences in median end-of-year (EOY) PDC rates for each medication class were compared between groups. An alpha level of 0.05 was set a priori. Overall, 237 patients converted to a 90-day fill and 501 did not. There was no significant difference in age, sex, and total number of drugs per patient. A Mann–Whitney U test revealed statistically significant improvements in median EOY PDC in the group that converted to a 90-day fill (+9% vs. −3%, p < 0.001). Pharmacist-delivered telehealth interventions were associated with improved PDC rates in those who converted to a 90-day fill.

Potentially Inappropriately Prescribed Medications Among Medicare Medication Therapy Management Eligible Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease: an Observational Analysis

BACKGROUND

Potentially inappropriately prescribed medications (PIPMs) among patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) may vary among clinical settings. Rates of PIPM are unknown among Medicare-enrolled Medication Therapy Management (MTM) eligible patients.

OBJECTIVES

Determine prevalence of PIPM among patients with CKD and evaluate characteristics of patients and providers associated with PIPM.

DESIGN

An observational cross-sectional investigation of a Medicare insurance plan for the year 2018.

PATIENTS

Medicare-enrolled MTM eligible patients with stage 3-5 CKD.

MAIN MEASURES

PIPM was identified utilizing a tertiary database. Logistic regression assessed relationship between patient characteristics and PIPM.

KEY RESULTS

Investigation included 3624 CKD patients: 2856 (79%), 548 (15%), and 220 (6%) patients with stage 3, 4, and 5 CKD, respectively. Among patients with stage 3, stage 4, and stage 5 CKD, 618, 430, and 151 were with at least one PIPM, respectively. Logistic regression revealed patients with stage 4 or 5 CKD had 7-14 times the odds of having a PIPM in comparison to patients with stage 3 disease (p < 0.001). Regression also found PIPM was associated with increasing number of years qualified for MTM (odds ratio (OR) 1.46-1.74, p ≤ 0.005), female gender (OR 1.25, p = 0.008), and increasing polypharmacy (OR 1.30-1.57, p ≤ 0.01). Approximately 14% of all medications (2879/21093) were considered PIPM. Majority of PIPMs (62%) were prescribed by physician primary care providers (PCPs). Medications with the greatest percentage of PIPM were spironolactone, canagliflozin, sitagliptin, levetiracetam, alendronate, pregabalin, pravastatin, fenofibrate, metformin, gabapentin, famotidine, celecoxib, naproxen, meloxicam, rosuvastatin, diclofenac, and ibuprofen.

CONCLUSION

Over one-third of Medicare MTM eligible patients with CKD presented with at least one PIPM. Worsening renal function, length of MTM eligibility, female gender, and polypharmacy were associated with having PIPM. Majority of PIPMs were prescribed by PCPs. Clinical decision support tools may be considered to potentially reduce PIPM among Medicare MTM-enrolled patients with CKD.

Inappropriate medications and physical function: a systematic review

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Inappropriate medication prescription is highly prevalent in older adults and is associated with adverse health outcomes. The aim of this study was to examine the associations between potentially inappropriate medications (PIMS) and potential prescribing omissions with physical function in older adults situated in diverse environments.

METHODS

A systematic search was completed using the following databases: MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, EMBASE and COCHRANE. Results were extracted from the included studies.

RESULTS

In total, 55 studies reported on 2,767,594 participants with a mean age of 77.1 years (63.5% women). Study designs comprised 26 retrospective cohort studies, 21 prospective cohort studies and 8 cross-sectional studies. Inappropriate medications in community and hospital settings were significantly associated with higher risk of falls (21 out of 30 studies), higher risk of fractures (7 out of 9 studies), impaired activities of daily living (ADL; 8 out of 10 studies) and impaired instrumental ADL (IADL) score (4 out of 6 studies). Five out of seven studies also showed that PIMs were associated with poorer physical performance comprising the Timed Up and Go test, walking speed, grip strength, time to functional recovery, functional independence and scale of functioning. Many medication classes were implicated as PIMs in falls, fractures and impairment in physical performance including antipsychotic, sedative, anti-anxiety, anticholinergic, antidiabetic, opioid and antihypertensive medications. For patients not receiving musculoskeletal medications, such as calcium, vitamin D and bisphosphonates, older adults were found to be at risk of a hospital admission for a fall or fracture.

CONCLUSION

Inappropriate medication prescriptions are associated with impaired physical function across longitudinal and cross-sectional studies in older adults situated in diverse settings. It is important to support older people to reduce their use of inappropriate medications and prevent prescribing omissions.

PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY

Inappropriate medications and physical function Background and aims: The use of inappropriate medications is very common in older adults and is associated with harmful health problems. The aim was to examine associations between potentially inappropriate medications and potential prescribing omissions with physical function in older adults situated in diverse environments. Methods: Library databases were examined for possible studies to include and a systematic search was completed. Relevant information was obtained from the included studies. Results: In total, 55 studies reported on 2,767,594 participants who were an average age of 77.1 years and about 6 out of 10 were women. A variety of different study designs were used. Inappropriate medication prescriptions in community and hospital settings were significantly associated with higher risk of falls (21 out of 30 studies), higher risk of fractures (7 out of 9 studies), problems with activities of daily living (ADL), such as eating, bathing, dressing, grooming, walking and toileting (8 out of 10 studies) and problems with instrumental ADL such as managing medications, house cleaning and shopping (4 out of 6 studies). Five out of seven studies also showed that inappropriate medications were associated with poorer physical performance involving the Timed Up and Go test, walking speed, grip strength, time to functional recovery, functional independence and scale of functioning. Many types of medication classes were shown to be associated with a risk of falls, fractures and problems with physical performance. Omitted medications were also associated with falls and fractures. Conclusion: Inappropriate medication prescriptions are associated with problems relating to physical function. It is important to support older people to reduce their use of inappropriate medications and prevent prescribing omissions.

Inappropriate medications and physical function: a systematic review

Background and aims:

Inappropriate medication prescription is highly prevalent in older adults and is associated with adverse health outcomes. The aim of this study was to examine the associations between potentially inappropriate medications (PIMS) and potential prescribing omissions with physical function in older adults situated in diverse environments.

Methods:

A systematic search was completed using the following databases: MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, EMBASE and COCHRANE. Results were extracted from the included studies.

Results:

In total, 55 studies reported on 2,767,594 participants with a mean age of 77.1 years (63.5% women). Study designs comprised 26 retrospective cohort studies, 21 prospective cohort studies and 8 cross-sectional studies. Inappropriate medications in community and hospital settings were significantly associated with higher risk of falls (21 out of 30 studies), higher risk of fractures (7 out of 9 studies), impaired activities of daily living (ADL; 8 out of 10 studies) and impaired instrumental ADL (IADL) score (4 out of 6 studies). Five out of seven studies also showed that PIMs were associated with poorer physical performance comprising the Timed Up and Go test, walking speed, grip strength, time to functional recovery, functional independence and scale of functioning. Many medication classes were implicated as PIMs in falls, fractures and impairment in physical performance including antipsychotic, sedative, anti-anxiety, anticholinergic, antidiabetic, opioid and antihypertensive medications. For patients not receiving musculoskeletal medications, such as calcium, vitamin D and bisphosphonates, older adults were found to be at risk of a hospital admission for a fall or fracture.

Conclusion:

Inappropriate medication prescriptions are associated with impaired physical function across longitudinal and cross-sectional studies in older adults situated in diverse settings. It is important to support older people to reduce their use of inappropriate medications and prevent prescribing omissions.

Plain language summary

Inappropriate medications and physical function

Background and aims: The use of inappropriate medications is very common in older adults and is associated with harmful health problems. The aim was to examine associations between potentially inappropriate medications and potential prescribing omissions with physical function in older adults situated in diverse environments. Methods: Library databases were examined for possible studies to include and a systematic search was completed. Relevant information was obtained from the included studies. Results: In total, 55 studies reported on 2,767,594 participants who were an average age of 77.1 years and about 6 out of 10 were women. A variety of different study designs were used. Inappropriate medication prescriptions in community and hospital settings were significantly associated with higher risk of falls (21 out of 30 studies), higher risk of fractures (7 out of 9 studies), problems with activities of daily living (ADL), such as eating, bathing, dressing, grooming, walking and toileting (8 out of 10 studies) and problems with instrumental ADL such as managing medications, house cleaning and shopping (4 out of 6 studies). Five out of seven studies also showed that inappropriate medications were associated with poorer physical performance involving the Timed Up and Go test, walking speed, grip strength, time to functional recovery, functional independence and scale of functioning. Many types of medication classes were shown to be associated with a risk of falls, fractures and problems with physical performance. Omitted medications were also associated with falls and fractures. Conclusion: Inappropriate medication prescriptions are associated with problems relating to physical function. It is important to support older people to reduce their use of inappropriate medications and prevent prescribing omissions.

Nurses' responsibilities and tasks in pharmaceutical care: A scoping review

Aim

To provide an overview of responsibilities and tasks of nurses in pharmaceutical care.

Design

Scoping review.

Methods

Two databases were systematically searched (MEDLINE and Scopus) for recent original research papers concerning nurses’ responsibilities and tasks in pharmaceutical care. The definition of responsibility was based on literature, moral and ethical discussions. Existing responsibilities and tasks beyond preparation and administration of medication were collected and synthesized. This main study outcome was extracted from titles and abstracts only. Results were reported in accordance with PRISMA‐ScR guidelines.

Results

Of the 3,805 titles and abstracts reviewed, 453 abstracts were included. A total of seven responsibilities were identified: (a) management of therapeutic and adverse effects of medication, (b) management of medication adherence, (c) management of patient medication self‐management, (d) management of patient education and information about medication, (e) prescription management, (f) medication safety management and (g) (transition of) care coordination. Within these responsibilities, all tasks performed by nurses were described.

Patient Factors Associated with Pharmaceutical Interventions for Inpatients at a Brazilian Teaching Hospital

Background

Pharmaceutical interventions aim to correct or prevent a drug-related problem (DRP) that might lead to negative clinical consequences and increase health care costs.

Objective

To identify variables associated with the provision of pharmaceutical interventions by clinical pharmacists during hospitalization.

Methods

In this retrospective cohort study, adult inpatients of the medical ward of the University Hospital of the University of São Paulo in São Paulo, Brazil, were followed from admission to discharge. Logistic regression models were used to evaluate the association between occurrence of at least 1 pharmaceutical intervention and the following baseline characteristics: sex, age, Charlson comorbidity index, renal failure, electrolyte imbalance, hemoglobin, platelet count, and use of a nasoenteric tube, as well as the number, second-level Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) code, and administration route of prescribed medications.

Results

A total of 148 patients were included in the study, of whom 75 (50.7%) were men. The mean age was 62.8 (95% confidence interval [CI] 59.9-65.8) years, and the mean length of the hospital stay was 10.7 (95% CI 8.4-13.1) days. Analgesics (ATC code N02), the most common type of medication, were prescribed to 144 (97.3%) of the patients. Pharmaceutical interventions were performed for only 49 (33.1%) of the patients. One out of every 4 of these interventions was intended to obtain information not provided in the prescription, to allow the prescription to be completed and dispensing to proceed. According to the multivariate analysis, the odds ratio (OR) of occurrence of at least 1 pharmaceutical intervention increased for patients with electrolyte imbalance (OR 2.68, 95% CI 1.09-6.63; p = 0.033), patients using 5 to 8 medications (OR 8.73, 95% CI 1.07-71.36; p = 0.043), patients using 9 or more medications (OR 10.39, 95% CI 1.28-84.05; p = 0.028), and patients using at least 1 systemic antibacterial (ATC code J01; OR 2.76, 95% CI 1.30-5.84; p = 0.008).

Conclusions

The findings of this study could allow the identification, at the time of admission and possibly before the occurrence of a DRP, of patients at higher risk of requiring a pharmaceutical intervention later during their hospital stay. To optimize patient care, clinical pharmacists should closely follow inpatients with electrolyte imbalance, polypharmacy, and/or use of systemic antibacterials.

Low-Dose Tocilizumab With High-Dose Corticosteroids in Patients Hospitalized for COVID-19 Hypoxic Respiratory Failure Improves Mortality Without Increased Infection Risk

Background

Severe hypoxic respiratory failure from COVID-19 pneumonia carries a high mortality risk. There is uncertainty surrounding which patients benefit from corticosteroids in combination with tocilizumab and the dosage and timing of these agents. The balance of controlling inflammation without increasing the risk of secondary infection is difficult. At present, dexamethasone 6 mg is the standard of care in COVID-19 hypoxia; whether this is the ideal choice of steroid or dosage remains to be proven.

Objectives

The primary objective was to assess the impact on mortality of tocilizumab only, corticosteroids only, and combination therapy in patients with COVID-19 respiratory failure.

Methods

A multihospital, retrospective study of adult patients with severe respiratory failure from COVID-19 who received supportive therapy, corticosteroids, tocilizumab, or combination therapy were assessed for 28-day mortality, biomarker improvement, and relative risk of infection. Propensity-matched analysis was performed between corticosteroid alone and combination therapies to further assess mortality benefit.

Results

The steroid-only, tocilizumab-only, and combination groups showed hazard reduction in mortality at 28 days when compared with supportive therapy. In a propensity-matched analysis, the combination group (daily equivalent dexamethasone 10 mg and tocilizumab 400 mg) had an improved 28-day mortality compared with the steroid-only group (daily equivalent dexamethasone 10 mg; hazard ratio (95% CI) = 0.56 (0.38-0.84), P = 0.005] without increasing the risk of infection.

Conclusion and Relevance

Combination of tocilizumab and corticosteroids was associated with improved 28-day survival when compared with corticosteroids alone. Modification of steroid dosing strategy as well as steroid type may further optimize therapeutic effect of the COVID-19 treatment.