Evaluation of outpatient medication reconciliation involving student pharmacists at a comprehensive cancer center

Abstract

ObjectiveTo determine the number of discrepancies and medication-related problems found as a result of pharmacy-led medication reconciliation involving introductory pharmacy practice experience (IPPE) students at a comprehensive cancer center. SettingOutpatient infusion center of a National Cancer Institute (NCI)–designated and National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) cancer center. Practice description and innovationThird-year IPPE students contacted and completed medication reconciliation for 510 hematology/oncology patients scheduled for infusion center appointments without a coupled provider visit. IPPE students discussed the findings of the medication reconciliations with their pharmacist preceptors, who updated the medication histories in the electronic medical record (EMR) and communicated with prescribers directly about identified medication-related problems. All medication reconciliation was documented using a standardized note template in the EMR. Main outcome measuresNumber of medication discrepancies found, including medication additions, medication deletions, dose changes, and herbal product additions; medication-related problems—including drug–drug interactions, untreated indications (e.g., nausea, vomiting, pain, need for prophylactic medications), failure of patients to receive prescribed medications, and adverse drug reactions—were also documented. ResultsMedication reconciliation was completed for 510 patients through the student pharmacist/pharmacist preceptor–led intervention during a 1-year period between January 1, 2013, and December 31, 2013. A total of 88% of patients had at least one discrepancy identified in their medication history and corrected in the EMR. In addition, 11.4% of patients had a medication-related problem identified. ConclusionsPharmacy-led medication reconciliation identified a large number of discrepancies among our hematology/oncology patients. This intervention allowed for correction of discrepancies in the EMR leading to improved accuracy of patient medication lists. In addition, it provided a valuable learning experience for student pharmacists.