Impact of clinical pharmacists in a warrior transition battalion at a military hospital

Abstract

Abstract Objective Military treatment facilities across the USA began implementing Warriors in Transition Battalions (WTB), which provide enhanced health care and support to wounded soldiers in need of medical evaluation, treatment and rehabilitation. With the implementation of WTB, clinical pharmacists have begun to play a role in the management of these patients. The objective of this study was to examine the impact of clinical pharmacists' interventions in a WTB by evaluating drug-related interventions recommendations and to determine the acceptance rate of these interventions by primary care providers. Methods A retrospective chart review of all soldiers referred to and seen by clinical pharmacists in the WTB registered at Womack Army Medical Center in Fort Bragg, NC, USA, was performed using the Composite Health Care System (CHCS) database. Data were collected for all patients between 1 March and 30 November 2009. Provider acceptance was determined from eligible pharmacist interventions. Clinical pharmacist-initiated medications or laboratory draws were not eligible for provider acceptance. Key findings Fifty patients were seen by a clinical pharmacist in the WTB; the mean age was 33.4 years and 84% were males. A total of 216 recommendations were documented. The most common intervention was drug addition (36%) followed by drug deletion (18%). The primary reason for consultation was medication therapy management (56%); pain management was the second most common reason for consultation (28%). Of the 216 recommendations examined, 181 (84%) were eligible for provider acceptance. Providers accepted 142 (78%) out of 181 pharmacist recommendations. Conclusions A majority of pharmacist recommendations were accepted. Clinical pharmacist presence in the WTB is a valuable resource in terms of optimizing medication therapy.