Improving 30-day readmissions: Student pharmacists’ role in transitions of care

Abstract

BackgroundPharmacists have reduced 30-day hospital readmissions when involved with transitions of care (TOC). The impact of student pharmacists on readmissions is more limited. ObjectiveThe goal of this study was to describe student pharmacists’ role in a new TOC service and determine their impact on 30-day hospital readmissions. MethodsWe designed a 3-step TOC service spanning inpatient, discharge, and follow-up led by student pharmacists and involving both inpatient and ambulatory care pharmacy preceptors. The student pharmacists followed inpatient care and discussed medications with the patients. Discharge orders were reviewed, and the student pharmacists provided discharge education. On discharge, the student pharmacists wrote a handoff to the ambulatory care pharmacist describing inpatient care, discharge medication list, follow-up, and unresolved medication issues. Finally, the student pharmacists participated in the outpatient follow-up at the primary care provider office with the provider and an ambulatory care pharmacist. Readmissions were compared between this process and a standard-of-care historical control group using chi-square analysis. ResultsThe student pharmacist–led TOC service reduced 30-day hospital readmissions by 13.1% (P = 0.018) compared with standard of care. ConclusionStudent pharmacists are effective members of the health care team in reducing readmissions. Student pharmacists are cost-effective, appropriately trained, and well positioned to assist with these services.