The value of inpatient pharmaceutical counselling to elderly patients prior to discharge

• DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2125.2002.01707.x
• Publication Date: 2003-03-11T04:47:17Z
• Authors: S. A. Al‐Rashed; D. J. Wright; N. Roebuck; W. Sunter; H. Chrystyn
• Keywords: Pharmaceutical Care

Aims The use of medication and information discharge summaries (MIDS) has become a standard procedure in many hospitals. We have evaluated if these summaries, together with in‐patient pharmaceutical counselling backed up simple medicine reminder card, may help the delivery seamless care. Methods Elderly patients prescribed more than four items discharged to their own home received policy including recently introduced MIDS card. Each patient's GP was sent copy on discharge. Pre‐discharge pharmacist counselled study about medicines compliance. A research visited approximately 2–3 weeks at 3 months post‐discharge determine drug knowledge, compliance, stocks any healthcare related events. Results Forty‐three 40 control completed both visits. Their mean (s.d.) ages were 80.2 (5,7) 81.1 (5,8) years they 7.1 (1.8) (2.3) items, respectively. At visit 1 knowledge ( P < 0.01) compliance 0.001) better group. 2 had improved group 0.001). Unplanned visits readmission hospital amongst 19 5, respectively, which significantly less 0.05) 27 13 for 24 unplanned three re‐admissions respective 32 15 1, two altered compared 10 patients. reduced 0 4, Conclusions In‐patient counselling, linked summary contributed doctor re‐admissions. domiciliary consolidated outcomes.