The impact of the pharmacist on continuity of care during transitions of care: A systematic review

Abstract

Objectives

To evaluate programs that provide pharmacy-led continuity of care services and to assess their effectiveness in improving patient outcomes.

Data sources

Three databases were used to conduct the article search and assess relevant articles: PubMed (Medline), Cinahl, and Web of Science.

Study selection

Articles that included prospective measurement with defined clinical outcomes of the impact of including a pharmacist in discharge planning and continuity of care after a hospitalization were included in the review. Articles were limited to those available in English, conducted within the United States, and including humans.

Data extraction

Relevant articles from the full database collections through April 2017.

Results

Readmission rates were the most common primary outcome evaluated. Other primary outcomes included medication adherence, medication error identification and reduction, and patient satisfaction. Although the data has shown that pharmacists play a crucial role by promoting medication adherence and providing effective medication reconciliation, this systematic review did not result in identifying any one pharmacist intervention to be the most effective in improving continuity of care.

Conclusion

There is both a need and an opportunity for research that supports best practices in providing continuity of care during transitions of care.