Implementing a pharmacy resident run transition of care service for heart failure patients: Effect on readmission rates.

Objective: Heart failure (HF) is a leading cause of hospital readmissions adversely affecting resources and hospital reimbursements. The purpose of this study was to optimize medication therapy, provide patient education and facilitate discharge and follow-up through the creation of a pharmacy resident managed HF transition service with the intention of decreasing readmission rates.

Methods: A 6-month prospective, single center pilot study was conducted by a pharmacy resident to decrease readmission rates in patients with HF. Patients were identified through emergency department admission reports and direct requests from discharge nurses. The pharmacy resident provided patients with tailored medication and disease state counseling, ensured obtainment of discharge medications and performed follow up telephone calls for appointment reminders and further counseling. The primary outcome measured was readmission rate at 30 days. Secondary outcomes were number of patients requesting safety net medications, reason for readmission(s), and appointment compliance.

Results: Thirty patients were enrolled in the program. The 30-day heart failure readmission rate decreased from 28.1% to 16.6%. Eighty-eight percent of patients attended their follow up appointments.

Conclusion: A reduction in readmission rate was achieved through this pharmacy resident-run HF transition service. The majority of patients attended follow-up visits and financial appointments after discharge.