Overview
This randomized controlled trial primarily investigates if a clinical pharmacist intervention can reduce drug-related readmissions among patients >75 years. The intervention targets the transfer between hospital and primary care. In brief, the intervention includes medical chart reviews and patient interviews during a period of 180 days.
Description
At discharge from the hospital, patients that meet the inclusion criteria are offered to participate in the study. At this point the investigators will also gather baseline data through questionnaires on self-reported adherence (MARS-5) and quality of life (EQ-5D). The participants are randomized to the different study arms according to a stratified procedure based on their cognitive function.
The intervention group will have their charts reviewed every second week and be contacted by the clinical pharmacist through phone within 7 and after 30 and 60 days respectively to discuss their medications. If possible drug-related problems are suspected during the interviews that cannot be solved immediately, the physician is contacted.
Both groups have a follow-up time of 30 and 180 days. After 30 and 180 days, the patients will once again report adherence and quality of life. All other data can be gathered from the medical charts.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria:
- Living at home
- Acutely admitted
- Registered at one of ten pre-specified primary care health centers
Exclusion Criteria:
- Patients unable to communicate or who do not speak Swedish
- Patients scheduled for palliative care
- Patients admitted due to intoxication by alcohol or drug (non prescription)