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Lookup NU author(s): Professor Hamde Nazar
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0).
© 2023, The Author(s). Background: Limited published research exists on the role of pharmacists in general practice (primary care pharmacists) in facilitating post-hospital discharge care of patients. Aim: To summarise and map the nature and extent of current evidence on the role of primary care pharmacists in facilitating patient discharge from secondary to primary care and to inform future practice and research. Method: Six electronic databases were systematically searched from inception to March 2022 for studies published in the English language that described and/or evaluated primary care pharmacist-led interventions for patients following hospital discharge. Grey literature and reference lists of included studies were also searched. Two authors independently screened articles for selection. A structured, pilot-tested form was used for data extraction. Results: Twenty articles were included. The majority of studies (n = 17; 85%) were conducted in the USA. The most frequently reported intervention made by primary care pharmacists were medication reviews (n = 18) and medication reconciliation (n = 16). Studies have demonstrated the emerging roles of pharmacists involving collaboration with other healthcare professionals, review of laboratory monitoring, referrals, and follow-up. A wide range of outcomes such as the impact on hospital readmission rates, healthcare utilisation and reduction of potential adverse drug events were reported. Conclusion: Pharmacists in general practice can offer a range of interventions in facilitating transfer of care of patients from secondary to primary care with positive patient and healthcare utilisation outcomes. However, more rigorous research evidence is required to establish the effectiveness, generalisability, acceptability, and sustainability of these services.
Author(s): Yahya F, Nazar H, Huckerby C, Hadi MA
Publication type: Review
Publication status: Published
Journal: International Journal of Clinical Pharmacy
Year: 2023
Volume: 45
Pages: 587-603
Print publication date: 01/06/2023
Online publication date: 15/03/2023
Acceptance date: 21/01/2023
ISSN (print): 2210-7703
ISSN (electronic): 2210-7711
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media Deutschland GmbH
URL: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11096-023-01547-3
DOI: 10.1007/s11096-023-01547-3
