An advanced pharmacy practice experience in transitional care

Abstract

Objectives. To implement and assess a 4-week advanced pharmacy practice experience in transitional care. Design. Students participated in the transitional care planning of patients being discharged from 4 general medicine services. Students interviewed patients; assessed discharge medications; reconciled preadmission and discharge medications; provided medication counseling; and conducted postdischarge follow-up by phone to assist patients with medication-related problems and identify additional concerns. Assessment. Student involvement increased the number of patients who could be assessed and interviewed by the pharmacist preceptor from 10 patients/day to 15 to 20 patients/day. Students strengthened their provider-patient and provider-provider communication skills and developed skills in identifying and resolving barriers to medication adherence. Conclusion. This transitional care APPE provided students an opportunity to gain experience and selfconfidence in the application of pharmaceutical care skills in a transitional care setting, while also providing valuable patient care services to the hospital.