Attitudes and barriers to sharing patient discharge medication reconciliation information with primary care physicians and community pharmacists

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this study is to identify communication barriers to sharing patient discharge medication reconciliation information (PDMRI) among hospital physician providers (HPP), primary care providers (PCPs), and community pharmacists when transitioning patients from inpatient settings to home. It has been reported that 75% of patients discharged from a hospital were prescribed an average of nine medications. Furthermore, 19% of patients discharged from a hospital have an adverse event within 3 weeks with 66% due to medication-related problems. There is a need for analysis of communication processes, specifically highlighting the transfer of medication information from one setting to another. Methods: This survey-based study will be conducted using both electronic and paper surveys. Approximately 300 surveys will be sent to HPP and medical residents at a local academic medical center (by e-mail), to the top 5 prescribers by frequency at each of 20 community pharmacies in our region (by fax), and to approximately 100 regional community pharmacists (by e-mail). Survey items (5-point Likert-type scale) were developed based on expectancy-value theory in which respondents will be asked to assess whether sharing the results of PDMRI with PCPs and pharmacists will help prevent medication-related problems. Face validity of the survey will be assessed by a faculty colleague whose expertise involves survey research. Other survey items will assess various barriers to sharing PDMRI with PCPs and community pharmacists. Data evaluation will use t tests to compare groups and attitudes toward sharing PDMRI. Results: Research in progress. This study should bring to light key attitudes and barriers to successful communication of PDMRI among providers in these settings. We hope to identify potential solutions and develop partnerships to enhance patient care transition efficiency, ultimately improving patient care.