Abstract
Introduction: In winter 23/24, the NHSCT tested an anticipatory care model in residential care homes. The model included a pharmacist medication review and pharmacy education element.
Method: Across four residential homes the lead care homes pharmacist completed patient-centred, medication optimisation reviews, and carried out education sessions for senior carers. The number of recommendations/interventions made by the pharmacist was calculated. The number of recommendations/interventions relating to falls prevention, was also calculated. The clinical significance of each medicine optimisation recommendation/intervention made by the pharmacist was graded using the Eadon1 criteria. Eadon graded interventions were then assigned a monetary value using The Sheffield Centre for Health and Related Research (Sheffield University) Economic Model (ScHARR)2. Additionally a qualitative review of the service was carried out via questionnaires.
Results: In total 92 residents had their medications reviewed. A total of 322 recommendations/interventions were made, an average of 3.5 per resident. Of the 322 recommendations/interventions 115 (36%) were in relation to falls prevention, an average of 1.3 per resident. Interventions of note included antihypertensives being stopped or dose reduced for 20 residents (22%), and bone protection being reviewed, commenced or altered for 31 residents (34%). The views of a capable residents, next of kins and senior carers were sought via questionnaire. Responses were all positive.
Conclusion: Results demonstrate the positive impact and value of medicines optimisation by a pharmacist in the residential care home setting.
References: 1. Eadon, H. (1992). Assessing the quality of ward pharmacists’ interventions. International Journal of Pharmacy Practice, 1(3), pp. 145-147. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2042-7174.1992.tb00556.x. 2. Karnon, J., McIntosh, A., Dean, J., Bath, P., Hutchinson, A., Oakley, J., Thomas, N., Pratt, P., Freeman-Parry, L., Karsh, B. T., Gandhi, T., & Tappenden, P. (2008). Modelling the expected net benefits of interventions to reduce the burden of medication errors. Journal of Health Services Research and Policy, 13(2), pp. 85-91. https://doi.org/10.1258/jhsrp.2007.007011.