Pharmacy student involvement in a transition of care program.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Cape Fear Valley Medical Center (CFVMC) implemented a Community Paramedic Program (CPP) to improve the transition of hospitalized patients to the home setting. In this program, paramedics conduct home visits for 30 days after qualifying patients are discharged. This article describes pharmacy services provided to CPP patients by fourth-year pharmacy students on Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences (APPE) that assisted with home visits.

EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITY AND SETTING: Students were oriented to the CPP and patient interview technique was assessed through a role-play scenario. A standardized form was created to record drug-related problems (DRP) identified and patient education provided to patients. The primary outcome describes types of DRP identified and education provided. Secondary outcomes compare the types and average number of DRP per patient identified by students as compared to the standard of care (pharmacist review of medications electronically) and trends in patients readmitted within 30 days following discharge.

FINDINGS: Eleven students visited 124 patients and recorded 145 DRP. Extra/continuation of medications stopped at discharge and issues related to medication safety were the most common DRP. The most frequent type of education provided was medication use related. On average, students provided one counseling session per patient.

DISCUSSION AND SUMMARY: Student involvement is an added benefit to the CPP by providing face to face education and re-assessment of medications at follow-up visits. This article summarizes a unique teaching platform utilizing students to extend care. Real world experiences in programs like the CPP provide students the opportunity to sharpen critical thinking and problem-solving skills necessary for maturing professionally.