Apreliminary model for pharmacists’ involvement in the primary care referral process
Poster #: P20
Presenter
Corey Tsang, B.ScPhm
Authors
Corey Tsang, B.ScPhm; BarbaraFarrell, B.Sc.Phm, Pharm.D, FCSHP; Barry Power, B.Sc.Phm, Pharm.D;Cynthia Way, B.Sc.Phm; Clare Liddy, MD,CCFP, FCFP; Erin Keely, MD, FRCPC
OBJECTIVE(S): The potential for medication errors during transitions of care in hospitals has been well documented. Emerging literature demonstrates a similar potential in other transitions of care, such as from family physicians to out patient specialists. Improving the communication of patients’medication information is one approach to enhance the quality ofspecialist referrals as cited by a recent national survey of familyphysicians and specialists. This is a hypothesis-generating study exploring pharmacists’ role in communicating accurate and relevant medication information during the referral from primary to specialty care.
METHOD(S): A literature searchand poll of, two primary care pharmacist list servs were conducted to identify whether such a model had been described, evaluated or was being explored. The investigator group (three pharmacists, one family physician and one endocrinologist), met three times to discuss where pharmacist involvement in the referral process would be desired, and to create and review a preliminary practice model.
RESULT(S): No literature wasfound regarding the pharmacists’ role in the outpatientreferral process. However, medication-related issues includeincomplete and potentially outdated medication information, lack of information regarding previous medications tried and unclear monitoring/follow-up plans. A preliminary model was constructed with the pharmacist intervening at time of referral, pre- and post-specialist appointment, in order to address these gaps in care.
CONCLUSION(S): There is a role for pharmacists in the referral process to address a newly identified gap in care. Feasibility, workflow and efficacy outcomes will be elucidated in a planned pilot study.
