Novel programs to improve patient access and understanding of Medications: Nashville General Hospital Pharmacy Services

IF 2.5 4区医学 Q3 PHARMACOLOGY & PHARMACY

Journal of the American Pharmacists Association Pub Date : 2025-05-01 DOI:10.1016/j.japh.2025.102383

James Jacob Wetsell, Jeff Hardwick, Evelyn Henson, Alecia Fair, Debra Wujcik, Joseph Webb

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Background

Nashville General Hospital (NGH) is a public safety-net hospital serving Nashville, Tennessee and surrounding areas. Surveys sent after hospital discharge showed patients were dissatisfied with their understanding of their medications. Patients also often had difficulty obtaining and paying for medications postdischarge.

Objectives

The primary objective was to address the patient's dissatisfaction with their understanding of the purpose of their medications. The second objective was to remove the financial barrier of obtaining medications for those patients who were under or uninsured. To address these needs, NGH uses a three-pronged approach: the Meds2Beds (M2B), Hope Meds (HM) programs, and the NGH Foundation (NGHF).

Practice Description

The M2B and HM programs were implemented in March 2023, whereas NGHF was pre-existing. Medications are filled at the NGH Community Pharmacy, on the NGH campus, and delivered prior to discharge. Pharmacists teach patients about the purpose of their medications, how to take them, and what to expect in terms of both adverse effects and outcomes. Patients who meet eligibility criteria receive prescriptions free of charge via HM and NGHF.

Practice Innovation

The unique combination of programs offered at Nashville General Hospital that reduces patient barriers to medication access.

Evaluation Methods

We utilized responses to the HCAHPS question regarding understanding the purpose of prescribed medications as our evaluation method.

Results

In one year, the M2B program has provided counseling to 993 unique patients. The HM program has served 4673 unique patients, filled 4744 prescriptions, and provided 7976 months of free medications, saving NGH patients $598,054. In addition, the NGHF provided medications to 1335 patients for this period, providing savings of $35,215. The average time spent with patients is 15 minutes.

Conclusion

The unique blend of programs at NGH serves to address barriers to medication access and understanding. These programs are feasible, and with minimal pharmacist burden, leading to improved patient satisfaction and adherence.

查看原文本刊更多论文

改善病人获得和理解药物的新方案：纳什维尔综合医院药房服务。

背景：纳什维尔总医院（NGH）是一家服务于田纳西州纳什维尔及周边地区的公共安全网医院。出院后进行的调查显示，患者不满意他们对药物的理解。患者在出院后也经常难以获得和支付药物。目的：主要目的是解决患者对其药物用途的理解的不满。第二个目标是为那些保险不足或没有保险的病人消除获得药物的经济障碍。为了满足这些需求，NGH采用了三管齐下的方法：Meds2Beds （M2B）、Hope Meds （HM）项目和NGH基金会（NGHF）。方法：M2B和HM计划于2023年3月实施，而NGHF已存在。药物在NGH社区药房（NGH校园内的零售药房）配药，并在出院前送达。药剂师告诉病人药物的用途，如何服用，以及副作用和结果。符合资格标准的患者通过HM和NGHF免费获得处方。结果：M2B项目在一年内为993例特殊患者提供咨询服务。HM项目已经为4673名特殊患者提供了服务，开出了4744张处方，提供了7976个月的免费药物，为NGH患者节省了598054美元。此外，NGHF在此期间向1,335名患者提供了药物，节省了35 215美元。与病人相处的平均时间是15分钟。结论：NGH独特的项目组合有助于解决药物获取和理解的障碍。这些方案是可行的，并且以最小的药剂师负担导致提高患者满意度和依从性。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

Journal of the American Pharmacists Association 医学-药学

CiteScore

3.30

自引率

14.30%

发文量

336

审稿时长

46 days

期刊介绍： The Journal of the American Pharmacists Association is the official peer-reviewed journal of the American Pharmacists Association (APhA), providing information on pharmaceutical care, drug therapy, diseases and other health issues, trends in pharmacy practice and therapeutics, informed opinion, and original research. JAPhA publishes original research, reviews, experiences, and opinion articles that link science to contemporary pharmacy practice to improve patient care.