Southampton pharmacists launch innovative medicines advice pathway for patients leaving hospital

Have you been in hospital and had your medications changed? Are you taking a new medicine, and are worried about side effects? Health professionals know that patients can leave hospital feeling confused about what, how and when to take their medicines. Sometimes, people returning home can experience errors or unintended changes in their medication, which can prove dangerous to their health. 

Research has shown that: 

• An estimated 60% of patients have three or more changes made to their medicines during a hospital stay
  
• Only 10% of elderly patients will be discharged on the same medication that they were taking when they were admitted to hospital
  
• 20% of patients experience unwanted medicines-related events within three weeks of returning home.
  

Evidence has shown that a review from a Community Pharmacist makes a significant difference to people taking their medicines correctly, preventing them from becoming unwell and being readmitted to hospital for another stay. 

Wessex AHSN has launched an innovative approach to refer patients to their Community Pharmacist for support with new, existing and changed medicine regimes. 

Over eighty local pharmacists in the Southampton area will be providing the Transfer of Care Around Medicines (TCAM) project, initially starting with referrals from University Hospital Southampton. They will liaise with hospital pharmacists (and notify GPs) to provide a range of advice and support services to help people manage their medicines confidently at home, and understand how they work together for the best possible health outcomes. 

If you’d like to be involved in the TCAM project, speak to the pharmacy staff in hospital or your local Community Pharmacist. And remember – if you have any questions about your medicines, just ask your pharmacist. 

NOTES TO EDITORS

The TCAM (Transfer of Care Around Medicines) Project

When moving between care providers or returning home, patients often experience errors or unintentional changes to their medication, presenting a significant safety risk. Community Pharmacists are well placed to support patients with changes to their medication, new side effects and other concerns, and can resolve most issues easily. Evidence shows that a Community Pharmacist review following discharge improves adherence, and reduces both readmission rates and length of stay. 

Some GP referrals may be required for complex issues but it is not anticipated that GP practices will see any major change with the introduction of TCAM. Pilot schemes have been very well received by patients and health professionals, with significant operational and financial savings achieved for acute providers and Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs).

For further information about the TCAM project and/or the Wessex AHSN Medicines Optimisation programme, please contact Vicki Rowse, Senior Programme Manager, at vicki.rowse@wessexahsn.net