Clinical Outcomes of Student Pharmacist–Driven Medication Histories at an Academic Medical Center

Abstract

Background:

Many studies have shown the positive impact that student pharmacists have on patients’ health; however, no studies have been published evaluating student pharmacists’ impact on direct patient outcomes (ie, readmission, emergency department [ED] visits, length of stay) related to the medication history process.

Objective:

To evaluate the impact of student pharmacist–obtained medication histories on identification of medication discrepancies and clinical outcomes.

Methods:

Student pharmacists obtained medication histories and then compared the history to that obtained by other health-care providers. Students documented discrepancies and interventions were completed. Control patients were identified and discharge medication list and 30-day readmissions were compared.

Results:

Seventeen students conducted 215 patient interviews, and 1848 modifications were made to documented home medications in the electronic medical record. Compared to controls (n = 148 student pharmacist, 149 controls), a nonsignificant improvement was found in discharge medication list completeness scores in patients seen by student pharmacists (3.94 vs 3.63; P = .06); but no difference was found in accuracy scores (0.92 vs 0.93; P = .41). Fewer ED visits at 30 days were found in the student pharmacist group (8 vs 18; P = .045), with no difference in readmissions.

Conclusions:

Student pharmacist–obtained medication histories improved the information available for identifying drug-related problems for inpatients, completeness of the discharge medication list, and ED visits within 30 days.