The CVS Health Research Institute recently released the results of a new study that has determined that medication reconciliation programs where pharmacists review the medication regimens of the patients and administer counseling on adhering to the medication dosages during the time in which a patient is transitioned to their homes from the hospital has decreased hospital readmission by 50 percent and has helped in the avoidance of unnecessary health care costs.
"After leaving the hospital people are especially vulnerable and are often dealing with complex and changing care regimens, which can result in high rates of medication non-adherence and increased risk for costly and unnecessary readmissions," EVP and Chief Medical Officer of CVS Health Dr. Troyen A. Brennan said. "In fact, adverse drug events, often attributable to medication non-adherence, are associated with the majority of hospital readmissions. This research shows that programs that provide patients with additional support from a pharmacist can help improve health outcomes and save payers and patients’ money."
Published in the July issue of Health Affairs, the research is the first to assess the influence of a medication reconciliation program, supported by the insurer, on the clinical outcomes as well as health care spending.
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