INvestigation of the impact of a Pharmacist in a Hospital At Home Care Team (IN PHACT)

Abstract

Background: In November 2020, Island Health, with the support of the British Columbia Ministry of Health, introduced the Hospital at Home (HaH) care model at Victoria General Hospital in Victoria, British Columbia. Given the acuity of the patients anticipated to receive care through this model, questions arose regarding how the delivery of clinical pharmacy services on which inpatients rely on could be included. With limited supporting evidence for the inclusion of a clinical pharmacist, Island Health launched the HaH program with 2 clinical pharmacists who provide services 7 days a week during daytime hours. The aim of this study is to assess the impact of the HaH pharmacist on patient care, from the perspective of the pharmacists serving in this role, patients, caregivers and program stakeholders. Methods: This prospective, observational mixed-methods study was conducted from December 2021 to March 2022. Data collection involved the HaH pharmacist documenting daily clinical activities and resolving drug therapy problems, patients and caregivers completing a 4-question postdischarge phone survey and program stakeholders completing a 9-question online survey and an optional 7-question interview. Results and Interpretation: It was found that one of the most significant roles the pharmacist plays is in identifying indications for medication therapy and making recommendations to initiate therapy where there is an absence. There was high congruence between patient, caregiver and stakeholder perceptions that the HaH pharmacist positively affects patient care within the Island Health model. Conclusion: This study provides support for the integration of a dedicated clinical pharmacist in the HaH care model.