Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine prevented harm and cost avoidance following pharmacist intervention utilizing a discharge medication reconciliation tool.
Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted to identify patients with pharmacist-initiated, provider-accepted discharge medication reconciliation interventions completed at a community teaching hospital in January 2021. Investigators assigned the discrepancies targeted for intervention a National Coordinating Council for Medication Error Reporting and Prevention (NCC MERP) category, probability of harm, and calculated cost avoidance. The primary endpoint was the total cost avoidance associated with discharge medication reconciliation.
Results: Pharmacists intervened 190 times in January 2021, avoiding an estimated $46,958 to $231,032 in cost. High-risk medications were associated with $33,920 to $147,203 in cost avoidance. The 3 high-risk therapeutic classes associated with the highest cost avoidance were insulin ($16,738-$70,793), antithrombotics ($13,884-$60,016), and opioids ($2,638-$11,834).
Conclusion: Targeted pharmacist discharge medication reconciliation and related interventions avoid significant cost and patient harm.
Keywords: cost avoidance; discharge; discharge tool; medication reconciliation; pharmacist; prevented harm.
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