Optimising patient safety using pharmaceutical intervention in domiciliary hospitalization

Introduction The domiciliary hospitalization unit (DHU) is an innovative model of care provision, where hospital care is transferred to the patients’ home. However, this shift adds a care transition layer to the process, which may increase the probability of medication errors to occur. Method A pharmacist has been integrated into the DHU team to improve medication use. We developed an observational study documenting his intervention for 6 months. Information about the patient’s drug therapy before admission, during hospitalization and after hospital discharge were gathered, enabling comparison of possible discrepancies that may happen during care transitions. The pharmacist evaluated the appropriateness, necessity, effectiveness, and safety of medication and intervened when deemed appropriate. Conclusions Data suggests that a pharmacist involved in the DHU may have a positive impact on medication use. Medication review and reconciliation are examples of pharmaceutical interventions that may lead to increased effectiveness and patient safety.