Returning home from hospital can be a difficult time for patients as they get used to changes in their health, unfamiliar medical problems, and intensive follow-up once settled at home.
One especially challenging aspect is medication management: often hospital physicians and specialists have changed the patient’s medications, making it difficult for both patients and family physicians to figure out whether mixing new and old medications might create problems with side effects or drug interactions. The challenge is particularly complex for patients who have multiple or severe conditions and require a lot of medication.
To help address these issues, the pharmacist at the CWC PCN works with pharmacy staff from the Rockyview General Hospital to review the patient’s medications at the time of hospital discharge, and to work with the family physician to monitor medication effectiveness and make changes as needed. The team also monitors dosing and ongoing testing requirements to ensure patient safety. Patient concerns about drug costs can also be addressed at that time.
CONTACT: Patients with complex medication needs are automatically eligible for the service and do not need to request medication management support.