Whilst attending a wellbeing event at a local retirement village the wellbeing nurse highlighted they often encountered issues when patients were discharged home.
This led us to develop a pathway whereby discharge information could be shared in a timely manner between MKUH pharmacy and the wellbeing nurse in the retirement village and the CCG pharmacy technician. A 10-week pilot was agreed whereby MKUH pharmacy staff would consent patients during initial medicine reconciliation to share their discharge information with the wellbeing nurse.
Communication channels were developed between secondary & primary care and the wellbeing nurse. Residents were advised of the pilot via an inhouse newsletter and the GP practice where most residents were registered were also informed. The pilot facilitated a post discharge visit by the wellbeing nurse, or the CCG pharmacy technician (within 48 hrs if possible) to ensure patients understood any changes to their medication or treatment thereby reducing drug errors and the risk of readmission. Any issues or concerns were then shared with the GP practice for resolution in a timely manner.
During this visit any medication no longer required was removed with consent and returned to the supplying pharmacy. Medication passports were also encouraged to promote self-care and support adherence.
