European Pharma Congress

Biography

Biography: Rupal Patel Mansukhani

Abstract

With the implementation of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), more focus has been placed on coordination of care and reducing unnecessary medical costs. As a result, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) will not fully reimburse for a related diagnosis, such as myocardial infarction, chronic heart failure, or pneumonia, if readmission occurs within a 30-day period. In October 2014, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) will be added to this list. Healthcare organizations will need to focus on improving patient outcomes and minimizing excessive health care costs. Medications are considered first line management for interventions related to COPD. Appropriate medication adherence is necessary to prevent readmissions. The existing literature has demonstrated in patients currently have problems adhering to their medication regimens. Approximately one-half of patients in the United States do not take their medications as prescribed (Sabate 2003). Pharmacists are in a unique position to help overcome many of these challenges. The effect of clinical pharmacy services on readmission rates, length of stay, and financial implications will be evaluated in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The research project focuses on the effect of pharmacist’s interventions and the correlation of 30-day readmissions of patients with a primary or secondary diagnosis of COPD. Pharmacists and pharmacy students will provide patients with disease, drug and device education, as well as ensure drug and device access upon patient discharge. Outcomes that will be evaluated include readmission rate, length of stay, financial implications, and patient satisfaction.