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CPC-037 Continuity of Care in Paediatric Patients: Prospective Study at Hospital Discharge
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  1. LZ Kaestli1,
  2. C Fonzo-Christe1,
  3. S Chalier2,
  4. P Bonnabry1
  1. 1Geneva University Hospitals (HUG), Pharmacy, Geneva, Switzerland
  2. 2Geneva University Hospitals (HUG), Pediatric Service, Geneva, Switzerland

Abstract

Background A variety of problems can occur at hospital discharge. Optimization of this multidisciplinary process is essential to ensure a high quality of care.

Purpose To assess drug problems encountered by paediatric patients at hospital discharge; prospective clinical study.

Materials and Methods

  • Inclusion of French-speaking paediatric patients (<12 years) discharged from the emergency department (ED; collected for 2 weeks) and a medicine ward (MED; collect for 2 months)

  • Semi-structured phone interview of parents (drug supply, knowledge of the treatment) at 72 hours

  • Questionnaire for community pharmacists

Results 109 patients were included (ED 64; MED 45). 88% were interviewed (ED 88%; MED 89%). 68% of questionnaires were returned to us (ED 59%; MED 89%).

79% of parents said they obtained all drugs immediately (ED 86%; MED 70%). The main reasons for not obtaining a drug were: drug not in stock (50% of cases; ED 38%; MED 58%), and not going to the pharmacy (20%; ED 25%; MED 17%). 65% obtained them later (ED 50%; MED 75%), of which 60% were obtained within a day (ED 38%; MED 50%). The total number of drugs prescribed was 241 (ED 124; MED 117). Global parents’ knowledge of treatment indications (71% of drugs; ED 65%; MED 87%), duration (52%; ED 31%; MED 73%), doses (71%; ED 56%; MED 87%), and frequencies (69%; ED 53%; MED 85%) were good.

Pharmacy questionnaires showed similar results with drugs obtained immediately in 82% of cases (ED 89%; MED 61%).The main reasons for not obtaining drugs were: drug not in stock 48%, compounded drugs 24%, and parents’ refusal 10%.

Results Compared to the emergency department, obtaining all the prescribed medicines was more difficult for patients leaving the medical ward but parents’ knowledge of the treatment seemed to be higher. Interventions to improve drug supply and knowledge of the treatment by parents will be implemented and evaluated.

No conflict of interest.

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