Background and Importance Children undergoing allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) require a broad spectrum of pharmacotherapy. After discharge, parents are liable for safe and effective drug use. As dosage depends on body weight and paediatric formulations are commonly lacking, children are prone to medication errors. Therefore, parents and children require a sufficient level of medication literacy (ML).

Aim and Objectives To evaluate the impact of a pharmacist-led discharge counselling for parents on a paediatric transplant unit at a tertiary care children’s hospital.

Material and Methods A pharmacy-led discharge counselling program was developed based on the findings of a literature review and on the results of a status quo analysis of the actual medication education process. Service delivery was implemented as a preplanned counselling session with parents of newly transplanted children prior to discharge. To evaluate the impact of the service, a peer-reviewed knowledge test (11 points equaling highest knowledge) was performed before and after counselling. Results were compared using a two-sample t-test for dependent samples. Parents were encouraged to ask questions regarding their medication. A written medication plan containing relevant drug information was furthermore provided.

Results Between November 2022 and May 2023, 10 parents received counselling. The median age of children [male n=8 female n=2] was 4.5 years (range 2–15). Children took 8.9±2.0 different drugs and duration of counselling was 41±17 minutes. The parents scored 6.2±1.3 and 9.7±0.8 of 11 points on the knowledge test before and after counselling, respectively (p<0.001).

Conclusion and Relevance In general, pharmacist-led discharge counselling was highly appreciated by parents and the involved health care team. Counselling might substantially improve the parents’ knowledge on questions regarding drug therapy and will help parents make informed decisions after discharge.

Based on Vaillancourt et al., ¹ it can be hypothesised that higher medication literacy translates into improved clinical outcomes. However, evaluation in our project was limited to a single session and a written medication plan. To document a sustained impact on medication literacy, it would be necessary to follow up with parents and children during aftercare.

References and/or Acknowledgements 1. Vaillancourt R, Cameron JD. Health literacy for children and families. Br J Clin Pharmacol. 2022.

Conflict of Interest No conflict of interest.