Here are some of the most significant news reports published in November to keep you better informed about the biggest trends and developments affecting medication management, medication adherence, transitions of care, and clinical pharmacist services. Highlights include stories on Star Ratings, readmissions, copayments, a new health equity program, and collaborative care medication.
1. Star Ratings: What's Ahead
An FTI Consulting column on the future of Star Ratings spoke to the ongoing importance of medication adherence and its associated measures. The column states, "… for many years CMS has continued to weigh these adherence measures significantly. Therefore, for health plans, these adherence measures should continue to be at the top of their Stars strategy."
2. High-Intensity Care Reduced Risk for HF Death or Readmission
A study showed that high-intensity care for hospitalized patients with acute heart failure (HF) significantly decreased the risk for death or readmission for HF within six months of discharge. Intensive follow-up after discharge, which can be done by a pharmacist, is an important determination in how well the patient does over the medium term. Among the valuable services a pharmacist can provide: medication reconciliation and helping patients understand the need for medication adherence.
3. 3 Challenges Facing the Home-Based Post-Acute Care Market
A KLAS Research report based upon interviews of home-based care leaders identified top challenges facing the market. Among them are : staffing, changes to reimbursement, and transitions of care.
4. After Hospital Discharge, Slow Home Health Care Initiation Increases Risk of Rehospitalization
Patients discharged from the hospital are at a higher risk of rehospitalization if they experience a delay in post-discharge home health care initiation, according to a study.
5. Cureatr and Unite Us Collaborate to Launch Program to Advance Health Equity for Patients
Cureatr and Unite Us have partnered on a program that will advance health equity and support patients experiencing transitions of care.
6. Higher Copayments Lowered Adherence for Pulmonary Artery Hypertension Medications
A study showed that how much patients are required to pay for their copayments may be a barrier to taking medications for pulmonary arterial hypertension.
7. Expert: Deprescribing Is an Important Part of End-of-Life Care
The founder of the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists' Deprescribing Task Force spoke to the value of deprescribing when patients have a limited life expectancy.
8. California Medication Error Reduction Plan: Time for Regulators and Accreditors to Adopt Similar Initiatives
The Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) reiterated its support of a California initiative to reduce medication-related errors and advocated for hospitals, hospital regulators, and accreditors to adopt the initiative.
9. Collaborative Care Medication Optimization More Effective Than CBT in Reducing Pain
A study revealed that optimizing collaborative care medication was more effective than cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in reducing pain impact among U.S. veterans.
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