Effect of a trAnSitional Pharmacist Intervention in geRiatric Inpatients on Hospitals Visits After dischargE

The Effect of a trAnSitional Pharmacist Intervention in geRiatric Inpatients on Hospitals Visits After dischargE (ASPIRE): a Randomized Controlled Trial

A randomized controlled trial will be performed in geriatric inpatients to investigate the impact of a multifaceted clinical pharmacy intervention on health related outcomes.

Since drug-related harm remains persistently prevalent in older adults, there is an urgent and unmet clinical need to optimize pharmacotherapy both during hospital stay and after discharge Therefore, we aim to perform a randomized controlled trial in geriatric inpatients to investigate the impact of a multifaceted clinical pharmacy intervention on health related outcomes. The primary objective is to reduce all-cause unplanned hospital visits in geriatric inpatients. Secondary objective are to optimize drug therapy in geriatric inpatients and improve their health; To empower and educate patients, caregivers,community pharmacists and physicians regarding drug regimen decisions to maximize therapy adherence and the understanding of the (de)prescribing process and to enhance healthy ageing; To optimize transitional care from the hospital to primary care.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients admitted to one of the study wards under supervision of a geriatrician
• A written informed consent by the patient or his/her representative
• Discharged from the hospital

Exclusion Criteria:

• Admitted for a maximum of one day
• Unable to understand Dutch
• Being in a palliative stage as stated in their medical record with active withdrawal of drug therapy
• Patients being discharged to another ward within the same hospital or to another hospital