Evaluation of Early Versus Late Postdischarge Medication Reconciliation on Readmission Rates and Emergency Department Visits

Background: The current literature speculates ideal postdischarge follow-up focusing on transitions from hospital to home can range anywhere between 48 hours and 2 weeks. However, there is a lack of evidence regarding the optimal timing of follow-up visit to prevent readmissions. Objective: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the impact of early (<48 hours) versus late (48 hours-14 days) postdischarge medication reconciliation on readmissions and emergency department (ED) use. Methods: In this retrospective study, data for patients who had a clinic visit with a primary care provider (PCP), clinical pharmacist, or both for postdischarge medication reconciliation were reviewed. Primary outcome included hospital use rate at 30 days. Secondary outcomes included hospital use rate at 90 days and hospital use rate with a postdischarge PCP follow-up visit, clinical pharmacist, or both at 30 days. Results: One hundred sixty patients were included in the analysis: 31 early group patients and 129 late group patients. There was no significant difference on hospital use at 30 days in patients who received early or late groups (32.3% vs 21.8%, P =.947). There was also no significant difference on hospital use at 90 days in patients in early versus late group (51.6% vs 50.3%, P =.842). The type of provider (PCP vs pharmacists) conducting postdischarge medication reconciliation did not show significance on hospital use at 30 days (19.9% vs 21.4%, P =.731). Conclusion: Results from this study suggest patients can be seen up to 14 days postdischarge for medication reconciliation with no significant difference on hospital use.