A new JAMA Network Open study by UI College of Pharmacy researchers, Keefe Professor Korey Kennelty, Logan Murry, ’17 PharmD, ’22 PhD, and Onyeche Oche, ’24 PhD, underscores the evolving impact of pharmacists in improving patient-care transitions.

A large randomized clinical trial examined whether pharmacist-led medication support around hospital discharge can reduce readmissions and emergency department (ED) visits among older adults. The study included more than 6,400 hospitalizations of patients aged 55 and older who were taking multiple medications or high-risk drugs.

Patients were assigned to either usual care—standard medication history and admission reconciliation—or an enhanced pharmacist-led transition program that included medication review, discharge counseling, follow-up calls, and coordination with outpatient providers and pharmacies.

There was no reduction overall in 30-day unplanned hospital and ED use between the two groups. However, researchers found an important exception. Within a small patient subgroup with low medication adherence and literacy, the pharmacist-led program significantly reduced hospital and emergency visits. 

The findings suggest that patients who struggle most with medication adherence and understanding may benefit from targeted, pharmacist-led post-discharge support. This points to an opportunity for health systems to better align resources with patient needs, focusing intensive services where they are most likely to make a difference.