Outcomes of pharmacist interventions as part of EAHOP – Enhancing allied health for older people in residential care

The EAHOP trial (Enhancing Allied Health for Older People in Residential Care) Outcomes of pharmacist interventions. Background The pharmacist has a critical role in the multidisciplinary team (MDT) when contributing to the care of older people living in residential aged care. The EAHOP study is a clinical trial that embedded a pharmacist within an MDT in a residential aged care home. This abstract reports on the pharmacy results of the study. Method This study used a mixed method to describe key pharmacy outcome measures of direct and indirect time per resident, number of recommendations accepted and to describe the thoughts, opinions and experience of key stakeholders. Results There were 124 recommendations made by the pharmacist for 34 residents, an average of 3.65 per resident, higher than the usual 2.7 recommendations per RMMR. At the GP case conferences 70 % were accepted, 9 % were declined and 21 % were not discussed. An average of 61 min direct time and 246 min of indirect time was spent per resident. Qualitative findings showed the pharmacy role improved care for residents by enhancing communication between health professionals, staff, residents and families. Conclusion The EAHOP model can supplement existing models of pharmacy intervention in residential care by providing organised multidisciplinary collaboration between the General Practitioner, nursing, pharmacist and allied health disciplines.