“[Historically], the pharmacy department is one of a hospital’s greatest cost centers. Most improvement efforts focus on reducing cost. However, pharmacy can also be a major contributor to revenue — with little upfront investment. Consider that pharmacy can provide support services to decrease length of stay, manage medication through collaborative practices, and facilitate appropriate medication reimbursement.”  ^{_{~Becker’s Hospital Review}}

Pharmacy Fulfillment through MediaCare

Providing automated Pharmacy Fulfillment to discharging patients offers them the opportunity to have their prescriptions filled prior to discharge.

This supports the patient with clear information and saves them from having to remember their prescription during what can be a hectic time. Stopping at the pharmacy to wait and have prescription(s) filled, a patient or their caregiver may not remember correct information about the medication, application or dosage. HCI offers Pharmacy Fulfillment through MediaCare, integrated with existing pharmacy and delivery systems.

Patients access the app with their pillow speaker through the Bedside Tablet TV, in-room television, or via their in-room Interactive Patient Whiteboard. Achieve higher patient satisfaction with the organization and the quality of the stay by giving them the opportunity to ask questions of the in-house pharmacist once they’ve received their medication. Automated fulfillment frees up Nurse and clinician time and increases productivity within the pharmacy operation.

The Statistics

A recent study has shown that about 50% of patients cannot recall discharge orders, and of these, 70% will likely be readmitted, and the Network for Excellence in Healthcare Innovation reports that from 10 to 30 percent of first-time hospital prescriptions are abandoned by patients and so are not taken for the first time.^{1 2} A patients’ failure to fill a prescription or failure to be adequately educated about their medications leads to an increase in sentinel events/readmissions and a poor patient experience reflected in HCAPS scoring – and losses in reimbursement.

Generally, most patients will have a change made to pre-operative medications prior to surgery and have additional medications prescribed post-surgery. HCI Pharmacy Fulfillment can be used in conjunction with the HCI Medication Search Module, video education, self-care cards, teach-back, and other materials to support patient constituents in taking their medications correctly at the right time interval. ⁴ Armed with knowledge about correct medication treatment and application, patients and families are empowered to stick to the treatment plan and avoid emergency room visits, crisis events or a readmission.

With the HCI Medication Search Module, patients can research their prescribed medications to ensure they’ve received the correct medication and learn more about side effects once they receive their prescription.

Readmissions represent a significant expense for healthcare facilities. Implementing HCI’s bedside Pharmacy Fulfillment app reduces readmissions, streamlines workflow and supports patients in their full recovery. The app can work in tandem with our Rx Search app, allowing patients or their families to search for and identify their specific medication prior to discharge. As part of a complete patient engagement and entertainment solution, request a demo today and learn how to raise your facility’s HCAHPS satisfaction scores, secure CMS reimbursements and reduce operating costs.