American researchers have evaluated a new initiative for patients with heart failure or acute coronary syndrome who were followed longitudinally at a hospital’s outpatient cardiovascular clinic. A pharmacist intervention occurred either before a patient’s outpatient cardiovascular clinic appointment or during a hospitalization. The major outcome was the number of unplanned hospital re-admissions within 30 days. Other endpoints included the number of medication discrepancies identified, number of medication access issues resolved, patient cost-savings, patient satisfaction. 118 patients received the pharmacist intervention, resulting in the detection and correction of 516 medication discrepancies (55.6% involving cardiovascular drugs) 244 recommendations for therapeutic optimization were provided (81% provider acceptance rate and a 100% patient satisfaction rate). 55 patients achieved medication cost savings, and medication-access issues were resolved for 8 patients. The 30-day hospital readmission rate for patients with heart failure was reduced by 20%. It is difficult to argue that this form or intervention/service is not justifiable, and the model may translate well to other therapeutic areas. More here