Advantage Healthcare Services recently supported a student-led research project presented at Western University School of Pharmacy’s Poster Day, highlighting the impact of coordinated transitions of care for patients discharged on long-acting injectable (LAI) antipsychotics.
Student pharmacists Taylor Brower and Christine Anne Martin presented their advanced elective research project titled “Effectiveness of Transition of Care Program for Patients Discharged with LAI Antipsychotics.” The project was conducted through a collaborative partnership between LA Downtown Medical Center (LADMC), West Coast University School of Pharmacy, and Advantage Healthcare Services.
The study evaluated whether post-discharge involvement from community healthcare workers (CHWs) could improve treatment continuity among adult patients discharged on LAI antipsychotic therapy. Using a retrospective chart review of 102 patients admitted to LADMC, the researchers compared medication adherence and rehospitalization outcomes between patients enrolled in a CHW-led program and a matched control group.
Key Findings
- Patients who received CHW support demonstrated significantly higher antipsychotic medication adherence at 30, 60, and 90 days following hospital discharge.
- 30-day hospital readmission rates were similar between the intervention and control groups.
- Results support the role of structured follow-up and collaboration between pharmacists and CHWs in addressing post-discharge barriers to care.
The project was precepted by Dennis Do, PharmD, BCIDP of LA Downtown Medical Center, with Marc Salvatus, PharmD, BCPS, of West Coast University School of Pharmacy and Michelle J. Sherman, PharmD, RPh, APh, FASCP, FACA, AAHIVP, Director of Clinical Pharmacy at Advantage Healthcare Services, serving as co-preceptors.
“Projects like this demonstrate how experiential education and interprofessional collaboration can generate meaningful insights that inform real-world patient care,” Michelle J. Sherman, Director of Clinical Pharmacy, Advantage Healthcare Services stated. “Supporting student research aligns with our commitment to advancing pharmacy practice and improving outcomes during transitions of care.”
Advantage Healthcare Services remains dedicated to fostering collaborative partnerships with academic institutions and healthcare organizations to support innovation, education, and patient-centered care.
