Evaluation of an Outpatient Pharmacist Consult Service at a Large Academic Medical Center

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate a novel outpatient pharmacist consult service in a large academic medical center. SETTING: Four outpatient pharmacies that are part of a large academic medical center METHODS: An outpatient pharmacist consult order was created and embedded in the electronic medical record (EMR). Medical center providers utilized this consult order when identifying patients in need of specific services provided by outpatient pharmacists. Descriptive data about each individual consult was collected including number completed, type of service, and duration. Rate of accepted pharmacy recommendations and patient cost savings were also evaluated. A survey was administered at the completion of the study period to assess provider and pharmacist satisfaction with the service. Patient demographic information was collected for those who had a documented completed consult. RESULTS: A total of 193 consults were completed: 137 immunizations, 37 care affordability, 15 education, 3 polypharmacy and 1 OTC recommendation. 89% of completed consults took pharmacists 20 minutes or less to complete. Of completed care affordability consults (n=31), 55% of patients saved between $100 - $500 per medication fill. Of providers who completed a survey and utilized the service (n=12), 83.3% were extremely satisfied and 16.7% were satisfied with it. The provider acceptance rate of pharmacist’s recommendations was 74%. CONCLUSION: Implementation of an outpatient pharmacist consult service provided an alternative method for the utilization of pharmacist provided MTM services in outpatient pharmacies at a large academic medical center. The service was well received by both providers and pharmacists.