Pharmacist-generated electronic consults to improve hypertension management in a multisite health centre: pilot study

Abstract

Background Utilisation of the electronic medical record (EMR) is believed to facilitate timely access to patient information, enhance communication between care team members and further promote clinical decision support.Objective To determine if pharmacist-generated electronic consults (e-consults) improve blood pressure control among patients with uncontrolled hypertension in a multisite health centre.Methods Pharmacists generated hypertension medication e-consults with review by primary care provider (PCP) during the patient appointment. We conducted a retrospective review of consults to determine types of pharmacist recommendations, PCP acceptance rates, and blood pressure changes.Results Pharmacists generated a total of 60 econsults, 41 patients with a systolic blood pressure above their respective goal; e-consults were accepted 46% (n = 19) of the time.Conclusion This pilot project demonstrates a unique way for pharmacists to proactively utilise the EMR when delivering coordinated care within a multisite health centre. In addition, pharmacists were successfully integrated into the planned care approach.

Keywords

• electronic medical record
• health centre
• health information technology
• pharmacist