Pharmacist Impact in a Post Neuro Intensive Care Virtual Clinic (PREVAIL).

Background

Traditional Post-Intensive Care Recovery Clinics (PIRCs) often exclude neurocritical care patients. In 2020, a multidisciplinary team started Post Neuro Intensive Care Virtual Clinic (PREVAIL) that uses telemedicine to provide consultative care for patients with a primary neurologic injury who are at risk for post-intensive care syndrome. During clinic, critical care pharmacists perform medication reconciliations and provide drug therapy recommendations.

Objectives

The objective of this observational review is to describe the pharmacists' interventions and role in a novel PIRC.

Methods

A retrospective, observational review was conducted for patients who were seen in PREVAIL from December 2020 to January 2022. The pharmacist completed a medication reconciliation and provided drug therapy recommendations.

Results

Amongst fifty-two PREVAIL patients, the most common neurologic diagnosis was intracerebral hemorrhage, seizures, and acute ischemic stroke. All patients were mechanically ventilated during their ICU stay, with a median ICU length of stay of 17 days [IQR 10-26]. After medication reconciliation, 93% of patients required adjustments to their medication list. After patient examination, 89% of patients required a drug therapy recommendation, with a median of three interventions per patient. Various medication classes were intervened on, most frequently antipsychotics, anti-seizure medications, antihypertensives, anticoagulants, neuromodulators, and antidepressants.

Conclusion

This is the first study to evaluate pharmacist contributions at a consultative telemedicine PIRC that focuses on providing care for patients with a primary neurologic injury. PREVAIL pharmacists have a crucial role in the multidisciplinary team. Future research is required to determine the pharmacist's impact on clinical outcomes.