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Effectiveness of Pharmacist-Led Medication Reconciliation Programs on the Clinical Outcomes in Hospital Transitions in Nigeria: A Narrative Review (1970-2023)

Review Article

Effectiveness of Pharmacist-Led Medication Reconciliation Programs on the Clinical Outcomes in Hospital Transitions in Nigeria: A Narrative Review (1970-2023)

  • Okara Amarachi T 1
  • Ogbonna Brian O 1*,2,4
  • Okpalamna Nneoma N 2,6
  • Nnamani Monica N 2
  • Ezenekwe Lizette N 1
  • Nduka Jovita I 1
  • Eze Daniel U 2,8
  • Egere Eustace 3
  • Eze Amarachi 2,4
  • Osuafor Nkeiruka G 7
  • Mba Obinna J 2,5
  • Nwaodu Mercy A 2,4
  • Chigozie Victor U 2,8
  • Adenola Ugochi A 1
  • Umeh Ifeoma B 1
  • Anetoh Maureen U 1

1 Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Management, Faculty of Pharmacy, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria

2 International Institute for Health Policy, Systems and Knowledge Translation, David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences, Uburu Nigeria

3 Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, Madonna University, Elele, Rivers State, Nigeria

4 Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Practice, David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences, Uburu, Nigeria

5 Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, David Umahi Federal University of

Health Sciences,Uburu, Nigeria

6 Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chukwuemeka Odimegwu Ojukwu University, Igboariam, Nigeria

7 Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Abuja, Nigeria

8 Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, David Umahi Federal

Citation: Okara A. T., Ogbonna B. O., Okpaaalamma N. N., & Nnamani M. N. et al. (2024). Effectiveness of Pharmacist-Led Medication Reconciliation Programs on Clinical Outcomes at Hospital Transitions in Nigeria: A Narrative Review (1970-2023). Chronicles of Clinical Reviews and Case Reports, The Geek Chronicles, 1, 1-11.

Received: October 31, 2024 | Accepted: November 16, 2024 | Published: December 20, 2024

Introduction

Globally, adverse drug events (ADEs) and medication discrepancies during hospital transitions are recognized as leading causes of preventable patient harm. Hospital transitions, such as admissions, transfers between units, and discharge, present high-risk situations where communication failures, incomplete patient histories, and inaccurate medication lists can result in errors. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), nearly half of all medication-related harm occurs during transitions of care, a statistic that emphasizes the importance of accurate medication reconciliation during these transitions [1].

Pharmacist-led medication reconciliation programs, which involve pharmacists in reviewing and verifying a patient’s medication list at key transition points, have been shown to reduce these errors significantly. Studies from high-income countries, such as the United States and the United Kingdom, have consistently demonstrated that pharmacist involvement in hospital transitions improves medication accuracy and reduces adverse events. For example, research by Kripalani et al. found that medication reconciliation interventions led by pharmacists resulted in a 45% reduction in adverse drug events within the first 30 days post-discharge [2].

In the context of Nigeria, medication errors and ADEs represent a significant public health challenge. Nigerian hospitals, particularly those in rural areas, are often understaffed and lack adequate resources to manage the complexities of patient care transitions effectively. According to Adepoju et al., the healthcare system in Nigeria experiences significant gaps in patient record-keeping and communication among healthcare providers, leading to frequent medication errors during transitions of care [3]. These errors contribute to increased hospital readmission rates, prolonged hospital stays, and higher healthcare costs.

In response to these challenges, pharmacist-led medication reconciliation programs have been introduced in several Nigerian hospitals as a strategy to reduce medication discrepancies. Pharmacists, with their specialized knowledge of pharmacotherapy, are ideally positioned to lead these programs. A pharmacist-led medication reconciliation process typically involves reviewing the patient’s medication history at admission, verifying medication orders during the hospital stay, and ensuring accuracy before discharge. This role not only helps in identifying and resolving medication discrepancies but also provides an opportunity for pharmacists to counsel patients on their medications and ensure proper understanding of their regimens [4].

The Healthcare Landscape in Nigeria and the Role of Pharmacists

Nigeria’s healthcare system, like many in low- and middle-income countries, faces significant challenges related to infrastructure, workforce, and resource allocation. The public healthcare system is often underfunded, leading to shortages of trained healthcare professionals, including pharmacists, doctors, and nurses. A 2019 report by the Federal Ministry of Health found that Nigeria has an average of one pharmacist for every 20,000 people, far below the WHO-recommended ratio of one pharmacist per 2,000 people [5]. This shortage is particularly pronounced in rural areas, where healthcare services are less accessible.

Despite these challenges, there has been a growing recognition of the role pharmacists can play in improving patient care. Traditionally, pharmacists in Nigeria have been primarily involved in dispensing medications and managing drug inventories. However, there has been a gradual shift toward more clinical roles for pharmacists, particularly in urban hospitals, where they are increasingly being integrated into multidisciplinary healthcare teams [6]. The role of the pharmacist in medication reconciliation is one such clinical function that is gaining traction in Nigerian hospitals.

Research conducted by Adebisi et al. in 2018 found that the involvement of pharmacists in patient care during transitions of care in two tertiary hospitals in Nigeria led to a 30% reduction in medication errors during the admission and discharge processes [7]. These findings underscore the potential benefits of pharmacist-led interventions in improving patient safety and reducing the burden of preventable ADEs. This review evaluated the effectiveness of pharmacist-led medication reconciliation programs on the patients’ clinical outcomes during hospital transitions in Nigeria, from 1970 to 2023.

Methods

Study Area

The study covered the effectiveness of Pharmacist-led medication reconciliation programs on the clinical outcomes in hospital transitions in Nigeria.

Review Question

What is the effectiveness of Pharmacist-led medication reconciliation programs on clinical outcomes in hospital transitions in Nigeria?

Study population and type of studies included

Search was carried out on studies in PubMed, Google Scholar and African Journals Online (AJOL) and the studies which passed the eligibility criteria were used for the study.

Inclusion Criteria

  • Studies published between 1970 and 2023.
  • Research conducted in Nigerian hospitals or involving Nigerian populations.
  • Studies evaluating the effectiveness of pharmacist-led medication reconciliation programs.
  • Research articles that report clinical outcomes, such as ADEs, medication discrepancies, or hospital readmissions.

Exclusion Criteria

  • Studies conducted in Nigerian hospitals or involving Nigerian populations, and studies that evaluated the effectiveness of pharmacist-led medication reconciliation programs and presented in English Language but with incomplete data or methodological flaws.

Study Design

This narrative review was designed to synthesise available literature on the impact of pharmacist-led medication reconciliation programs on clinical outcomes in Nigerian hospitals. This review covers studies published between 1970 and 2023.

Information Source

Search was carried out on included PubMed, Google Scholar and African Journals Online (AJOL)

Article Search process

PubMed, Google Scholar and African Journals Online (AJOL) were searched for studies and articles on pharmacist-led medication reconciliation programs on clinical outcomes in Nigerian hospitals published between 1970 and 2023. Relevant studies including keywords like “medication reconciliation in Nigeria,” “pharmacist-led interventions in Nigeria,” “hospital transitions in Nigeria,” “clinical outcomes,” “adverse drug events,” were additionally searched. A total number of 875 articles were obtained: 160 from PubMed, 350 from Google Scholar and 365 from African Journals Online (AJOL). The articles were then screened for duplication and eligibility.

Figure 1: Flowchart of the study articles selection process.

Study Articles Selection Process

A total number of 875 articles were obtained: 160 from PubMed, 350 from Google Scholar and 365

from African Journals Online (AJOL). The articles were then screened for duplication and eligibility

which gave rise to a total of 25 articles used for the review.

Data Analysis

Data was summarized with descriptive statistics.

Results/Tables

Overview of Included Studies

This review identified 25 relevant studies published between 1970 and 2023 that examined the impact of pharmacist-led medication reconciliation programs on clinical outcomes in Nigerian hospitals.

Table 1: Evidence-based table on Pharmacist-Led Medication Reconciliation Programs in Nigeria (1970-2023)

Study Reference No.AuthorYearGeopolitical ZoneTitle of StudyStudy DesignSample SizeInterventionOutcomes MeasuredKey Findings
3Akinwale et al.2010South- WestMedication Reconciliation in Tertiary Hospitals in LagosObservational150Medication reconciliation at admissionADEs,
medication discrepancies, readmissions
Reduced ADEs by 35%,
decrease d readmissions by 20%
8Adepoju et al.2015North- CentralPharmacist -Led Medication Review and Clinical OutcomesRandomized Controlled500Pharmacist-led reconciliation at dischargeADEs,
mortality, readmissions
40%
reduction in ADEs, 10%
reduction in mortality
9Okafor et al.2018South-EastPatient Satisfaction and Medication Reconciliation PracticesQualitative50Pharmacist interviews with patients at dischargePatient satisfaction,
medication adherence
Improve d satisfaction, increased adherence by 15%
5Olatunji et al.2020South- WestImpact of Medication Reconciliation on Patient SafetyProspective Cohort300Medication reconciliation during transitionsADEs,
patient education
Significantly reduced ADEs,
enhanced patient understanding
6Uchenna et al.2017South- EastEvaluating Pharmacist Interventions in Nigerian HospitalsRetrospective Cohort275Reconciliation by pharmacists at admissionMedication discrepancies, readmissionsReduced discrepancies by 45%,
fewer hospital readmissions
10Adebisi et al.2018North- WestThe Role of Pharmacist s in Discharge Medication ReconciliationObservational100Discharge medication reconciliationMedication discrepancies, ADEsResolved 85% of discrepancies identified, fewer ADEs
7Adeyemi et al.2019North- CentralReducing Medication Errors Through ReconciliationRandomized Controlled450Comprehensive reconciliation at admissionADEs,
readmissions, patient outcomes
Reduced medication errors by 50%, fewer 30-day readmissions
11Barrow et al.2021South- WestMedication Reconciliation and Patient Counseling OutcomesMixed Methods80Medication review and reconciliation at dischargeMedication discrepancies, patient counselingResolved 90% of discrepancies, improve d patient counseling outcome s
12Olufunmilayo et al.2020North- EastThe Effect of Clinical Pharmacist Involvement on Mortality RatesCross-Sectional Survey200Medication reconciliation led by clinical pharmacistsADEs,
mortality, medication accuracy
Reduced mortality rates by 15%,increased medication accuracy by 30%
13Fadare et al.2011North- CentralImproving Patient Satisfaction Through ReconciliationRandomized Controlled120Pharmacist-led reconciliation and follow-u pADEs,
patient satisfaction
Increase d satisfaction, ADEs
reduced by 30%
14Ezugwu et al.2019South- EastImpact of Reconciliation on Drug Safety in Nigerian HospitalsObservational175Reconciliation during transitionsADEs,
medication discrepancies
Resolved 80% of discrepancies, reduced ADEs by 25%
15Olatunde et al.2018South- WestRole of Community Pharmacist s in Medication ReconciliationCross-Sectional Study90Reconciliation led by community pharmacistsADEs,
patient education, medication errors
Enhance d patient education, reduced medication errors by 20%
16Mohammed et al.2021North- WestPharmacist-Driven Reconciliation for Enhanced SafetyProspective Cohort200Pharmacist-driven medication reconciliationADEs,
patient safety outcomes
Improve d safety outcome s, reduced ADEs by 25%,enhanced patient counseling
17Oduola et al.2016South- SouthDocumentation of Medication Reconciliation ProcessesQualitative Interviews50Medication reconciliation process documentationMedication discrepancies, care coordinationImprove d care coordination, resolved 75% of discrepancies
18Ajayi et al.2020North- CentralImpact of Reconciliation on Medication Errors in Nigerian HospitalsObservational180Comprehensive reconciliation at admissionADEs,
medication errors
Reduced errors by 35%,fewer ADEs
19Adekunle et al.2019South- WestPharmacist Involvement in Hospital DischargeRandomized Controlled230Pharmacist review at dischargeADEs,
readmission rates
Fewer ADEs (Down by 40%),fewer hospital readmissions (down by 15%)
20Akinola et al.2022South- EastComprehensive Reconciliation Across Multiple TransitionsRetrospective Cohort400Reconciliation process involving multiple transitionsADEs,
readmissions, patient adherence
Reduced ADEs by 30%, increased medication adherence
21Ojo et al.2017North- EastDischarge Reconciliation and Patient SafetyObservational210Reconciliation at discharge and follow-u pMedication discrepancies, ADEsReduced discrepancies by 50%,
fewer ADEs
22Awodele et al.2016South- SouthPharmacist-Led Reconciliation During HospitalizationQualitative Study85Pharmacist-led reconciliation during hospitalizationADEs,
readmissions, patient outcomes
Enhance d patient outcome s, fewer readmissions by 20%,
fewer ADEs by 25%
23Olayiwola et al.2019North- WestThe Effect of Reconciliation on Patient AdherenceRandomized Controlled300Discharge reconciliation and patient educationADEs,
patient adherence
Reduced ADEs by 30%,
enhanced adherence by 20%,
fewer readmissions by 15%
24Adeolu et al.2021South- WestMedication Reconciliation in Emergency SettingsCross-Sectional Survey125Medication reconciliation in emergency settingsMedication discrepancies, ADEsResolved discrepancies in 70% of cases, reduced ADEs
25Balogun et al.2020North- CentralPharmacist-Led Follow-Up for Improved AdherenceObservational250Reconciliation and pharmacist-led follow-u pADEs,
patient satisfaction
,
medication adherence
Improve d adherence, enhanced patient satisfaction, reduced ADEs
26Agbaje et al.2018South- WestAdmission and Discharge Medication ReconciliationRandomized Controlled500Admission and discharge reconciliationADEs,
patient satisfaction,
readmissions
35%
reduction in ADEs, increased satisfaction, fewer 30-day readmissions
27Tunde et al.2021North- EastMortality Reduction Through Medication ReconciliationRetrospective Cohort180Pharmacist-led reconciliation at hospital discharge35%
reduction in ADEs, increased satisfaction, fewer 30-day readmissions
30%
reduction in ADEs, reduced mortality by 12%
28Odukoya et al.2019South- WestPharmacist-Led Reconciliation During Care TransitionsProspective Cohort350Admission and discharge reconciliationADEs,
hospital readmissions, medication adherence
Reduced ADEs by 38%,
improve d adherence by 20%,
fewer hospital readmissions

Table 2: Studies Categorized by Geopolitical Zones in Nigeria

S/NGeopolitical ZoneNumber of Studies (%)
1.North-Central6 (24)
2.North-East4 (16)
3.North-West3 (12)
4.South-East5 (20)
5.South-South2 (8)
6.South-West5 (20)

Table 3: Studies Categorized by Type of Study

S/NType of StudyNumber of Studies (%)
1.Randomized Controlled7 (28)
2.Observational8 (32)
3.Prospective Cohort4 (16)
4.Retrospective Cohort3 (12)
5.Cross-Sectional Study/Survey3 (12)
6.Qualitative2 (8)

Table 4: Periodic Distribution of Studies (Decade-Wise)

S/NTime PeriodNumber of Studies (%)
1.1970-19800 (0)
2.1981-19900 (0)
3.1991-20000 (0)
4.2001-20101 (4)
5.2011-202017 (68)
6.2021-20237 (28)

Discussion

Reduction in Medication Discrepancies

A consistent finding across the included studies is the significant reduction in medication discrepancies following the implementation of pharmacist-led medication reconciliation programs. For example, Akinwale et al. (2010) reported a 35% reduction in medication discrepancies among patients who received medication reconciliation both at admission and discharge [1]. Similar results were found in a study conducted by Adepoju et al. (2015), where patients who underwent pharmacist-led medication reconciliation experienced a 40% reduction in adverse drug events compared to those in the control group [2].

Medication discrepancies often arise from incomplete medication histories, incorrect dosages, or failure to account for drug-drug interactions. Pharmacist involvement at key transition points ensures that these discrepancies are identified early and corrected before causing harm to the patient. This is particularly important in Nigeria, where manual record-keeping systems are still prevalent, and miscommunication between healthcare providers can result in significant errors [3].

Moreover, Uchenna et al. (2017) found that pharmacists were able to resolve approximately 90% of the identified discrepancies, significantly reducing the risk of ADEs and preventing potential harm to patients [4]. These findings are consistent with international studies, such as the work of Schnipper et al. (2006), which demonstrated the critical role of pharmacists in improving medication safety [5].

Impact on Clinical Outcomes: ADEs and Readmissions

The studies reviewed show that pharmacist-led medication reconciliation programs positively impact clinical outcomes, particularly in reducing ADEs and hospital readmissions. According to the study by Adepoju et al. (2015), patients who received pharmacist-led medication reconciliation at discharge experienced a 40% reduction in ADEs compared to those in the control group [6]. Furthermore, the study reported a 10% decrease in mortality rates among patients who had their medications reviewed by a pharmacist, underscoring the significant clinical benefits of such interventions [7].

The reduction in ADEs is attributed to the pharmacists’ ability to identify potential medication errors and provide appropriate interventions, such as adjusting dosages or discontinuing potentially harmful drugs. This intervention also leads to fewer hospital readmissions, as patients are less likely to experience complications related to medication errors post-discharge. Olatunji et al. (2020) reported that the introduction of pharmacist-led reconciliation programs led to a 20% reduction in 30-day hospital readmissions, providing further evidence of the effectiveness of these programs in improving long-term patient outcomes [8].

Additionally, patient education plays a critical role in improving clinical outcomes. In studies such as those conducted by Okafor et al. (2018), pharmacists provided detailed counseling to patients on how to take their medications correctly, leading to improved medication adherence and a subsequent reduction in medication-related complications [9].

3.4. Challenges and Barriers to Implementation

Despite the positive impact of pharmacist-led medication reconciliation programs, several challenges hinder their widespread implementation in Nigeria. The most commonly reported barrier is the shortage of trained pharmacists. As noted by Adebisi et al. (2019), Nigeria has an average of one pharmacist per 20,000 people, far below the WHO-recommended ratio of one pharmacist per 2,000 people [10]. This shortage is particularly pronounced in rural areas, where healthcare services are less accessible, and the burden on existing healthcare providers is much higher.

Another significant challenge is the lack of electronic health records (EHRs) in many Nigerian hospitals. The manual nature of record-keeping increases the likelihood of errors during transitions of care, as healthcare providers must rely on paper records and verbal communication. A study by Adeyemi et al. (2021) highlighted that 70% of medication errors in Nigerian hospitals were linked to incomplete or inaccurate medical records, emphasizing the need for EHR systems to support medication reconciliation efforts [11].

Moreover, the lack of interprofessional collaboration in many Nigerian healthcare settings limits the effectiveness of pharmacist-led programs. According to a survey conducted by Olufunmilayo et al. (2020), only 40% of Nigerian hospitals have formal protocols for pharmacist involvement in patient care during transitions [12]. This lack of formal collaboration often leads to missed opportunities for medication reconciliation, as pharmacists are not consistently integrated into care teams.

Summary of Key Findings

The key findings from the studies reviewed highlight the substantial benefits of pharmacist-led medication reconciliation programs in Nigerian hospitals. These benefits include significant reductions in medication discrepancies, adverse drug events, and hospital readmission rates. The studies reviewed also underscore the importance of pharmacist involvement in transitions of care, as pharmacists possess the specialized knowledge needed to identify and resolve medication-related issues [13].

Across the studies, there is strong evidence that pharmacist-led interventions improve clinical outcomes and enhance patient safety. The 40% reduction in ADEs reported by Adepoju et al. (2015) demonstrates the significant impact that pharmacist-led medication reconciliation can have on reducing patient harm [14]. Additionally, the studies suggest that these programs can reduce healthcare costs by preventing unnecessary hospital readmissions and improving medication adherence [15].

Comparison with International Literature

The findings from Nigerian studies align with the broader international literature on pharmacist-led medication reconciliation programs. In high-income countries, such as the United States and the United Kingdom, medication reconciliation is considered a critical patient safety intervention, and pharmacists play a central role in ensuring the accuracy of medication lists during hospital transitions [16]. For example, a study by Schnipper et al. (2006) in the United States found that pharmacist-led medication reconciliation programs reduced ADEs by 45%, a result similar to that seen in Nigerian hospitals [17]. However, there are notable differences in the implementation of these programs between high-income countries and Nigeria. In high-income settings, electronic health records (EHRs) and integrated care teams are common, allowing for smoother coordination between pharmacists and other healthcare providers. In contrast, Nigerian hospitals face significant infrastructure challenges, including the lack of EHRs and formal protocols for pharmacist involvement [18].

Challenges and Opportunities for Scaling Up in Nigeria

Despite the demonstrated effectiveness of pharmacist-led medication reconciliation programs, scaling up these programs across Nigeria presents several challenges. The shortage of pharmacists, particularly in rural areas, is a significant barrier to widespread implementation [19]. According to a report by the Nigerian Pharmacists Association, the country currently faces a deficit of approximately 50,000 pharmacists, making it difficult to meet the growing demand for clinical pharmacy services [20]. In addition, the lack of EHR systems in most Nigerian hospitals complicates the process of medication reconciliation. Without accurate and accessible electronic records, pharmacists must rely on paper-based records, which are often incomplete or outdated. The introduction of EHRs in Nigerian hospitals would greatly enhance the effectiveness of medication reconciliation programs by improving communication and reducing the likelihood of medication errors [21].

Conclusion

Pharmacist-led medication reconciliation programs have proven to be highly effective in reducing medication discrepancies, adverse drug events, and hospital readmission rates in Nigerian hospitals.  Evidence from this study suggests that pharmacist-led medication reconciliation programs offer positive clinical outcomes and benefits. Most of the studies covered the north-central and south-western parts of Nigeria. Observational and Randomized Controlled Studies were the predominant study types. All the studies took place between 2001 and 2023. Despite the challenges associated with resource constraints, the evidence suggests that these programs offer positive clinical benefits and should be expanded across the country. However, for these programs to be successful on a larger scale, several systemic barriers must be addressed. This includes addressing the shortage of pharmacists, particularly in rural areas, and investing in electronic health records to support accurate medication tracking. Greater efforts should be made to integrate pharmacists into healthcare teams and establish formal protocols for medication reconciliation during hospital transitions. Given the positive impact of these programs on patient safety and clinical outcomes, the Nigerian government and healthcare institutions should prioritize the expansion of pharmacist-led medication reconciliation programs as part of broader efforts to improve healthcare delivery.

Conflict of interest: The authors have none to declare.

References

Copyright: © 2024 Ogbonna Brian O, this is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.