A new study has found that medication optimization—ensuring patients receive the right medications, at the right time, with the right oversight—significantly lowers the risk of hospitalization among home health patients.

Researchers reported that patients whose medication regimens were thoroughly reviewed and adjusted when necessary were less likely to be admitted to the hospital, helping to improve overall health outcomes and reduce costs of care.

Key findings included:

• Patients receiving medication optimization interventions had a lower rate of preventable hospitalizations.
• Medication reviews and reconciliation were identified as critical steps in catching errors and improving adherence.
• Integrating pharmacy expertise into home health care led to better coordination, safety, and quality of care.

Medication management challenges—including polypharmacy, drug interactions, and lack of consistent monitoring—are common in senior care. This study underscores the value of proactive oversight to ensure therapies are effective, safe, and aligned with patients’ changing health needs.

Why it matters for long-term and senior care:
Residents in assisted living, skilled nursing, and home health settings often take multiple medications. Without optimization, risks such as falls, adverse drug events, and hospital readmissions rise significantly. By contrast, effective medication oversight not only protects patients but also supports facilities in meeting quality and regulatory standards.

For providers, this reinforces the importance of building strong partnerships with pharmacy experts who can support medication reconciliation, adherence monitoring, and ongoing regimen adjustments.

For more information or guidance on how medication optimization can benefit your community, contact Forum Pharmacy for expert support.