SIUE School of Pharmacy Receives Grant to Assist Seniors
The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Pharmacy has received a two-year grant valued at $329,862 for “Community-based VTE Care Transitions Coordinated through a Senior Services Organization.”
The grant is a collaboration between Pfizer Independent Grants for Learning & Change (IGLC) and Bristol-Meyers Squibb Independent Medical Education, who are providing all project funding, and The Joint Commission, who will provide administrative oversight for the program.
The SIUE School of Pharmacy and Senior Services Plus, based in Alton, will work closely to improve the safety and effectiveness of medication use during care transitions from hospital to home for older adults treated for venous thromboembolism (VTE). The SIU School of Medicine’s Center for Clinical Research is also a collaborator on the project.
“Medication-related problems occur commonly when older adults leave the hospital,” said Dr. Mark Ruscin, SIUE professor of pharmacy practice and primary investigator for the grant. “Finding and fixing those problems early after discharge can improve medication safety for seniors and may help reduce the need for additional hospital or emergency room visits.”
“Senior Services Plus has been operating the Healthy Connections hospital-to-home program since January 2014,” said Jonathan Becker, Senior Services Plus executive director. “Being on the leading front of creating a better transitional care program shows the importance of Senior Services Plus in the community and local hospitals.”
Senior Services Plus will provide three Healthy Connections Coaches at separate hospitals across Madison and St. Clair Counties. During site visits, the coaches will address five primary elements: follow-up appointments, medication management, health safety plans, transportation and linkage to community resources.
“We believe having a pharmacist working with the Healthy Connections Coaches will enhance patient safety,” Ruscin said.
Photo: Dr. Mark Ruscin, professor of pharmacy practice in the SIUE School of Pharmacy.
