APhA Policy Manual

Care Transitions

INTERPROFESSIONAL RELATIONS PATIENT/PHARMACIST RELATIONSHIPS PHARMACY PRACTICE

APhA supports pharmacists leading medication management activities during care transitions to ensure safe and effective medication use.
APhA supports the integral role of pharmacists during care transitions for improving quality of patient-centered care and reducing overall costs to the health care system.
APhA strongly encourages collaboration and shared accountability among patients, family members, caregivers, pharmacists, and other health care providers during care transitions.
APhA supports the development and utilization of standardized processes that facilitate real-time, bidirectional communication of protected health information during care transitions.
APhA supports that documentation of health outcomes is an essential component of any care transition program to demonstrate value and ensure continuous quality improvement.
APhA supports financially viable payment models that recognize the value of pharmacists’ services, including, but not limited to, those provided during care transitions.
APhA strongly urges the development and implementation of multidisciplinary, interprofessional, and team-based training for health care professionals and students to improve the quality and consistency of care transition services.
APhA urges the collaboration and partnership of community pharmacies with health care systems, institutions, and other entities involved in care transitions.