Switching between reference adalimumab and biosimilars in chronic immune-mediated inflammatory diseases: A systematic literature review.

AIMS: Adalimumab is a biological therapy used to treat different chronic inflammatory diseases. At present, there is an increasing number of adalimumab biosimilars. To assume the acceptability of interchangeability between reference adalimumab and biosimilars, there should be evidence about efficacy and safety of this switching. Regulation of this practice falls under the authority of individual European Union Member States. The aim of this study is to systematically review the evidence on the efficacy, safety and immunogenicity of switching between reference adalimumab and biosimilars in different chronic immune-mediated inflammatory diseases. METHODS: Studies presenting data about switching between reference adalimumab and biosimilars were identified by sensitive search strategies in Medline and EMBASE from 1 January 2004 to 30 June 2021. RESULTS: A total of 471 references were obtained and 21 finally included in the analysis (total number of patients switching: 2802). Eight different adalimumab biosimilars were tested after receiving reference adalimumab. Eight articles included rheumatoid arthritis (RA), one miscellaneous rheumatic disease, six psoriasis (PSO) and six inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients. Overall, the efficacy results in the switching groups were comparable to those obtained in the arms of continuous biosimilar and continuous reference adalimumab. There were no significant differences in treatment emergent adverse events, anti-drug or neutralising antibodies among the three groups. CONCLUSIONS: Switching between reference adalimumab and biosimilars has no impact on efficacy, safety and immunogenicity in patients with RA, PSO and IBD. This finding was consistent for the different adalimumab biosimilars analysed. These conclusions could probably be extended to other rheumatic diseases such as psoriatic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis.

Metodología Lean: diseño y evaluación de un modelo estandarizado de almacenaje de medicación / LEAN methodology: design and assessment of a standardized medication storage model

OBJETIVO: El objetivo del estudio es evaluar los resultados de la aplica-ción de la metodología Lean en el diseño de un modelo estandarizado de almacenaje de medicación en las unidades de hospitalización. MÉTODO: Estudio descriptivo y retrospectivo desarrollado entre septiembre de 2017 y enero de 2019 en un hospital de tercer nivel. Se creó un equipo multidisciplinar liderado por el Servicio de Farmacia. Se empleó la metodología Lean para establecer los elementos y criterios de organización e identificación que conformaron el modelo estandarizado de almacenaje de medicación. Se revisaron y cuantificaron los stocks de cada unidad de hospitalización, se consensuó la medicación con la supervisora de cada unidad y se estimó el impacto económico de la implantación del modelo estandarizado. Se diseñó y envió una encuesta para evaluar la satisfacción de enfermería con el nuevo modelo. RESULTADOS: El modelo estandarizado de almacenaje se aplicó en 20 unidades de enfermería y supuso una reducción global del 56,72% en el número de presentaciones de principios activos disponibles (5.688 versus2.462). Se disminuyó el número de presentaciones de principios activos de medicamentos de alto riesgo en un 40,73% (631 versus 374). La eliminación de este despilfarro supuso un ahorro económico de 25.357,98 (Euro). Se recibieron 58 respuestas a la encuesta de satisfacción del personal de enfermería (20,70% del total de encuestas enviadas), de las que un 22,40% correspondieron al turno fijo y 77,60% al turno rotativo. La media de la satisfacción global (valorada entre 1 y 10) fue de 5,79 ± 3,61. CONCLUSIONES: La aplicación de la metodología Lean es útil para la gestión de stocks de medicación de las unidades de hospitalización. La implantación del modelo estandarizado de almacenaje conlleva un ahorro económico y una reducción del número de presentaciones de principios activos y de medicamentos de alto riesgo. El personal de enfermería está conforme con la implantación del modelo, lo que nos plantea seguir en esta línea de mejora

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to assess the results of applying Lean Methodology in the design of a standardized medication storage model in hospitalization departments. METHOD: Descriptive and retrospective study conducted between September 2017 and January 2019 in a tertiary level hospital. The Pharmacy Service led the creation of a multidisciplinary team. Lean Methodology was used to establish the components and organization and identification criteria that made up the standardized medication storage model. The stocks of each hospitalization department were reviewed and quantified, the final amount of stock needed was agreed with the supervisor of each department, and the economic impact of the implementation of the standardized medication model was assessed. A questionnaire was designed and sent to nursing staff to determine their level of satisfaction with the new model. RESULTS: The standardized medication storage model was scaled up to 20 nursing departments, leading to an overall reduction of 56.72% in the number of pharmaceutical dosage forms available (5,688 vs 2,462). The number of high-risk drugs was reduced by 40.73% (631 vs 374). This elimination of wastage achieved a saving of (Euro)25,357.98. A total of 58 nurses returned the questionnaires (20.70% of the total): 22.40% worked a fixed shift and 77.60% worked a rotating shift. The mean score on overall satisfaction was 5.79 ± 3.61 (scores ranged from 1 to 10). CONCLUSIONS: The application of Lean Methodology is very useful for the management of medication stocks in hospitalization departments. The implementation of a standardized medication storage model leads to economic savings and a marked reduction in the number of active ingredients and high-risk medications. The nursing staff were satisfied with the implementation of the model, suggesting that we should continue to pursue this effective line of action

Direct costs in patients with chronic inflammatory arthropathies on biological therapy: a real-world data study.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to assess the direct costs for the Spanish Health System of patients with chronic inflammatory arthropathies treated with biological therapies in daily clinical practice and to establish possible factors associated with lower costs. METHODS: A descriptive, observational and retrospective study was conducted. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and psoriatic arthritis who started a biological therapy between 1 January 2009 and 31 December 2016 were included. Variables related to socioeconomic status, disease and biological therapy were included. The annual cost of biological treatment and other direct medical costs were calculated for each disease. The analysis of costs was based on the National Health Service perspective. The time horizon comprised the 8-year long study period. RESULTS: A total of 422 biological therapy lines were analysed. The annual biological therapy cost per patient was €12,494±3,865 for rheumatoid arthritis, €11,248±2,763 for ankylosing spondylitis and €12,263±35,155 for psoriatic arthritis (p=0.008). The cost of biological therapies entailed about 80% of the total cost of these diseases. Hospital admission was a factor which contributed to an increasing cost in all these conditions. A longer duration of the biological therapy was associated with lower cost in all the diseases. CONCLUSIONS: The cost of ankylosing spondylitis is lower than that of rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis. The biological therapy is the factor with the highest impact on the overall cost of these diseases. Preventing hospital admissions and a higher persistence to the biological therapy can contribute to lower costs for the system.

Medication persistence on biological therapies prescribed for the treatment of chronic inflammatory arthropathies: a real-world data study.

OBJECTIVES: Medication persistence, defined as the duration of time from its initiation to its discontinuation, is a surrogate for treatment effectiveness. The aim of the study was to evaluate persistence and causes of biological therapy (BT) suspension in patients with chronic inflammatory arthropathies: rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and psoriatic arthritis. METHODS: Single institution, descriptive, retrospective cohort study. Adult patients with chronic inflammatory arthropathies on BT between January 2009 and December 2016 were included. Persistence to BT was compared considering the type of pathology and treatment. The Kaplan-Meier test was used to analyse medication persistanence and factors associated with it. An analysis of reasons for therapy discontinuation was performed. RESULTS: Three hundred and sixty-two patients were included in the study, which comprised 478 BT lines. For all patients, the 12-month persistence rate was 71.3% (341 out of 478). At the end of the study, 45.2% of the patients continued on their initial BT. Median treatment persistence was 1489 days (CI 95% 1195 to 1783). Longer BT persistence was associated with naïve BT patients: 1945 days (95% CI 1523 to 2367; P<0.001) and ankylosing spondylitis diagnosis: 2402 days (95% CI 1604 to 3200; P=0.014). The most frequent causes of treatment discontinuation were therapeutic failure (47.6%) and adverse drug events (28.2%). CONCLUSIONS: We found good long-term persistence in patients with chronic inflammatory arthropathies treated with BT. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis had significantly shorter persistence compared with those with ankylosing spondylitis and psoriatic arthritis. Naïve BT was associated with longer persistence. Therapeutic failure was the main cause of BT withdrawal.

Real-world prevalence and consequences of potential drug-drug interactions in the first-wave COVID-19 treatments.

WHAT IS KNOWN AND OBJECTIVE: Initial treatment recommendations of COVID-19 were based on the use of antimicrobial drugs and immunomodulators. Although information on drug interactions was available for other pathologies, there was little evidence in the treatment of COVID-19. The objective of this study was to analyse the potential drug-drug interactions (pDDIs) derived from the medication used in COVID-19 patients in the first pandemic wave and to evaluate the real consequences of such interactions in clinical practice. METHODS: Cohort, retrospective and single-centre study carried out in a third-level hospital. Adult patients, admitted with suspected COVID-19, that received at least one dose of hydroxychloroquine, lopinavir/ritonavir, interferon beta 1-b or tocilizumab and with any pDDIs according to "Liverpool Drug Interaction Group" between March and May 2020 were included. The possible consequences of pDDIs at the QTc interval level or any other adverse event according to the patient's medical record were analysed. A descriptive analysis was carried out to assess possible factors that may affect the QTc interval prolongation. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Two hundred and eighteen (62.3%) patients of a total of 350 patients admitted with COVID-19 had at least one pDDI. There were 598 pDDIs. Thirty-eight pDDIs (6.3%) were categorized as not recommended or contraindicated. The mean value difference between baseline and pDDI posterior ECG was 412.3 ms ± 25.8 ms vs. 426.3 ms ± 26.7 ms; p < 0.001. Seven patients (5.7%) had a clinically significant alteration of QTc. A total of 44 non-cardiological events (7.3%) with a possible connection to a pDDI were detected. WHAT IS NEW AND CONCLUSION: The number of pDDIs in patients admitted for COVID-19 in the first pandemic wave was remarkably high. However, clinical consequences occurred in a low percentage of patients. Interactions involving medications that would be contraindicated for concomitant administration are rare. Knowledge of these pDDIs and their consequences could help to establish appropriate therapeutic strategies in patients with COVID-19 or other diseases with these treatments.

Biological therapy safety in chronic inflammatory arthropathy patients.

OBJECTIVE: The marketing of biological therapies transformed the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and psoriatic arthritis. But there is still concern about patient safety and management in daily clinical practice. The aim of this study was to estimate risk factors of the adverse effects in a cohort of Spanish patients with rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and psoriatic arthritis. METHODS: A single institution, descriptive, retrospective, cohort study was developed from January 2009 to December 2016. Patients diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and psoriatic arthritis on biological therapies were included. Undesirable events affecting patients during biological therapy, their clinical implications and the use of health resources related to adverse effects were collected. RESULTS: Three hundred and sixty-two patients corresponding to 478 biological therapy lines were analysed. It implied 1192 years of monitoring. There were 57 adverse effects per 100 biological patient-years and 4.8 serious adverse effects per 100 biological patient-years. The only significant factor for a likely serious adverse effect was having a Charlson Index ≥10, OR of 6.2 (CI 95%: 3.4-11.1, p<0.001). Around 15 % of patients with adverse effects were admitted to hospital and 25% received attention at the Emergency Department. CONCLUSION: Over half of the patients with arthropathies on biological therapy can suffer adverse effect during treatment but only 8.5% of these effects are serious. Special vigilance must be paid to patients with a higher number of comorbidities because they are more likely to experience serious adverse effects.

Biological therapy safety in chronic inflammatory arthropathy patients.

OBJECTIVE: The marketing of biological therapies transformed the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and psoriatic arthritis. But there is still concern about patient safety and management in daily clinical practice. The aim of this study was to estimate risk factors of the adverse effects in a cohort of Spanish patients with rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and psoriatic arthritis. METHODS: A single institution, descriptive, retrospective, cohort study was developed from January 2009 to December 2016. Patients diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and psoriatic arthritis on biological therapies were included. Undesirable events affecting patients during biological therapy, their clinical implications and the use of health resources related to adverse effects were collected. RESULTS: Three hundred and sixty-two patients corresponding to 478 biological therapy lines were analysed. It implied 1192 years of monitoring. There were 57 adverse effects per 100 biological patient- years and 4.8 serious adverse effects per 100 biological patient-years. The only significant factor for a likely serious adverse effect was having a Charlson Index ≥10, OR of 6.2 (CI 95%: 3.4-11.1, p<0.001). Around 15 % of patients with adverse effects were admitted to hospital and 25% received attention at the Emergency Department. CONCLUSION: Over half of the patients with arthropathies on biological therapy can suffer adverse effect during treatment but only 8.5% of these effects are serious. Special vigilance must be paid to patients with a higher number of comorbidities because they are more likely to experience serious adverse effects.

LEAN methodology: design and assessment of a standardized medication storage model.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to assess the results of applying  Lean Methodology in the design of a standardized medication storage model in  hospitalization departments. METHOD: Descriptive and retrospective study conducted between September 2017 and January 2019 in a tertiary level hospital. The Pharmacy Service led the creation of a multidisciplinary team. Lean Methodology was used to establish the components and organization and  identification criteria that made up the standardized medication storage model.  The stocks of each hospitalization department were reviewed and quantified, the final amount of stock needed was agreed with the supervisor of each department, and the economic impact of the implementation of the  standardized medication model was assessed. A questionnaire was designed and sent to nursing staff to determine their level of satisfaction with the new model. RESULTS: The standardized medication storage model was scaled up to 20  nursing departments, leading to an overall reduction of 56.72% in the number of pharmaceutical dosage forms available (5,688 vs 2,462). The number of high-risk drugs was reduced by 40.73% (631 vs 374). This elimination of wastage  achieved a saving of €25,357.98. A total of 58 nurses returned the  questionnaires (20.70% of the total): 22.40% worked a fixed shift and 77.60%  worked a rotating shift. The mean score on overall satisfaction was 5.79 ± 3.61  (scores ranged from 1 to 10). CONCLUSIONS: The application of Lean Methodology is very useful for the  management of medication stocks in hospitalization departments. The implementation of a standardized medication storage model leads to  economic savings and a marked reduction in the number of active ingredients and high-risk medications. The nursing staff were satisfied with the  implementation of the model, suggesting that we should continue to pursue this effective line of action.

Objetivo: El objetivo del estudio es evaluar los resultados de la aplicación de la  metodología Lean en el diseño de un modelo estandarizado de almacenaje de  medicación en las unidades de hospitalización. Método: Estudio descriptivo y  retrospectivo desarrollado entre septiembre de  2017 y enero de 2019 en un  hospital de tercer nivel. Se creó un  equipo multidisciplinar liderado por el  Servicio de Farmacia. Se empleó la  metodología Lean para establecer los  elementos y criterios de organización e identificación que conformaron el modelo estandarizado de almacenaje de  medicación. Se revisaron y cuantificaron los stocks de cada unidad de hospitalización, se consensuó la medicación con la supervisora de cada unidad y se estimó el impacto económico de la implantación del modelo estandarizado. Se diseñó y envió una encuesta para evaluar la  satisfacción de enfermería con el nuevo modelo.Resultados: El modelo estandarizado de almacenaje se aplicó en 20 unidades de enfermería y supuso una reducción global del 56,72% en el número  de presentaciones de principios activos disponibles (5.688 versus 2.462). Se disminuyó el número de presentaciones de principios activos  de medicamentos de alto riesgo en un 40,73% (631 versus 374). La eliminación de este despilfarro supuso un ahorro económico de 25.357,98 €. Se recibieron 58 respuestas a la encuesta de satisfacción del personal de enfermería (20,70%  del total de encuestas enviadas), de las que un 22,40% correspondieron al turno fijo y 77,60% al turno rotativo. La media de la satisfacción global (valorada  entre 1 y 10) fue de 5,79 ± 3,61.Conclusiones: La aplicación de la metodología Lean es útil para la gestión de  stocks de medicación de las unidades de hospitalización. La implantación del  modelo estandarizado de almacenaje conlleva un ahorro económico y una  reducción del número de presentaciones de principios activos y de  medicamentos de alto riesgo. El personal de enfermería está conforme con la  implantación del modelo, lo que nos plantea seguir en esta línea de mejora.

Content analysis of Twitter in relation to biological treatments for chronic inflammatory arthropathies: an exploratory study.

OBJECTIVE: To analyse the volume and content of tweets in relation to biological treatments for chronic inflammatory arthropathies. METHODS: A Twitter analysis was carried out during one month using the following keywords: 'rheumatoid arthritis', 'ankylosing spondylitis', 'psoriatic arthritis' and their biological therapies: 'abatacept', 'adalimumab', 'certolizumab', 'etanercept', 'golimumab', 'infliximab' and 'tocilizumab'. Tweets were hand-coded and filtered for content. RESULTS: 25 441 tweets contained at least one of the keywords. After filtering, 2480 tweets were included in the analysis. Regarding the 983 tweets about therapies, the most frequently mentioned biologics were 'adalimumab' (n=359), 'infliximab' (n= 278) and 'etanercept' (n= 205). In the 1497 tweets about diseases, the term 'rheumatoid arthritis' (n= 1109) was used more frequently than 'psoriatic arthritis' (n= 233) and 'ankylosing spondylitis' (n= 155). The most commonly addressed subjects in the tweets in relation to biological therapies were related to safety/adverse events (136 of 983 (13.8%)) and to administration, particularly drug infusion (60 of 983 (6.1%)) and self-administration (57 of 983 (5.8%)). Regarding diseases, the most commonly addressed subjects were non-pharmacological recommendations such as alternative therapies (145 of 1497 (9.7%)), nutrition (128 of 1497 (8.5%)) and exercise (91 of 1497 (6.1%)). CONCLUSIONS: Twitter is widely used to search for information about biological treatments for chronic athropathies. Learning more about the subjects dealt with in the tweets will enable us to improve our understanding of the areas of greater interest and concern among patients. This could help hospital pharmacists establish patient-focused strategies addressing the needs of the patients.

Adherencia a las terapias biológicas en pacientes con artropatías inflamatorias crónicas / Adherence to biological therapies in patients with chronic inflammatory arthropathies

Objetivo: Los objetivos del estudio fueron cuantificar la adherencia, determinar los factores predictivos y conocer las consecuencias de una menor adherencia, en la práctica clínica diaria, en pacientes con artropatías inflamatorias crónicas tratados con terapias biológicas. Método: Estudio descriptivo, observacional y retrospectivo. Se incluyeron pacientes con artritis reumatoide, espondilitis anquilosante y artritis psoriásica que iniciaron una terapia biológica entre el 1 de enero de 2009 y el 31 de diciembre de 2016. Se recogieron variables sociodemográficas, relacionadas con la enfermedad, sobre las terapias biológicas y los recursos hospitalarios. La adherencia se calculó mediante la ratio media de posesión. Resultados: Se incluyeron 362 pacientes y 423 líneas de terapia biológica. La media de edad ± desviación estándar fue de 50,3 ± 13,9 años; 228 (53,9%) fueron mujeres. El porcentaje de adherentes fue de 187 de 216 (87%) en artritis reumatoide, 91 de 107 (85%) en espondilitis anquilosante y 84 de 100 (84%) en artritis psoriásica. La adherencia se relacionó con acudir con más frecuencia a la consulta del servicio de farmacia (odds ratio de 1,2; intervalo de confianza 95%: 1,1-1,3 [p < 0,001]) e inversamente con no acudir a las consultas de reumatología en la fecha prevista (odds ratio de 0,2; intervalo de confianza 95%: 0,1-0,9 [p = 0,030]) No hubo diferencias en el número de recursos hospitalarios utilizados por pacientes adherentes y no adherentes. Conclusiones: La adherencia a las terapias biológicas entre las artropatías inflamatorias crónicas es similar. Dicha adherencia se correlaciona con la frecuentación a consultas externas, pero no implica un aumento del consumo de recursos

Introduction: The aims of the study were to quantify adherence, determine the factors that can predict adherence and identify the consequences of poorer adherence in patients with chronic inflammatory arthropathies treated with biological therapies in daily clinical practice. Method: A descriptive, observational and retrospective study was carried out. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and psoriatic arthritis who started a biologic therapy between 1 January 2009 and 31 December 2016 were included. Variables related to socioeconomic status, the disease, the biological therapy and hospital resources were included. Adherence was calculated by using the medication possession ratio. Results: Three hundred and sixty-two patients and 423 lines of biological therapy were included. Mean age ± standard deviation was 50.3 ± 13.9 years, and 228 (53.9%) were women. The percentage of adherent patients was 187 out of 216 (87%) in rheumatoid arthritis, 91 out of 107 (85%) in ankylosing spondylitis and 84 out of 100 (84%) in psoriatic arthritis. Greater adherence was associated with more frequent visits to the pharmacy service (odds ratio 1.2, 95% confidence interval: 1.1-1.3 [p < 0.001]) and poorer adherence with a failure to attend scheduled appointments at the rheumatology clinic (odds ratio 0.2, 95% confidence interval: 0.1-0.9 [p = 0.030]). There were no differences between adherent and non-adherent patients in terms of the number of hospital resources used. Conclusions: There are no differences in adherence to biological therapies among patients with chronic inflammatory arthropathies. Adherence correlates with attendance at outpatient appointments, but this does not imply an increase in the use of hospital resources

Adherence to biological therapies in patients with chronic inflammatory arthropathies.

INTRODUCTION: The aims of the study were to quantify adherence, determine the factors that can  predict adherence and identify the consequences of poorer adherence in patients with chronic  inflammatory arthropathies treated with biological therapies in daily clinical practice. METHOD: A descriptive, observational and retrospective study was carried out. Patients with  rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and psoriatic arthritis who started a biologic therapy  between 1 January 2009 and 31 December 2016 were included. Variables related to socioeconomic  status, the disease, the biological therapy and hospital resources were included. Adherence was  calculated by using the medication possession ratio. RESULTS: Three hundred and sixty-two patients and 423 lines of biological therapy were included.  Mean age ± standard deviation was 50.3 ± 13.9 years, and 228 (53.9%) were women. The  percentage of adherent patients was 187 out of 216 (87%) in rheumatoid arthritis, 91 out of 107  (85%) in ankylosing spondylitis and 84 out of 100 (84%) in psoriatic arthritis. Greater adherence was  associated with more frequent visits to the pharmacy service (odds ratio 1.2, 95% confidence  interval: 1.1-1.3 [p = 0.001]) and poorer adherence with a failure to attend scheduled appointments  at the rheumatology clinic (odds ratio 0.2, 95% confidence interval: 0.1-0.9 [p = 0.030]). There were  no differences between  adherent and non-adherent patients in terms of the number of hospital resources used. CONCLUSIONS: There are no differences in adherence to biological therapies among patients with  chronic inflammatory arthropathies. Adherence correlates with attendance at outpatient  appointments, but this does not imply an increase in the use of hospital resources.

Objetivo: Los objetivos del estudio fueron cuantificar la adherencia, determinar los factores  predictivos y conocer las consecuencias de una menor adherencia, en la práctica clínica diaria, en  pacientes con artropatías inflamatorias crónicas tratados con terapias biológicas. Método: Estudio descriptivo, observacional y retrospectivo. Se incluyeron pacientes con artritis  reumatoide, espondilitis anquilosante y artritis psoriásica que iniciaron una terapia biológica entre el 1  de enero de 2009 y el 31 de diciembre de 2016. Se recogieron variables sociodemográficas, relacionadas con la enfermedad, sobre las terapias biológicas y los recursos  hospitalarios. La adherencia se calculó mediante la ratio media de posesión.Resultados: Se incluyeron 362 pacientes y 423 líneas de terapia biológica. La media de edad ±  desviación estándar fue de 50,3 ± 13,9 años; 228 (53,9%) fueron mujeres. El porcentaje de  adherentes fue de 187 de 216 (87%) en artritis reumatoide, 91 de 107 (85%) en espondilitis  anquilosante y 84 de 100 (84%) en artritis psoriásica. La adherencia se relacionó con acudir con más  frecuencia a la consulta del servicio de farmacia(odds ratio de 1,2; intervalo de confianza 95%: 1,1- 1,3 [p = 0,001]) e inversamente con no acudir a las consultas de reumatología en la fecha prevista (odds ratio de 0,2; intervalo de confianza 95%: 0,1-0,9 [p = 0,030]). No hubo diferencias en  el número de recursos hospitalarios utilizados por pacientes adherentes y no adherentes.Conclusiones: La adherencia a las terapias biológicas entre las artropatías inflamatorias crónicas es  similar. Dicha adherencia se correlaciona con la frecuentación a consultas externas, pero no implica  un aumento del consumo de recursos.

Devising of a risk map on the management of high risk alert medication in a high level university hospital / Elaboracion de un mapa de riesgos sobre el manejo de medicamentos de alto riesgo en un hospital universitario de elevada complejidad

Objective: To classify hospital units into three risk levels in order to define and prioritise improvement and training measures in each of them. Method: The risk map was developed in two phases: first phase involved the setting up of a multidisciplinary team, a bibliographic search, the identification of medications and of the criteria to design the map: (1) Location: number of high-alert medications; (2) Staff turnover: the units were classified in low turnover units = 1, medium turnover units = 2 and high turnover units = 3 according to data provided by the human resource department; (3) Frequency: quotient between the number of high alert medicactions in each unit and the total of medications used, and (4) Severity: voluntary survey of professionals. An accumulated risk of severity of each unit was calculated: ∑ (severity of the drug x number of its units). The Neperian logarithm was applied to this value to reduce the variability of the values. Thus a risk probability index was established = staff turnover x frecuency x Neperian logarithm of severity. In a second phase, the units were classified into three groups and the risk map of high-alert medication was elaborated in the hospital. In it, the units that had a risk probability index higher than 2.9 were classified as high risk units, those that had between 1-2.9 as intermediate risk units and those that had less than 1 as low risk units. According to the risk probability index, improvement measures were defined and priorities were set for each of them. Results: A total 447 high-risk medications corresponding to 227 active ingredients were identified during the study period. The units showing a higher risk were: Intensive Care Medicine (10.51), Reanimation (4.01), and Palliative Care (3.90). Improvement actions (informative poster, visual identification, alerts, training and double checks) were defined and prioritised in accordance with the risk probability index. Conclusions: Knowing the degree of risk of hospitalization units in the management of high-alert medications allows for the implementation of improvement plans in relation to the degree of vulnerability detected

Objetivo: Estratificar las unidades del hospital en tres niveles y elaborar un mapa de riesgos para priorizar las mejoras y la formación sobre el manejo de medicamentos de alto riesgo. Método: La elaboración del mapa se realizó en dos fases: Primera fase, implicó la creación de un equipo multidisciplinar, búsqueda bibliográfica, identificación de medicamentos y de criterios para elaborar el mapa: (1) Localización: número de medicamentos de alto riego; (2) Rotación del personal: se clasificaron las unidades en rotación baja = 1, media = 2 y alta = 3, según datos de recursos humanos; (3) Frecuencia: cociente entre el número de medicamentos de alto riesgo en cada unidad y el total de medicamentos utilizados, y (4) Gravedad: encuesta voluntaria a profesionales. Se calculó un riesgo acumulado de gravedad de cada unidad: ∑ (gravedad del medicamento x número de unidades del medicamento). Sobre este valor se aplicó el logaritmo neperiano para reducir la variabilidad de los valores. Con ello se estableció el índice de probabilidad de riesgo = rotación del personal x frecuencia x logaritmo neperiano del riesgo acumulado de gravedad. En una segunda fase, a partir de la ponderación de resultados, se clasificaron las unidades en tres grupos y se construyó el mapa de riesgo de medicamentos de alto riesgo en el hospital. En este se representaron las unidades que tuvieron un índice de probabilidad de riesgo mayor de 2,9 como unidades de alto riesgo, las que lo tuvieron entre 1-2,9 como unidades de riesgo intermedio y las que lo tuvieron menor a 1 como unidades de riesgo bajo. Y según el índice de probabilidad de riesgo en la unidad, se definieron y priorizaron las medidas de mejora para cada una de ellas. Resultados: Se identificaron 447 medicamentos de alto riesgo en el hospital, correspondientes a 227 principios activos. Las unidades de mayor riesgo fueron: Medicina Intensiva (10,51), Reanimación (4,01) y Paliativos (3,90). Se definieron las acciones de mejora por índice de probabilidad de riesgo: póster informativo, identificación visual, alertas, formación y doble chequeo. Conclusiones: Conocer el grado de riesgo de las unidades de hospitalización en el manejo de medicamentos de alto riesgo permite aplicar planes de mejora dirigidos en función de la mayor o menor vulnerabilidad detectada

Devising of a risk map on the management of high risk alert medication in a high level university hospital.

OBJECTIVE: To classify hospital units into three risk levels in order to define and prioritise  improvement and training measures in each of them. METHOD: The risk map was developed in two phases: First phase involved the setting up of a  multidisciplinary team, a bibliographic search, the identification of medications and of the criteria to  design the map: (1) Location: number of high-alert medications; (2) Staff turnover: the units were  classified in low turnover units = 1, medium turnover units = 2 and high turnover units = 3 according  to data provided by the human resource department; (3) Frequency: quotient between the number of high alert medicactions in each unit and the total of medications used, and (4) Severity: voluntary  survey of professionals. An accumulated risk of severity of each unit was calculated: Σ (severity of the  drug x number of its units). The Neperian logarithm was applied to this value to reduce the  variability of the values. Thus a risk probability index was established = staff turnover x frecuency x  Neperian logarithm of severity. In a  second phase, the units were classified into three groups and the  risk map of high-alert medication was elaborated in the hospital. In it, the units that had a risk  probability index higher than 2.9 were classified as high risk units, those that had between 1-2.9 as  intermediate risk units and those that had less than 1 as low risk units. According to the risk probability index, improvement measures were defined and priorities were set for each of them. RESULTS: A total 447 high-risk medications corresponding to 227 active ingredients were identified  during the study period. The units showing a higher risk were: Intensive Care Medicine (10.51),  Reanimation (4.01), and Palliative Care (3.90). Improvement actions (informative poster, visual  identification, alerts, training and double checks) were defined and prioritised in accordance with the  risk probability index. CONCLUSIONS: Knowing the degree of risk of hospitalization units in the management of high-alert  medications allows for the implementation of improvement plans in relation to the degree of  vulnerability detected.

Objetivo: Estratificar las unidades del hospital en tres niveles y elaborar un mapa de riesgos para  priorizar las mejoras y la formación sobre el manejo de medicamentos de alto riesgo. Método: La elaboración del mapa se realizó en dos fases: Primera fase, implicó la creación de un  equipo multidisciplinar, búsqueda bibliográfica, identificación de medicamentos y de criterios para  elaborar el mapa: (1) Localización: número de medicamentos de alto riego; (2) Rotación del personal:  se clasificaron las unidades en rotación baja = 1, media = 2 y alta = 3, según datos de recursos humanos; (3) Frecuencia: cociente entre el número de medicamentos de alto riesgo en  cada unidad y el total de medicamentos utilizados, y (4) Gravedad: encuesta voluntaria a  profesionales. Se calculó un riesgo acumulado de gravedad de cada unidad: Σ (gravedad del  medicamento x número de unidades del medicamento). Sobre este valor se aplicó el logaritmo  neperiano para reducir la variabilidad de los valores. Con ello se estableció el índice de probabilidad  de riesgo = rotación del personal x frecuencia x logaritmo neperiano del riesgo acumulado de  gravedad. En una segunda fase, a partir  de la ponderación de resultados, se clasificaron las unidades  en tres grupos y se construyó el mapa de riesgo de medicamentos de alto riesgo en el  hospital. En este se representaron las unidades que tuvieron un índice de probabilidad de riesgo  mayor de 2,9 como unidades de alto riesgo, las que lo tuvieron entre 1-2,9 como unidades de riesgo  intermedio y las que lo tuvieron menor a 1 como unidades de riesgo bajo. Y según el índice de  probabilidad de riesgo en la unidad, se definieron y priorizaron las medidas de mejora para cada una  de ellas.Resultados: Se identificaron 447 medicamentos de alto riesgo en el hospital, correspondientes a 227  principios activos. Las unidades de mayor riesgo fueron: Medicina Intensiva (10,51),  Reanimación (4,01) y Paliativos (3,90). Se definieron las acciones de mejora por índice de probabilidad de riesgo: póster informativo, identificación visual, alertas, formación y doble  chequeo.Conclusiones: Conocer el grado de riesgo de las unidades de hospitalización en el manejo de  medicamentos de alto riesgo permite aplicar planes de mejora dirigidos en función de la mayor o  menor vulnerabilidad detectada.

Modelo de teleconsulta farmacéutica integrada en la historia clínica electrónica del paciente / Model of teleconsultation pharmaceutical integrated in the electronic clinical history of the patient

Objetivo: Describir las etapas de implantación, escalado e integración de un modelo de teleconsulta de Farmacia en la historia electrónica, para coordinar la transición asistencial de los pacientes. Método: Estudio descriptivo y retrospectivo en un área sanitaria de 500.000 habitantes (3 años). En la primera fase se creó un grupo de trabajo, se diseñó una plataforma de comunicación y se pilotó un programa de continuidad entre un farmacéutico de hospital y los 13 de atención primaria. El objetivo fue resolver problemas con medicamentos (especialmente los de homologación sanitaria) en pacientes polimedicados hospitalizados en la Unidad de Corta Estancia-Urgencias. En una segunda fase, el programa incluyó a todos los pacientes de cualquier unidad y a todos los farmacéuticos del hospital. En la tercera fase, se escaló el programa al formato de teleconsulta dentro de los sistemas de información corporativos del Servicio de Salud. Se registraron variables descriptivas cuantitativas (número, motivos y resolución de las teleconsultas). Resultados: En total, se registraron más de 470 consultas (118 en la primera fase, 158 en la segunda y 194 en la tercera), que fueron resueltas en el 90% de los casos. Los principales motivos fueron problemas con medicamentos de homologación, con medicamentos prescritos en la transición asistencial y con nutrición artificial domiciliaria. Conclusiones: La teleconsulta permite coordinar la atención farmacéutica entre niveles de manera rápida y sencilla. Aumenta la visibilidad y el acceso de los profesionales, resolviendo los problemas sin desplazamientos ni demoras de tiempo para los pacientes

Objective: Describe the phases of implementation, scaling and integration of a pharmacy teleconsultation model in electronic history, to coordinate the care transition of patients. Method: Descriptive and retrospective study in a health area of 500,000 inhabitants (3 years). In the first phase, a working group was created, a communication platform was designed and a continuity program was piloted between a hospital pharmacist and the 13 primary care pharmacists. The objective was to solve problems related to medications (especially those of sanitary approval) in polymedicated patients hospitalized in the Short Stay Unit-Emergency. In a second phase, the program included all the patients in any unit and all the pharmacists in the hospital. In the third phase, the program was extended to the teleconsultation format within the corporate information systems of the Health Service. Quantitative descriptive variables were recorded (number, motives and resolution of the teleconsultations). Results: In total, more than 470 consultations were registered (118 in the first phase, 158 in the second and 194 in the third), which were resolved in 90% of the cases. The main reasons were discrepancies in type approval drugs, prescribed in the care transition and nutritional assessment. Conclusions: Teleconsultation allows the coordination of pharmaceutical care between levels, quickly and easily. Increase the visibility and access of professionals. Problems are resolved without displacements or time delays for patients

Model of teleconsultation pharmaceutical integrated in the electronic clinical history of the patient.

OBJECTIVE: Describe the phases of implementation, scaling and integration of a  pharmacy teleconsultation model in electronic history, to coordinate the care  transition of patients. METHOD: Descriptive and retrospective study in a health area of 500,000 inhabitants (3 years). In the first phase, a working group was created,  a communication platform was designed and a continuity program was piloted between a hospital pharmacist and the 13 primary care pharmacists. The objective was to solve problems related to medications (especially those of  sanitary approval) in polymedicated patients hospitalized in the Short Stay Unit- Emergency. In a second phase, the program included all the patients in any unit  and all the pharmacists in the hospital. In the third phase, the program was  extended to the teleconsultation format within the corporate information  systems of the Health Service. Quantitative descriptive variables were recorded (number, motives and resolution of the teleconsultations). RESULTS: In total, more than 470 consultations were registered (118 in the first  phase, 158 in the second and 194 in the third), which were resolved  in 90% of  the cases. The main reasons were discrepancies in type approval drugs,  prescribed in the care transition and nutritional assessment. CONCLUSIONS: Teleconsultation allows the coordination of pharmaceutical care  between levels, quickly and easily. Increase the visibility and access of  professionals. Problems are resolved without displacements or time delays for  patients.

Objetivo: Describir las etapas de implantación, escalado e integración de un  modelo de teleconsulta de Farmacia en la historia electrónica, para coordinar la  transición asistencial de los pacientes.Método: Estudio descriptivo y retrospectivo en un área sanitaria de 500.000  habitantes (3 años). En la primera fase se creó un grupo de trabajo, se diseñó  una plataforma de comunicación y se pilotó un programa de continuidad entre  un farmacéutico de hospital y los 13 de atención primaria. El objetivo fue  resolver problemas con medicamentos (especialmente los de homologación  sanitaria) en pacientes polimedicados hospitalizados en la Unidad de Corta  Estancia-Urgencias. En una segunda fase, el programa incluyó a todos los  pacientes de cualquier unidad y a todos los farmacéuticos del hospital. En la  tercera fase, se escaló el programa al formato de teleconsulta dentro de los  sistemas de información corporativos del Servicio de Salud. Se registraron  variables descriptivas cuantitativas (número, motivos y resolución de las teleconsultas).Resultados: En total, se registraron más de 470 consultas (118 en la primera  fase, 158 en la segunda y 194 en la tercera), que fueron resueltas en el 90% de  los casos. Los principales motivos fueron problemas  con medicamentos de  homologación, con medicamentos prescritos en la transición asistencial y con  nutrición artificial domiciliaria.Conclusiones: La teleconsulta permite coordinar la atención farmacéutica entre  niveles de manera rápida y sencilla. Aumenta la visibilidad y el acceso de los  profesionales, resolviendo los problemas sin desplazamientos ni demoras de  tiempo para los pacientes.

Evaluación de la satisfacción global de los pacientes connutrición enteral domiciliaria en la consulta de farmaciahospitalaria: estudio Satisfar-Ned / Evaluation of the global satisfaction of patients with home enteral nutritionat the hospital pharmacy consultation: study Satisfy-Ned

INTRODUCCIÓN: Conocer la opinión de los pacientes nos permite mejorar la calidad de los servicios prestados y los resultados en salud. OBJETIVOS: Evaluar la satisfacción de los pacientes que acuden a recoger nutrición enteral domiciliaria a la consulta del Servicio de Farmacia. Analizar los factores predictivos de una mayor satisfacción. MÉTODOS: Se realizó un estudio transversal en un hospital universitario (425 camas). Se diseñó un cuestionario autocumplimentable para medir la satisfacción de los pacientes ambulatorios con nutrición enteral domiciliaria en un servicio de farmacia del hospital. La satisfacción se midió mediante una escala de 1 a 10. Los índices de calidad percibida fueron analizados por un modelo de análisis de componentes utilizando la rotación de varimax. Para evaluar la relación entre la satisfacción global y los principales componente se realizó un análisis de regresión. RESULTADOS: Entre los meses de mayo-junio 2015, se realizaron 187 cuestionarios. La puntuación global de satisfacción fue de 7,3 (IC 95%: 5,1 a 9,4). El análisis de componentes puso de manifiesto que dos componentes explicaron el 64,4% de la varianza. El primero (CP1) contenía preguntas relacionadas con la adecuación de los recursos o servicios y el segundo (CP2), preguntas sobre la relación profesional-paciente. Se vio que una unidad adicional en CP2 está asociada con un aumento de 2,6 del riesgo de tener mayores puntuaciones de satisfacción. CONCLUSIONES: Nuestro estudio muestra que el grado de satisfacción de los pacientes es elevado. El factor que predice una mayor satisfacción de los pacientes con nutrición enteral domiciliaria es la atención ofrecida por los profesionales sanitarios

INTRODUCTION: The knowledge of the patients' opinions allows us to improve the quality of services provided, as well as health outcomes. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to evaluate the factors leading to greater satisfaction among patients who come to pick up home enteral nutrition at the Pharmacy Service. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in a 425-bed university hospital. A self-fulfilling questionnaire was designed to measure patient satisfaction during may and june 2015. Global satisfaction was measured on a 1 to 10 scale. Indices of perceived quality were modelled through a principal component analysis using varimax rotation. The relationship between principal components and overall satisfaction was evaluated using regression analysis. RESULTS: A total of 187 questionnaires were collected. The overall satisfaction score was 7.3 (95% CI: 5.1 to 9.4). The analysis of components revealed two components that explained 64.4% of the variance. The first (CP1) contained questions related to the adequacy of resources and services and the second (CP2), questions about the professional-patient relationship. It was found that an additional unit in CP2 is associated with an increase of 2.6 in the risk of having higher satisfaction scores. CONCLUSIONS: Our study shows that the degree of patient satisfaction is high. The factor which predicts the satisfaction of patients on Enteral Nutricion is the care offered by health professionals

Pharmacotherapeutic Reports as Tools for Detecting Discrepancies in Continuity of Care.

BACKGROUND: The care transition is the time when more medication errors occur. The aim of this study is to analyze the usefulness of a pharmacotherapeutic report model at hospital discharge to prevent medication errors and to simplify pharmacotherapy during a patient's transition from the hospital to primary care. METHODS: Prospective study including patients diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease who were admitted to a short-stay unit or an emergency room. Relevant variables were extracted from the patients' clinical history and SPSS software was used to carry out the statistical analysis. Direct costs were also calculated. RESULTS: 79.3% of patients were polymedicated, 15.5% of patients were identified as nonadherent to the treatment, 12.1% were users of alternative therapies, and 10.3% had been prescribed drugs that could be monitored. In 32.8% of the reports, reference was made to the primary care pharmacists with a view to resolve any pharmacotherapeutic discrepancies. A total of 132 discrepancies were identified, the majority being related to medicinal requirements (necessary/unnecessary medication). The major cause of drug-related problems (DRPs) were prescription errors. The drugs that were mainly involved in the onset of DRPs belonged to the R group, and the degree of simplification of the pharmacotherapy was 7.6%. The total cost avoided with the reconciliation was 200€/patient. CONCLUSION: A continuity program was implemented based on the drafting of a pharmacotherapeutic report, which allowed for detecting discrepancies and updating the patients' pharmacotherapeutic history, resulting in financial savings after its implementation.

Factors associated with patient satisfaction in an outpatient hospital pharmacy.

OBJECTIVE: To analyse the factors leading to greater satisfaction among patients attending the outpatient hospital pharmacy (OPh). METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted of patients attending the OPh of a 1250-bed university hospital. A self-administered questionnaire for measuring outpatients' satisfaction was developed. Global satisfaction was measured on a scale of 1 to 10. Indices of perceived quality for accessibility, interpersonal professional-patient relationship and the convenience of the process were modelled through a principal component analysis using varimax rotation. The relationship between the principal components and overall satisfaction was evaluated using regression analysis. RESULTS: A questionnaire-based survey was conducted between May and June 2015. A total of 509 valid responses (86.9% response rate) were collected from the OPh. The overall satisfaction score was 7.81 (95% CI 7.59 to 8.04). The principal component analysis produced two components that explained 62.1% of the variance. The first component (CP1) contained questions related to the adequacy of the resources and services. The second component (CP2) contained questions about interpersonal professional-patient relationship. An additional unit in the CP2 was associated with a 3.23 increased risk of having higher satisfaction scores, while an increase of an additional unit in CP1 was associated with a 1.93 increased risk of having higher satisfaction scores. CONCLUSIONS: Our study shows that the factor which predicts the satisfaction of patients who come to the OPh is the quality of care provided by pharmacists-in particular, information provided, resolution of doubts, personal attention and time devoted to the patient.

Multidisciplinary teams involved: detection of drug-related problems through continuity of care / Equipos multidisciplinares comprometidos: detección de problemas relacionados con los medicamentos a través de la continuidad asistencial

Objective: To quantify Drug-Related problems (DRPs) by establishing a Strategic Continuity of Care Program (e-Conecta-Concilia Program; e-CC) focused on the drug therapy of patients within an Integrated Management Structure, in order to guarantee the therapeutical efficiency, safety and traceability of patients. Method: A prospective study at 8 months. The project included 22 Hospital Pharmacists and 12 Primary Care Pharmacists. Electronic clinical records were used, which can be accessed by all healthcare levels. Those interventions required in order to create a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) were carried out (creation of working groups, computing, meeting points), for coordination among pharmacists in different care levels through a common communication system. The working groups formed by pharmacists of both care levels established the following inclusion criteria: patients with chronic diseases and polymedicated, patients for whom drug-related problems (DRP) had been detected, detection of any off-label use in Primary Care, or discrepancies in the standardization of medical prescriptions. Results: In the setting of the e-CC program, interventions were unified and discrepancies were identified. During this project, 245 drug-related problems were detected; the majority regarding inadequate dosing, regimen, or duration (24%), and involving Group B medications (33%), according to the ATC classification. Conclusions: The implementation of a Continuity of Care SOP between pharmacists allowed to detect and solve DRPs and discrepancies in patient pharmacotherapy, with a high rate of acceptance (84.1%) of interventions (AU)

Objetivo: Cuantificar los problemas relacionados con los medicamentos (PRMs) mediante el establecimiento de un Programa Estratégico de Continuidad Asistencial (Programa e-Conecta-Concilia; e-CC) enfocado a la farmacoterapia de los pacientes pertenecientes a una Estructura Organizativa de Gestión Integrada, para garantizar la eficiencia, seguridad y trazabilidad terapéutica del paciente. Método: Estudio prospectivo de 8 meses de duración. Participaron en el proyecto 22 farmacéuticos de hospital y 12 de Atención Primaria. Se utilizó la historia clínica electrónica accesible a todos los niveles. Se llevaron a cabo las actuaciones necesarias para la creación de un procedimiento normalizado de trabajo (PNT) (creación de los grupos de trabajo, informática, puntos de encuentro) de coordinación entre farmacéuticos de diferentes niveles asistenciales con un sistema de comunicación común. Los grupos de trabajo constituidos por farmacéuticos de ambos niveles asistenciales establecieron los siguientes criterios de inclusión: pacientes con enfermedades crónicas y polimedicados, pacientes en los que se detectaba algún PRM, detección en Atención Primaria de un uso fuera de ficha técnica o discrepancias en la homologación de recetas sanitarias. Resultados: En el seno del Programa e-CC se unificaron las intervenciones y se identificaron discrepancias. Durante este proyecto se detectaron 245 problemas relacionados con los medicamentos, siendo los mayoritarios los de dosis, pauta o duración no adecuada (24%) y los que afectaban a los medicamentos del grupo B (33%), según la clasificación ATC. Conclusiones: La implantación de un PNT de Continuidad Asistencial entre farmacéuticos permitió detectar y resolver PRMs y discrepancias en la farmacoterapia de los pacientes, con un alto porcentaje de aceptación (84,1%) de las intervenciones (AU)

Multidisciplinary teams involved: detection of drug-related problems through continuity of care.

OBJECTIVE: To quantify Drug-Related problems (DRPs) by establishing a Strategic Continuity of Care Program (e-Conecta- Concilia Program; e-CC) focused on the drug therapy of patients within an Integrated Management Structure, in order to guarantee the therapeutical efficiency, safety and traceability of patients. METHOD: A prospective study at 8 months. The project included 22 Hospital Pharmacists and 12 Primary Care Pharmacists. Electronic clinical records were used, which can be accessed by all healthcare levels. Those interventions required in order to create a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) were carried out (creation of working groups, computing, meeting points), for coordination among pharmacists in different care levels through a common communication system. The working groups formed by pharmacists of both care levels established the following inclusion criteria: patients with chronic diseases and polymedicated, patients for whom drug-related problems (DRP) had been detected, detection of any off-label use in Primary Care, or discrepancies in the standardization of medical prescriptions. RESULTS: In the setting of the e-CC program, interventions were unified and discrepancies were identified. During this project, 245 drug-related problems were detected; the majority regarding inadequate dosing, regimen, or duration (24%), and involving Group B medications (33%), according to the ATC classification. CONCLUSIONS: The implementation of a Continuity of Care SOP between pharmacists allowed to detect and solve DRPs and discrepancies in patient pharmacotherapy, with a high rate of acceptance (84.1%) of interventions.

Objetivo: Cuantificar los problemas relacionados con los medicamentos (PRMs) mediante el establecimiento de un Programa Estratégico de Continuidad Asistencial (Programa e-Conecta-Concilia; e-CC) enfocado a la farmacoterapia de los pacientes pertenecientes a una Estructura Organizativa de Gestión Integrada, para garantizar la eficiencia, seguridad y trazabilidad terapéutica del paciente. Método: Estudio prospectivo de 8 meses de duración. Participaron en el proyecto 22 farmacéuticos de hospital y 12 de Atención Primaria. Se utilizó la historia clínica electrónica accesible a todos los niveles. Se llevaron a cabo las actuaciones necesarias para la creación de un procedimiento normalizado de trabajo (PNT) (creación de los grupos de trabajo, informática, puntos de encuentro) de coordinación entre farmacéuticos de diferentes niveles asistenciales con un sistema de comunicación común. Los grupos de trabajo constituidos por farmacéuticos de ambos niveles asistenciales establecieron los siguientes criterios de inclusión: pacientes con enfermedades crónicas y polimedicados, pacientes en los que se detectaba algún PRM, detección en Atención Primaria de un uso fuera de ficha técnica o discrepancias en la homologación de recetas sanitarias. Resultados: En el seno del Programa e-CC se unificaron las intervenciones y se identificaron discrepancias. Durante este proyecto se detectaron 245 problemas relacionados con los medicamentos, siendo los mayoritarios los de dosis, pauta o duración no adecuada (24%) y los que afectaban a los medicamentos del grupo B (33%), según la clasificación ATC. Conclusiones: La implantación de un PNT de Continuidad Asistencial entre farmacéuticos permitió detectar y resolver PRMs y discrepancias en la farmacoterapia de los pacientes, con un alto porcentaje de aceptación (84,1%) de las intervenciones.