Implications of pharmacy student involvement in collecting the best possible medication histories in hospital settings: A scoping review

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To assess the current extent of pharmacy students’ involvement in collecting best possible medication histories (BPMHs) in different hospital settings, as well as the accuracy and financial implications of the collected BPMHs.

A scoping review methodology was conducted following best-practice Cochrane guidance with findings reported using the PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews. An appropriate search string was developed followed by a search across databases: PubMed, PubPharm, LIVIVO, PubMed Central, and Web of Science. All selected studies were published between 2000 and 2023 and met the predetermined inclusion criteria. After removing duplicates and independent screening of titles, abstracts, and full texts, 20 papers were retained. The highest number of original research papers originated from the US (n = 13, 72%). In these papers, the number of patients whose medication histories were collected ranged from 40 to 4,070 (mean, 504.6) and the number of pharmacy students who collected BPMHs ranged from 2 to 71 (mean, 17.8). Students obtained BPMHs alone or in a team with healthcare professionals (HCPs). Several papers described additional training for students. The information sources used were face-to-face patient interviews, data from community pharmacies, and interviews with HCPs and caregivers. Studies demonstrated that students can accurately collect BPMHs, identify unintentional discrepancies, and suggest healthcare interventions. Two studies identified notable cost savings from clinical interventions by pharmacy students.

Pharmacy students can accurately collect BPMHs. The results of this scoping review can inform the development of pharmacy curricula to enhance students’ competencies and student pharmacy services that can contribute to patients’ safety.