151 Improving Timeliness and Quality of Prescribed Medicines Supply for Bariatric Patients at a Large Teaching Trust

Abstract Background Medication optimisation for bariatric surgery patients is crucial and well documented, with pharmacy involvement essential (SPS 2022; Porat & Doran 2022; Angeles et al 2019; Azran et al. 2016) For example when switching to liquid or crushed forms of medication for 6 weeks post-op as per LTHT guidance and national recommendations (Hughes et al. 2023). Feedback revealed inefficiencies causing care quality issues and discharge delays. This project aimed to improve prescribing quality and reduce length of stay. Aim To enhance medication management quality and timeliness for bariatric patients at LTHT, reducing delays, improve the standard of care and patient experience Method Patient were followed remotely to outline a ‘typical’ bariatric surgery patient journey from admission through to discharge. A baseline cohort of 35 bariatric patients (July-Dec 2023) was reviewed using digital timestamps for medication processes (eDAN writing, validation, dispensing, delivery, and pharmacy interventions). The process was redesigned to complete drug histories before admission and start the eDAN earlier during the patient admission. A discharge medication protocol was introduced and integrated into prescribing software. Compliance to this protocol was retrospectively reviewed. A pharmacy technician received training on medication formulation switches and referral criteria. Results The redesigned workflow enabled prescribing and surgery to be undertaken concurrently, eliminating discharge medication wait times (previous average wait 6.5 hrs). Implemented in 50 patients, it saved approximately 325 hours. Quality indicators for eight medications showed 97%-100% guideline adherence, with justified exceptions. Early eDAN completion during surgery facilitated faster discharge, reducing inpatient length of stay and improving prescribing quality.