Improving Medication Access Through Innovative Programs: The Patient Medicine Fund at Nashville General Hospital Foundation

NGH has addressed financial barriers and logistical challenges such as transportation and insurance issues through these efforts. Responses to the HCAHPS survey question about understanding medications improved significantly

December 30, 2024

by Nashville General Hospital

Jacob Wetsell, PharmD, BCPS reviews medication with a patient.

Access to medication is a critical component of healthcare, yet for many, it remains a significant barrier. At Nashville General Hospital (NGH), a public safety-net hospital dedicated to serving the needs of all patients, efforts to address this challenge have resulted in a unique blend of programs aimed at improving medication access and literacy. These initiatives—Meds2Beds (M2B), Hope Meds (HM), and the Patient Medicine Fund supported by the NGH Foundation—are transforming patients' lives and ensuring that no one is left without the essential medications they need.

The journey to improved medication access began with patient feedback. Survey results from the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) revealed dissatisfaction among patients regarding their understanding of medications upon discharge. Many reported feeling unsure about why they were prescribed certain medications or how to take them effectively. Additionally, logistical barriers such as cost, lack of insurance coverage, and transportation made it difficult for patients to fill prescriptions, leading to increased calls to clinicians and unfilled prescriptions.

To address these challenges, NGH implemented a three-pronged approach:

Meds2Beds Program (M2B): Accessible to all patients discharging from NGH, this program delivers medications directly to the bedside before discharge. Pharmacists and pharmacy interns provide personalized education about the prescribed drugs, using the teach-back method to ensure patients fully understand their purpose, dosage, potential side effects, and expected outcomes.
Hope Meds Program (HM): This initiative provides free medications to qualifying patients through partnerships with the Dispensary of Hope. With over 170 medications available across various drug classes, the program covers most chronic conditions, eliminating financial barriers for many patients.
The Patient Medicine Fund: Funded by NGH employees and generous community contributors through the Nashville General Hospital Foundation, this fund ensures that even patients who do not qualify for the HM program receive the needed medications.

Remarkable Results

In just one year, these programs have demonstrated their effectiveness:

Meds2Beds

Pharmacists provided bedside education to 993 unique patients, dedicating an average of 15 minutes per patient for personalized counseling. This totaled over 232 hours of pharmacist time.

Hope Meds Program

Over 1,200 patients received assistance, 4,700 prescriptions were filled, and 8,400 months of free medications were provided, saving patients more than $585,000.

Patient Medicine Fund

Supported medications for 1,335 patients, generating savings of $35,215.

Jeff Hardwick, PharmD (left) and Jacob Wetsell, PharmD, BCPS (right) at the poster presentation during the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) Midyear 2024 Clinical Meeting & Exhibition in New Orleans, Louisiana.

NGH has addressed financial barriers and logistical challenges such as transportation and insurance issues through these efforts. Responses to the HCAHPS survey question about understanding medications improved significantly—from 53.9% before the programs were implemented to 80% afterward—demonstrating increased compliance, health literacy, and overall patient satisfaction.

This innovative approach to addressing medication access and literacy was recently presented at the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) Midyear 2024 Clinical Meeting & Exhibition, held from Sunday, December 8, 2024, to Thursday, December 12, 2024, in New Orleans, Louisiana.

The ASHP Midyear Clinical Meeting is the largest gathering of pharmacy professionals globally, bringing together over 20,000 experts to exchange ideas, expertise, and innovation. Beyond its focus on leading clinical topics, the conference is a platform to showcase cutting-edge programs like NGH’s, highlighting their success in overcoming barriers to care and improving patient outcomes.

The Patient Medicine Fund and the Meds2Beds and Hope Meds programs exemplify how innovation and dedication can transform patient care. By bridging gaps in access and understanding, these initiatives have empowered patients to take control of their health and fostered trust between patients and pharmacists.

As NGH continues its mission to serve the community, these programs stand as a testament to what is possible when healthcare providers, donors, and the community unite to elevate, inspire, and nurture. With your support, we can ensure that every patient at NGH receives the medications they need to live healthier lives.

For more information on how you can support the Patient Medicine Fund or other NGH Foundation initiatives, visit https://www.nashgenfoundation.org/ or call 615-341-4431.

Improving Medication Access Through Innovative Programs: The Patient Medicine Fund at Nashville General Hospital Foundation

NGH has addressed financial barriers and logistical challenges such as transportation and insurance issues through these efforts. Responses to the HCAHPS survey question about understanding medications improved significantly