Optimizing Patient Care News Today

In their concluding remarks, Arun Jesudian, MD; Ralph J. Riello, PharmD, BCPS, and Chas McCormick, RPh, MBA, summarize the key takeaways and highlight the persistent unmet needs in the management of hepatic encephalopathy.

Panelists highlight the significance of obtaining leadership buy-in and involving all care team members, while also sharing strategies for coordinating care effectively across the entire team.

Key opinion leaders emphasize crucial factors for pharmacists to consider, such as medication costs, staying updated on the latest hepatic encephalopathy (HE) clinical advancements and trials, and understanding disease incidence, which can help prevent recurrence, reduce healthcare costs, and improve patients' cognitive function when managed effectively.

Medical experts discuss the challenges of starting treatment for newly diagnosed, cognitively impaired patients, addressing prescription processes, patient education, and the role of cost, care quality, and convenience in promoting successful medication adherence.

KOLs emphasize the crucial role of collaboration between pharmacists and physicians in managing hepatic encephalopathy, stressing the importance of monitoring sedating medications, polypharmacy, and patient response to HE therapy, while making necessary adjustments to optimize care.

Arun Jesudian, MD; Ralph J. Riello, PharmD, BCPS, and Chas McCormick, RPh, MBA, highlight the importance of adhering to evidence-based guidelines and utilizing approved medications in the management of hepatic encephalopathy, emphasizing their crucial role in preventing patient relapse within 30 days of hospital discharge.

Panelists explore the critical roles of lactulose and rifaximin in managing hepatic encephalopathy, a potentially severe condition that can lead to intensive care unit (ICU) admission.