Transitions of Care and Unmet Needs in Hyperkalemia Management

EP: 1.Risk Factors, Epidemiology, and Patient Burden Associated With Hyperkalemia

EP: 2.Exploring the Underdiagnosis of Hyperkalemia

EP: 3.Acute and Chronic Management of Hyperkalemia

EP: 4.Discussing the Chronic Treatment Options for Hyperkalemia

EP: 5.Examining the Interplay Between Guideline-Directed Medical Therapy and Hyperkalemia

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EP: 6.Transitions of Care and Unmet Needs in Hyperkalemia Management

This content is a production of Drug Topics; this Pharmacist Video is supported by funding from AstraZeneca. AstraZeneca was not involved in the creation of the content for this Video.

Transitions of care represent a critical and vulnerable period for patients, especially those hospitalized or moving between care settings. These transitions create opportunities for medication errors, poor communication, and gaps in follow-up, all of which can negatively impact patient safety. For patients with hyperkalemia, these risks are even more pronounced since a history of elevated potassium significantly increases the chance of recurrence. Pharmacists play a key role in anticipating potential problems, ensuring clear communication, completing prior authorizations before discharge, and educating patients to avoid issues such as unexpected medication costs that might prevent adherence.

Ongoing monitoring after discharge is essential, as patients leave the protective hospital environment and enter outpatient or rehabilitation settings. Utilizing electronic health records and predictive tools can help track patients with a history of hyperkalemia and heart failure, ensuring that they receive appropriate medications and follow-up care. Programs designed to identify at-risk patients post discharge create a safety net to catch those who might otherwise fall through the cracks. Pharmacists are uniquely positioned at multiple points along the continuum—from hospital discharge to community pharmacy—to support medication reconciliation, counseling, and continuity of care, making transitions safer and more effective.

Looking ahead, unmet needs in hyperkalemia management include earlier detection and proactive intervention before potassium levels become dangerously high. Advances in artificial intelligence and predictive analytics can help identify patients at risk, enabling timely pharmacist-led interventions. Despite the availability of novel potassium binders, many patients remain undertreated due to fears around hyperkalemia. Addressing this treatment gap, particularly in patients with comorbid heart failure and chronic kidney disease, is crucial. Implementing evidence-based strategies and increasing the use of these newer agents will allow more patients to safely reach guideline-directed therapies, ultimately improving outcomes across the spectrum of care.