The outcome of domiciliary medication reviews and their impact: a systematic review

The value of domiciliary medication reviews - a thematic analysis of pharmacist's views

BACKGROUND

Domiciliary medication reviews are thought to enable comprehensive medication reviews centred around the needs of individuals. However, there is no clear consensus on where the value of these services lie.

AIM

To determine the value of domiciliary medication reviews to service providers through semi-structured focus groups, interviews and thematic analysis.

METHOD

Study participants were recruited from domiciliary medication review services provided in the United Kingdom. Semi-structured focus groups and interviews were analysed using thematic analysis.

RESULTS

Six themes were identified: the scope of domiciliary medication review services, the professional role, advantages over traditional settings, disadvantages of domiciliary medication reviews for the professional, levels of engagement and outcomes.

CONCLUSION

Pharmacy professionals believe that the domiciliary setting provides advantages over traditional healthcare settings when conducting medication reviews. They believe it enables a more in-depth review of an individual's medications and needs. The traditional clinical outcomes recorded by services may not be capturing the holistic impact of domiciliary medication reviews.

The value of domiciliary medication reviews: a thematic analysis of patient views

Background Medication reviews are recognised as essential to tackling problematic polypharmacy. Domiciliary medication reviews (DMRs) have become more prevalent in recent years. They are proclaimed as being patient-centric but published literature mainly focuses on clinical outcomes. However, it is not known where the value of DMRs lies for patients who participate in them. Objective To determine the value of domiciliary medication reviews to service users. Setting Interviews took place with recipients of domiciliary medication reviews residing in the London boroughs of Islington and Haringey. Method Semi-structured interviews analysed using thematic analysis. Main outcome measure Themes and sub-themes identified from interview transcripts. Results Five themes were identified: advantages over traditional settings, attributes of the professional, adherence, levels of engagement and knowledge. Conclusion For many patients, the domiciliary setting is preferred to traditional healthcare settings. Patients appreciated the time spent with them during a DMR and felt listened to. Informal carers felt reassured that the individual medication needs of their relative had been reviewed by an expert.