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Bazargan M, Comini J, Kibe LW, Assari S, Cobb S. Association between Migraine and Quality of Life, Mental Health, Sleeping Disorders, and Health Care Utilization Among Older African American Adults. J Racial Ethn Health Disparities 2024; 11:1530-1540. [PMID: 37227684 PMCID: PMC11101580 DOI: 10.1007/s40615-023-01629-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study examines the associations between migraine headaches, well-being, and health care use among a sample of underserved older African American adults. Controlling for relevant variables, the association between migraine headaches and (1) health care utilization, (2) health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and (3) physical and mental health outcomes was examined. METHODS Our sample included 760 older African American adults from South Los Angeles recruited through convenience and snowball sampling. In addition to demographic variables, our survey included validated instruments, such as the SF-12 QoL, Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire, and the Geriatric Depression Scale. Data analysis included 12 independent multivariate models using multiple linear regression, log transferred linear regression, binary and multinomial logistic regression, and generalized linear regression with Poisson distribution. RESULTS Having migraine was associated with three categories of outcomes: (1) higher level of health care utilization measured by (i) emergency department admissions and (ii) number of medication use; (2) lower level of HRQoL and health status measured by (i) lower self-rated health (ii) physical QoL, and (iii) mental QoL; and (3) worse physical and mental health outcomes measured by (i) higher number of depressive symptoms, (ii) higher level of pain, (iii) sleep disorder, and (iv) being disabled. CONCLUSIONS Migraine headache significantly was associated with quality of life, health care utilization, and many health outcomes of underserved African American middle-aged and older adults. Diagnoses and treatments of migraine among underserved older African American adults require multi-faceted and culturally sensitive interventional studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Bazargan
- Department of Family Medicine, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science (CDU), Los Angeles, CA, USA.
- Department of Family Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
- Department of Urban Public Health, CDU, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
- Physician Assistant Program, CDU, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| | - J Comini
- Physician Assistant Program, CDU, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - L W Kibe
- Physician Assistant Program, CDU, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - S Assari
- Department of Family Medicine, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science (CDU), Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Family Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - S Cobb
- Mervyn M. Dymally College of Nursing, CDU, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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2
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Taguchi R, Hamada S, Michihata N, Tsuchiya-Ito R, Kitamura S, Ishikawa T, Iwagami M. Factors associated with the introduction of visiting-pharmacist services in older adults in Japan: A nested case-control study. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24:344-351. [PMID: 38379434 DOI: 10.1111/ggi.14838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 02/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
AIM To investigate the factors associated with introducing visiting-pharmacist services for community-dwelling older adults in Japan. METHODS We conducted a nested case-control study using claims data in a cohort from a city in Tokyo. Patients aged ≥65 years who received visiting-pharmacist services for the first time between April 2014 and March 2020 were considered case patients. A maximum of four controls to each case patient were randomly selected on the basis of sex, age, health insurance systems, and month-year. Medical and long-term care service usage and patient condition were assessed using claims data from the index and preceding months, along with long-term care needs certification data. Multivariable conditional logistic regression analysis was conducted to estimate the adjusted odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals for factors associated with visiting-pharmacist service introduction. RESULTS A total of 22 949 participants (4591 cases and 18 358 controls) were included, with a median age of 85 years; 59.3% were women. The adjusted odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) of the three most related factors were 27.61 (23.98-31.80) for physicians' home visits, 5.83 (5.08-6.70) for hospitalization, and 4.97 (4.16-5.95) for designated-facility admission. Factors such as prescribing ≧10 medications, visiting nursing, and cancer were positively associated. In contrast, low household income and a high need for support due to cognitive function or disability were negatively associated. CONCLUSIONS This study provides insights into the introduction of visiting-pharmacist services for older adults in Japan. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24: 344-351.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reina Taguchi
- Research Department, Institute for Health Economics and Policy, Association for Health Economics Research and Social Insurance and Welfare, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Health Economics, School of Public Health, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shota Hamada
- Research Department, Institute for Health Economics and Policy, Association for Health Economics Research and Social Insurance and Welfare, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Home Care Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Health Services Research, Institute of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Nobuaki Michihata
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Health Economics, School of Public Health, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- Cancer Prevention Center, Chiba Cancer Center Research Institute, Chiba, Japan
| | - Rumiko Tsuchiya-Ito
- Research Department, Institute for Health Economics and Policy, Association for Health Economics Research and Social Insurance and Welfare, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Satomi Kitamura
- Research Department, Institute for Health Economics and Policy, Association for Health Economics Research and Social Insurance and Welfare, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tomoki Ishikawa
- Research Department, Institute for Health Economics and Policy, Association for Health Economics Research and Social Insurance and Welfare, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Health Economics, School of Public Health, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masao Iwagami
- Department of Health Services Research, Institute of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
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King E, Bazargan M, Entsuah N, Tokumitsu SW, Wisseh C, Adinkrah EK. Potentially Inappropriate Medication Use among Underserved Older Latino Adults. J Clin Med 2023; 12:3067. [PMID: 37176508 PMCID: PMC10179006 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12093067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies identified alarming increases in medication use, polypharmacy, and the use of potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) among minority older adults with multimorbidity. However, PIM use among underserved older Latino adults is still largely unknown. The main objective of this study is to examine the prevalence of PIM use among underserved, community-dwelling older Latino adults. This study examines both the complexity of polypharmacy in this community and identifies associations between PIM and multimorbidity, polypharmacy, and access to medical care among this segment of our population. METHODS This community-based, cross-sectional study included 126 community-dwelling Latinos aged 65 years and older. The updated 2019 AGS Beers Criteria was used to identify participants using PIMs. We used multinomial logistic regression to examine the independent association of PIM with several independent variables including demographic characteristics, the number of chronic conditions, the number of prescription medications used, level of pain, and sleep difficulty. In addition, we present five cases in order to offer greater insight into PIM use among our sample. RESULTS One-third of participants had at least one use of PIM. Polypharmacy (≥5 medications) was observed in 55% of our sample. In addition, 46% took drugs to be used with caution (UWC). In total, 16% were taking between 9 and 24 medications, whereas 39% and 46% were taking 5 to 8 and 1 to 4 prescription medications, respectively. The multinomial logit regression analysis showed that (controlling for demographic variables) increased PIM use was associated with an increased number of prescription medications, number of chronic conditions, sleep difficulty, lack of access to primary care, financial strains, and poor self-rated health. DISCUSSION Both qualitative and quantitative analysis revealed recurrent themes in the missed identification of potential drug-related harm among underserved Latino older adults. Our data suggest that financial strain, lack of access to primary care, as well as an increased number of medications and co-morbidity are inter-connected. Lack of continuity of care often leads to fragmented care, putting vulnerable patients at risk of polypharmacy and drug-drug interactions as clinicians lack access to a current and complete list of medications patients are using at any given time. Therefore, improving access to health care and thereby continuity of care among older Latino adults with multimorbidity has the potential to reduce both polypharmacy and PIM use. Programs that increase access to regular care and continuity of care should be prioritized among multimorbid, undeserved, Latino older adults in an effort toward improved health equity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ebony King
- Department of Geriatrics, West Los Angeles VA Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90073, USA
- Department of Public Health, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science (CDU), Los Angeles, CA 90059, USA
| | - Mohsen Bazargan
- Department of Public Health, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science (CDU), Los Angeles, CA 90059, USA
- Department of Family Medicine, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science (CDU), Los Angeles, CA 90059, USA;
- Department of Family Medicine, University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Nana Entsuah
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy Practice, University of California Irvine (UCI), Irvine, CA 92617, USA
| | - Sayaka W. Tokumitsu
- Department of Family Medicine, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science (CDU), Los Angeles, CA 90059, USA;
| | - Cheryl Wisseh
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy Practice, University of California Irvine (UCI), Irvine, CA 92617, USA
| | - Edward K. Adinkrah
- Department of Public Health, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science (CDU), Los Angeles, CA 90059, USA
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Alharthi M, Wright D, Scott S, Blacklock J. Terms used to describe and define activities undertaken as a result of the medication review process: Do they require standardisation? A systematic review. Int J Clin Pharm 2023; 45:304-319. [PMID: 36414823 PMCID: PMC10147810 DOI: 10.1007/s11096-022-01494-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Medication review (MR) is the systematic assessment of a patient's medications by a healthcare practitioner. It is necessary to compare such MR interventions to rationalise differences between them and assess their impact. The development of an international taxonomy for terms used to describe activities undertaken within the MR process would facilitate quality of reporting, and the comparison of different interventions. AIM To identify overarching and individual MR activity terms and definitions reported within studies where MR was the main intervention. METHOD A systematic review of the literature was performed using search terms for 'Intervention' and 'Outcome'. Papers with empirical data reporting and describing MR activities in English were included. The Mixed Method Appraisal Tool was used to assess research quality. Two researchers reviewed all included literature independently. Data extraction was performed using Cochrane Effective Practice and Organisation of Care to report study characteristics, and terms and definitions used to describe MR activities. RESULTS Twenty-one papers were included: eight quantitative non-randomised trials (38%), eight randomised controlled trials (38%), and five quantitative descriptive studies (24%). Overarching interventions such as 'Clinical', 'Education' and 'Technical' were identified with no standardised definitions. Terms used to describe the medication review activities, such as stop, start and change, varied with significant potential for ambiguity. CONCLUSION The literature reports a variety of overlapping, ambiguous and undefined MR terms. As a result, comparing process evaluations from MR interventions may be difficult. A standardised taxonomy to describe, define and report MR activities is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Alharthi
- School of Allied Health Professions, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK.
- College of Pharmacy, Taif University, Taif, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
| | - David Wright
- School of Allied Health Professions, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Sion Scott
- School of Allied Health Professions, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Jeanette Blacklock
- School of Allied Health Professions, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
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Al-Diery T, Freeman H, Page AT, Cross AJ, Hawthorne D, Lee K. What types of information do pharmacists include in comprehensive medication management review reports? A qualitative content analysis. Int J Clin Pharm 2023:10.1007/s11096-023-01561-5. [PMID: 36932315 DOI: 10.1007/s11096-023-01561-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Comprehensive medication management reviews are an established intervention to identify medication-related problems, such as the prescribing of potentially inappropriate medications, and under- and over-prescribing. However, the types of information included in written reports of comprehensive medication management reviews, beyond types of medication-related problems, are unknown. AIM This study aimed to explore the types of information Australian pharmacists include in their written reports following comprehensive medication management reviews. METHOD Australian consultant pharmacists were invited to upload their 10 most recent written reports of their domiciliary-based comprehensive medication management reviews. A random selection of the reports, stratified by each pharmacist, were included for qualitative content analysis. RESULTS Seventy-two de-identified reports from eight consultant pharmacists located in five of the eight Australian States and Territories were included for analysis. From the evaluated reports, four major categories of information were identified: (1) patient details such as date of interview (n = 72, 100%) and medicine history (n = 70, 97%); (2) pharmacist assessment including assessment of the patient (n = 70, 97%), medicines management (n = 68, 94%) and medicine-related issues (n = 60, 83%); (3) pharmacist recommendations, specifically pharmacological recommendations (n = 67, 93%); and (4) patient-centred experiences such as perspectives on medicines (n = 56, 78%). Reporting of patient-centred experiences appeared most variably in the included reports, including patient concerns (n = 38, 53%), willingness for change (n = 27, 38%), patient preferences (n = 13, 18%), and patient goals (n = 7, 10%). CONCLUSION Pharmacists within our study included a wide variety of information in their comprehensive medication management review reports. Aside from medication-related problems, pharmacists commonly provided a holistic assessment of the patients they care for. However, variability across reports has the potential to impact consistent service delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hollie Freeman
- Centre for Optimisation of Medicines, Discipline of Pharmacy, School of Allied Health, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Amy Theresa Page
- Centre for Optimisation of Medicines, Discipline of Pharmacy, School of Allied Health, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia.,Western Australian Centre for Health and Ageing, School of Allied Health, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia.,Consultant Pharmacist Services Research Network, Coherent, Australia
| | - Amanda J Cross
- Consultant Pharmacist Services Research Network, Coherent, Australia.,Centre for Medicine Use and Safety, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Science, Monash University, Parkville, Australia
| | - Deborah Hawthorne
- Centre for Optimisation of Medicines, Discipline of Pharmacy, School of Allied Health, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia.,Western Australian Centre for Health and Ageing, School of Allied Health, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia.,Consultant Pharmacist Services Research Network, Coherent, Australia
| | - Kenneth Lee
- Centre for Optimisation of Medicines, Discipline of Pharmacy, School of Allied Health, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia.,Centre for Medicine Use and Safety, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Science, Monash University, Parkville, Australia
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6
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Croke A, Cardwell K, Clyne B, Moriarty F, McCullagh L, Smith SM. The effectiveness and cost of integrating pharmacists within general practice to optimize prescribing and health outcomes in primary care patients with polypharmacy: a systematic review. BMC PRIMARY CARE 2023; 24:41. [PMID: 36747132 PMCID: PMC9901090 DOI: 10.1186/s12875-022-01952-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Polypharmacy and associated potentially inappropriate prescribing (PIP) place a considerable burden on patients and represent a challenge for general practitioners (GPs). Integration of pharmacists within general practice (herein 'pharmacist integration') may improve medications management and patient outcomes. This systematic review assessed the effectiveness and costs of pharmacist integration. METHODS A systematic search of ten databases from inception to January 2021 was conducted. Studies that evaluated the effectiveness or cost of pharmacist integration were included. Eligible interventions were those that targeted medications optimization compared to usual GP care without pharmacist integration (herein 'usual care'). Primary outcomes were PIP (as measured by PIP screening tools) and number of prescribed medications. Secondary outcomes included health-related quality of life, health service utilization, clinical outcomes, and costs. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs), non-RCTs, interrupted-time-series, controlled before-after trials and health-economic studies were included. Screening and risk of bias using Cochrane EPOC criteria were conducted by two reviewers independently. A narrative synthesis and meta-analysis of outcomes where possible, were conducted; the certainty of evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach. RESULTS In total, 23 studies (28 full text articles) met the inclusion criteria. In ten of 11 studies, pharmacist integration probably reduced PIP in comparison to usual care (moderate certainty evidence). A meta-analysis of number of medications in seven studies reported a mean difference of -0.80 [-1.17, -0.43], which indicated pharmacist integration probably reduced number of medicines (moderate certainty evidence). It was uncertain whether pharmacist integration improved health-related quality of life because the certainty of evidence was very low. Twelve health-economic studies were included; three investigated cost effectiveness. The outcome measured differed across studies limiting comparisons and making it difficult to make conclusions on cost effectiveness. CONCLUSIONS Pharmacist integration probably reduced PIP and number of medications however, there was no clear effect on other patient outcomes; and while interventions in a small number of studies appeared to be cost-effective, further robust, well-designed cluster RCTs with economic evaluations are required to determine cost-effectiveness of pharmacist integration. TRIAL REGISTRATION CRD42019139679.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aisling Croke
- grid.4912.e0000 0004 0488 7120Department of General Practice, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Karen Cardwell
- Health Information and Quality Authority, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Barbara Clyne
- grid.4912.e0000 0004 0488 7120Department of General Practice, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Frank Moriarty
- grid.4912.e0000 0004 0488 7120School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Laura McCullagh
- grid.416409.e0000 0004 0617 8280National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics, St James’s Hospital, Dublin, Ireland ,grid.8217.c0000 0004 1936 9705Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Susan M. Smith
- grid.4912.e0000 0004 0488 7120Department of General Practice, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland ,grid.8217.c0000 0004 1936 9705Discipline of Public Health and Primary Care, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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7
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Oonk NGM, Dorresteijn LDA, van den Berg AD, van der Palen J, Movig KLL, Nijmeijer HW, van Kesteren ME, Koffijberg H. Cost-utility analysis of a structured medication review compared to usual care in Parkinson's disease. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 2023; 79:289-297. [PMID: 36562830 DOI: 10.1007/s00228-022-03438-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE For controlling symptoms in Parkinson's disease (PD) together with treating additional comorbidities, patients often face complex medication regimens, with suboptimal adherence, drug-related problems, and diminished therapy efficacy as a common consequence. A medication review could potentially tackle these issues, among others by optimizing drug treatment. Even if no change in clinical outcomes is observed, this intervention might decrease health care costs by reducing drug-related problems and hospital admissions. This study aimed to gain more insight in the health benefits and costs of a structured medication review (SMR) in PD. METHODS A cost-utility analysis was performed, based on a multicenter randomized controlled trial with 202 PD patients with polypharmacy. The intervention group received an SMR, whereas the control group received usual care. The intervention effect after 6 months of follow-up was presented as incremental quality-adjusted life years (QALY) using the EQ-5D-5L questionnaire. Costs were based on real-world data. Missing data was imputed using multiple imputation techniques. Bootstrapping was used to estimate the uncertainty in all health and economic outcomes. RESULTS The QALY gain in the intervention group compared to the control group was - 0.011 (95% CI - 0.043; 0.020). Incremental costs were €433 (95% CI - 873; 1687). When adapting a willingness-to-pay threshold of €20,000/QALY and €80,000/QALY, the probability of SMRs being cost-effective was 18% and 30%, respectively. CONCLUSION A community pharmacist-led SMR in PD patients in the current setting shows no apparent benefit and is not cost-effective after 6 months, compared to usual care. TRIAL REGISTRATION Netherlands Trial Register, NL4360. Registered 17 March 2014.
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Affiliation(s)
- N G M Oonk
- Department of Neurology, Medisch Spectrum Twente, Enschede, the Netherlands.
| | - L D A Dorresteijn
- Department of Neurology, Medisch Spectrum Twente, Enschede, the Netherlands
| | - A D van den Berg
- Department of Science and Technology, University of Twente, Enschede, the Netherlands
| | - J van der Palen
- Department of Epidemiology, Medisch Spectrum Twente, Enschede, the Netherlands.,Section Cognition, Data and Education, University of Twente, Enschede, the Netherlands
| | - K L L Movig
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Medisch Spectrum Twente, Enschede, the Netherlands
| | - H W Nijmeijer
- Department of Neurology, Ziekenhuis Groep Twente, Almelo, the Netherlands
| | - M E van Kesteren
- Department of Neurology, Isala Klinieken, Zwolle, the Netherlands
| | - H Koffijberg
- Technical Medical Centre, Section Health Technology and Services Research, University of Twente, Enschede, the Netherlands
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Nabergoj Makovec U, Tomsic T, Kos M, Stegne Ignjatovic T, Poplas Susic A. Pharmacist-led clinical medication review service in primary care: the perspective of general practitioners. BMC PRIMARY CARE 2023; 24:6. [PMID: 36627568 PMCID: PMC9832745 DOI: 10.1186/s12875-022-01963-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND An advanced level medication review service (CMR) is systematically reimbursed and available nationwide in Slovenian primary care since 2016. CMR is performed by clinical pharmacists (CP). Close collaboration with general practitioner (GP) is required as they perform patient selection and make clinical decisions regarding patient's medication. METHODS A prospective observational study was conducted in 2018 aiming to evaluate the perspective of GPs on the implementation of pharmacist-led medication review service in Community Health Care Centre Ljubljana, Slovenia. GPs of the patients, who provided written informed consent were invited for the interviews. The semi-structured interview consisted of 5 open ended questions addressing reasons for referral of the patients, implementation of CP recommendations and the GPs' perspective of the service in general. Interviews were audio recorded with GPs written consent, transcribed verbatim and inductive content analysis was performed in NVivo11 Pro. RESULTS In total 38 interviews with 24 GPs were performed. The emerged themes were nested under 3 main domains representing Donabedian model of quality healthcare - structure, process, outcomes. The service structure is built on broad pharmacotherapy knowledge as the main CP competency, good accessibility, and complementarity of healthcare professions. Patients are mainly referred to the CMR due to polypharmacotherapy, however in majority there is a more in-depth reason behind (e.g., adverse events, etc.). Lack of time to recognize eligible patients and additional workload to study and implement the recommendations present the major challenges in the service process and therefore low number of referrals. CPs recommendations are mostly accepted, although the implementation time varies. When recommendation addresses medicines prescribed by a clinical specialist, the CMR report is forwarded to them for decision regarding implementation. The empowerment of the patients in medicines use was emphasized as the major benefit of the CMR, which consequently supports and enhances the quality of GP's patient care. Transferability of recommendations to similar cases and high satisfaction with the service of GPs and patients, were mentioned. CONCLUSION GPs experiences with CMR are encouraging and supportive and present a base for further growth of the service.
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Affiliation(s)
- Urska Nabergoj Makovec
- grid.8954.00000 0001 0721 6013University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Social Pharmacy, Askerceva cesta 7, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Tanja Tomsic
- grid.457211.40000 0004 0597 4875Community Health Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Mitja Kos
- grid.8954.00000 0001 0721 6013University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Social Pharmacy, Askerceva cesta 7, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Tea Stegne Ignjatovic
- grid.457211.40000 0004 0597 4875Community Health Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Antonija Poplas Susic
- grid.457211.40000 0004 0597 4875Community Health Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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Percival M, Freeman C, Cottrell N. Feasibility of a collaborative pharmacist prescribing model for patients with chronic disease(s) attending Australian general practices: a preliminary study. Int J Clin Pharm 2022; 45:502-508. [PMID: 36342565 DOI: 10.1007/s11096-022-01488-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pharmacists working in general practices provide medication reviews with recommendations to general practitioners (GPs) to optimise medications. We describe a model where the pharmacist is empowered with increased responsibility to implement agreed recommendations through collaborative prescribing. AIM To assess a collaborative pharmacist prescribing model incorporating increased pharmacist responsibility, for patients with chronic diseases in general practice. METHOD This was a pre-test-post-test quasi experimental pilot study using a pharmacist embedded in three Australian general practices. A pharmaceutical care plan was developed with patients and their GP to identify drug related problems (DRPs). The pharmacist discussed recommendations to manage DRPs with the GP and implemented recommendations agreed by the GP and patient over the six-month study period. Outcome measures included acceptance and implementation rate of recommendations made by the pharmacist. RESULTS The pharmacist made 135 recommendations to optimise medicine use of which 126 (93.3%) were accepted by the GP. There were 105 (83.3%) implemented by the end of the study of which the pharmacist implemented 62 (49.3%). CONCLUSION Compared to other Australian studies using a general practice pharmacist model, this study suggested increased pharmacist responsibility through collaborative prescribing led to high acceptance and implementation rates of recommendations to manage DRPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Percival
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, Brisbane, QLD, 4102, Australia.
- Gold Coast Hospital and Health Service, 1 Hospital Boulevard, Southport, QLD, 4215, Australia.
| | - Christopher Freeman
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, Brisbane, QLD, 4102, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
- Metro North Health, Brisbane, QLD, 4029, Australia
| | - Neil Cottrell
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, Brisbane, QLD, 4102, Australia
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10
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The multimorbidity collaborative medication review and decision making (MyComrade) study: a pilot cluster randomised trial in two healthcare systems. Pilot Feasibility Stud 2022; 8:225. [PMID: 36195963 PMCID: PMC9531225 DOI: 10.1186/s40814-022-01107-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background While international guidelines recommend medication reviews as part of the management of multimorbidity, evidence on how to implement reviews in practice in primary care is lacking. The MyComrade (MultimorbiditY Collaborative Medication Review And Decision Making) intervention is an evidence-based, theoretically informed novel intervention which aims to support the conduct of medication reviews for patients with multimorbidity in primary care. Aim The pilot study aimed to assess the feasibility of a definitive trial of the MyComrade intervention across two healthcare systems (Republic of Ireland (ROI) and Northern Ireland (NI)). Design A pilot cluster-randomised controlled trial was conducted (clustered at general practice level), using specific progression criteria and a process evaluation framework. Setting General practices in the ROI and NI. Participants Eligible practices were those in defined geographical areas who had GP’s and Practice Based Pharmacists (PBP’s) (in NI) willing to conduct medication reviews. Eligible patients were those aged 18 years and over, with multi morbidity and on ten or more medications. Intervention The MyComrade intervention is an evidence-based, theoretically informed novel intervention which aims to support the conduct of medication reviews for patients with multimorbidity in primary care, using a planned collaborative approach guided by an agreed checklist, within a specified timeframe. Outcome measures Feasibility outcomes, using pre-determined progression criteria, assessed practice and patient recruitment and retention and intervention acceptability and fidelity. Anonymised patient-related quantitative data, from practice medical records and patient questionnaires were collected at baseline, 4 and 8 months, to inform potential outcome measures for a definitive trial. These included (i) practice outcomes—completion of medication reviews; (ii) patient outcomes—treatment burden and quality of life; (iii) prescribing outcomes—number and changes of prescribed medications and incidents of potentially inappropriate prescribing; and (iv) economic cost analysis. The framework Decision-making after Pilot and feasibility Trials (ADePT) in conjunction with a priori progression criteria and process evaluation was used to guide the collection and analysis of quantitative and qualitative data. Results The recruitment of practices (n = 15) and patients (n = 121, mean age 73 years and 51% female), representing 94% and 38% of a priori targets respectively, was more complex and took longer than anticipated; impacted by the global COVID-19 pandemic. Retention rates of 100% of practices and 85% of patients were achieved. Both practice staff and patients found the intervention acceptable and reported strong fidelity to the My Comrade intervention components. Some practice staff highlighted concerns such as poor communication of the reviews to patients, dissatisfaction regarding incentivisation and in ROI the sustainability of two GPs collaboratively conducting the medication reviews. Assessing outcomes from the collected data was found feasible and appropriate for a definitive trial. Two progression criteria met the ‘Go’ criterion (practice and patient retention), two met the ‘Amend’ criterion (practice recruitment and intervention implementation) and one indicated a ‘Stop – unless changes possible’ (patient recruitment). Conclusion The MyComrade intervention was found to be feasible to conduct within two different healthcare systems. Recruitment of participants requires significant time and effort given the nature of this population and the pairing of GP and pharmacist may be more sustainable to implement in routine practice. Trial registration Registry: ISRCTN, ISRCTN80017020; date of confirmation 4/11/2019; retrospectively registered. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40814-022-01107-y.
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Liou WS, Huang SM, Lee WH, Chang YL, Wu MF. The effects of a pharmacist-led medication review in a nursing home: A randomized controlled trial. Medicine (Baltimore) 2021; 100:e28023. [PMID: 35049214 PMCID: PMC9191564 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000028023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In this study, an intensive review of pharmaceutical care for elderly patients was conducted in a Veterans Administration nursing home in Taiwan and its effects were evaluated. METHODS One hundred participants were enrolled in this randomized controlled study with even distribution. The inclusion criteria were age 65 years or older, prescriptions for at least 5 oral medicines daily, and ≥2 chronic diseases, for the period May 2013 to October 2014. Subjects were excluded if they had previously been included in an intensive medication review conducted by a pharmacist. The primary outcomes were numbers of drugs prescribed, potential inappropriate medications, and numbers of drug-related problems. The secondary outcomes were self-reported medical usages, measurements of quality of life, results of a satisfaction survey, and health status. RESULTS A total of 80 cases (42 in the intervention group with medication reconciliation and 38 in the control group without medication reconciliation) completed the study. Baseline characteristics were not statistically different between the 2 groups. The overall prevalence of potential inappropriate medication was 74.3%. There were no differences between the 2 groups, with the exception of "medical problems," which showed a significantly higher prevalence in the intervention group (P < .05). The intervention group reported greater satisfaction regarding pharmacist visits and medication compliance (P < .01). The mean number of drug-related problems was significantly lower after the intervention (P < .01). CONCLUSION In this study, the intensive review of the elderly patients' medications revealed that the only significant effect of pharmaceutical care was on "all outcomes." A possible reason for this is the rather advanced ages of some patients who needed a considerable number of medications to treat several chronic diseases. Another reason may be the small sample size. However, participants who received the pharmacist intervention did have higher satisfaction with medication reconciliation and fewer drug-related problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Shyong Liou
- Department of Pharmacy, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan, R.O.C
- School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Shih-Ming Huang
- Department of Pharmacy, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Wei-Hsin Lee
- Department of Pharmacy, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Yen-Lin Chang
- Department of Pharmacy, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Ming-Fen Wu
- Department of Pharmacy, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan, R.O.C
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Bou Malham C, El Khatib S, Cestac P, Andrieu S, Rouch L, Salameh P. Impact of pharmacist-led interventions on patient care in ambulatory care settings: A systematic review. Int J Clin Pract 2021; 75:e14864. [PMID: 34523204 DOI: 10.1111/ijcp.14864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Revised: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In an era of rapid evolution in healthcare delivery, major changes have occurred within the profession of pharmacist. Because the impact of pharmacist-led interventions in the hospital setting has been well-studied and showed mixed findings on drug-related readmissions, all-cause emergency department visits and mortality, this systematic review focused on services provided by pharmacists in the community or ambulatory care setting without being limited to a specific intervention or outcome. OBJECTIVE To investigate the impact of pharmacist-led interventions, categorised into clinical medication review (CMR), adherence review (AR), and prescription review (PR) on various aspects of patient care (clinical, behavioural, economic and humanistic outcomes in ambulatory care setting) and understand which particular intervention makes the greatest contribution. METHODS A literature search was conducted using MEDLINE, Embase and the Cochrane Library for publications from 2000 onwards. FINDINGS AND INTERPRETATION A total of 31 relevant publications corresponding to 27 controlled trials (CTs) and 4 observational studies were selected. CMR was the most studied pharmacist-led intervention (n = 19, 61.29%), followed by AR (n = 6, 19.3%). CMR demonstrated a favourable effect on different clinical outcomes mainly the management of drug-related problems and adverse events, and it also contributed the most to the reduction of healthcare costs. AR was the most effective intervention to improve patient's adherence. CMR alone or combined with AR both raised equally the patient's satisfaction. CONCLUSION Our results showed that CMR can play a major role in the management of drug-related problems and economic issues. AR can significantly improve patient compliance. Larger, standardised and rigorously designed intervention studies are needed to help decision-makers to select appropriate interventions leading to meaningful improvements in patient care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmela Bou Malham
- Center for Epidemiology and Research in POPulation Health (CERPOP), Université de Toulouse, Inserm, Université Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France
- University Paul Sabatier Toulouse III, Toulouse, France
| | - Sarah El Khatib
- Center for Epidemiology and Research in POPulation Health (CERPOP), Université de Toulouse, Inserm, Université Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France
- University Paul Sabatier Toulouse III, Toulouse, France
| | - Philippe Cestac
- Center for Epidemiology and Research in POPulation Health (CERPOP), Université de Toulouse, Inserm, Université Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France
- University Paul Sabatier Toulouse III, Toulouse, France
- Department of Pharmacy, Toulouse University Hospitals, Purpan Hospital, Toulouse Cedex 9, France
| | - Sandrine Andrieu
- Center for Epidemiology and Research in POPulation Health (CERPOP), Université de Toulouse, Inserm, Université Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France
- University Paul Sabatier Toulouse III, Toulouse, France
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Public Health, CHU Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | - Laure Rouch
- Center for Epidemiology and Research in POPulation Health (CERPOP), Université de Toulouse, Inserm, Université Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France
- University Paul Sabatier Toulouse III, Toulouse, France
- Department of Pharmacy, Toulouse University Hospitals, Purpan Hospital, Toulouse Cedex 9, France
| | - Pascale Salameh
- Faculties of Medical Sciences, Pharmacy & Public Health, Lebanese University, Hadath, Lebanon
- National Institute of Public Health, Clinical Epidemiology and Toxicology (INSPECT-LB), Beirut, Lebanon
- School of Medicine, University of Nicosia, Nicosia, Cyprus
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Bazargan M, Loeza M, Ekwegh T, Adinkrah EK, Kibe LW, Cobb S, Assari S, Bazargan-Hejazi S. Multi-Dimensional Impact of Chronic Low Back Pain among Underserved African American and Latino Older Adults. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:7246. [PMID: 34299695 PMCID: PMC8306928 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18147246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2021] [Revised: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Chronic low back pain is one of the most common, poorly understood, and potentially disabling chronic pain conditions from which older adults suffer. The existing low back pain research has relied almost exclusively on White/Caucasian participant samples. This study examines the correlates of chronic low back pain among a sample of underserved urban African American and Latino older adults. Controlling for age, gender, race/ethnicity, education, living arrangement, and number of major chronic conditions, associations between low back pain and the following outcome variables are examined: (1) healthcare utilization, (2) health-related quality of life (HR-QoL) and self-rated quality of health; and (3) physical and mental health outcomes. METHODS We recruited nine hundred and five (905) African American and Latino older adults from the South Los Angeles community using convenience and snowball sampling. In addition to standard items that measure demographic variables, our survey included validated instruments to document HR-QoL health status, the Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire-2, Geriatric Depression Scale, sleep disorder, and healthcare access. Data analysis includes bivariate and 17 independent multivariate models. RESULTS Almost 55% and 48% of the Latino and African American older adults who participated in our study reported chronic low back pain. Our data revealed that having low back pain was associated with three categories of outcomes including: (1) a higher level of healthcare utilization measured by (i) physician visits, (ii) emergency department visits, (iii) number of Rx used, (iv) a higher level of medication complexity, (v) a lower level of adherence to medication regimens, and (vi) a lower level of satisfaction with medical care; (2) a lower level of HR-QoL and self-assessment of health measured by (i) physical health QoL, (ii) mental health QoL, and (iii) a lower level of self-rated health; and (3) worse physical and mental health outcomes measured by (i) a higher number of depressive symptoms, (ii) a higher level of pain, (iii) falls, (iv) sleep disorders, (v) and being overweight/obese. DISCUSSION Low back pain remains a public health concern and significantly impacts the quality of life, health care utilization, and health outcomes of underserved minority older adults. Multi-faceted and culturally sensitive interventional studies are needed to ensure the timely diagnosis and treatment of low back pain among underserved minority older adults. Many barriers and challenges that affect underserved African American and Latino older adults with low back pain simply cannot be addressed in over-crowded EDs. Our study contributes to and raises the awareness of healthcare providers and health policymakers on the necessity for prevention, early diagnosis, proper medical management, and rehabilitation policies to minimize the burdens associated with chronic low back pain among underserved older African American and Latino patients in an under-resourced community such as South Los Angeles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohsen Bazargan
- Department of Family Medicine, Charles R Drew University of Medicine and Science (CDU), Los Angeles, CA 90059, USA; (M.B.); (M.L.); (S.A.)
- Department of Public Health, CDU, Los Angeles, CA 90059, USA;
- Physician Assistant Program, CDU, Los Angeles, CA 90059, USA;
- Department of Family Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Margarita Loeza
- Department of Family Medicine, Charles R Drew University of Medicine and Science (CDU), Los Angeles, CA 90059, USA; (M.B.); (M.L.); (S.A.)
- Department of Family Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Tavonia Ekwegh
- School of Nursing, CDU, Los Angeles, CA 90059, USA; (T.E.); (S.C.)
| | | | - Lucy W. Kibe
- Physician Assistant Program, CDU, Los Angeles, CA 90059, USA;
| | - Sharon Cobb
- School of Nursing, CDU, Los Angeles, CA 90059, USA; (T.E.); (S.C.)
| | - Shervin Assari
- Department of Family Medicine, Charles R Drew University of Medicine and Science (CDU), Los Angeles, CA 90059, USA; (M.B.); (M.L.); (S.A.)
- Department of Public Health, CDU, Los Angeles, CA 90059, USA;
| | - Shahrzad Bazargan-Hejazi
- Department of Psychiatry, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, CDU, Los Angeles, CA 90059, USA
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Hikaka J, Hughes C, Jones R, Amende H, Connolly MJ, Martini N. Feasibility of a pharmacist-facilitated medicines review intervention for community-dwelling Māori older adults. EXPLORATORY RESEARCH IN CLINICAL AND SOCIAL PHARMACY 2021; 2:100018. [PMID: 35481129 PMCID: PMC9031728 DOI: 10.1016/j.rcsop.2021.100018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Revised: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Objective Methods Results Conclusion A medicines review model developed with and for older Māori was feasible to deliver. Medicines reviews led to medicine and non-medicine related recommendations. Almost 10 recommendations were made per participant with high prescriber acceptance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Hikaka
- School of Pharmacy, University of Auckland, New Zealand
- Waitematā District Health Board, Auckland, New Zealand
- Corresponding author at: School of Pharmacy, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland 1142, New Zealand.
| | | | - Rhys Jones
- Te Kupenga Hauora Māori, University of Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Hunter Amende
- Waitematā District Health Board, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Martin J. Connolly
- Waitematā District Health Board, Auckland, New Zealand
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, University of Auckland, New Zealand
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15
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Laberge M, Sirois C, Lunghi C, Gaudreault M, Nakamura Y, Bolduc C, Laroche ML. Economic Evaluations of Interventions to Optimize Medication Use in Older Adults with Polypharmacy and Multimorbidity: A Systematic Review. Clin Interv Aging 2021; 16:767-779. [PMID: 33981140 PMCID: PMC8108125 DOI: 10.2147/cia.s304074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To conduct a systematic review of the economic impact of interventions intended at optimizing medication use in older adults with multimorbidity and polypharmacy. Methods We searched Ovid-Medline, Embase, CINAHL, Ageline, Cochrane, and Web of Science, for articles published between 2004 and 2020 that studied older adults with multimorbidity and polypharmacy. The intervention studied had to be aimed at optimizing medication use and present results on costs. Results Out of 3,871 studies identified by the search strategy, eleven studies were included. The interventions involved different provider types, with a majority described as a multidisciplinary team involving a pharmacist and a general practitioner, in the decision-making process. Interventions were generally associated with a reduction in medication expenditure. The benefits of the intervention in terms of clinical outcomes remain limited. Five studies were cost-benefit analyses, which had a net benefit that was either null or positive. Cost-utility and cost-effectiveness analyses resulted in incremental cost-effectiveness ratios that were generally within the willingness-to-pay thresholds of the countries in which the studies were conducted. However, the quality of the studies was generally low. Omission of key cost elements of economic evaluations, including intervention cost and payer perspective, limited interpretability. Conclusion Interventions to optimize medication use may provide benefits that outweigh their implementation costs, but the evidence remains limited. There is a need to identify and address barriers to the scaling-up of such interventions, starting with the current incentive structures for pharmacists, physicians, and patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maude Laberge
- Department of Operations & Decision Systems, Faculty of Administration, Université Laval, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada.,Vitam, Centre de recherche en santé durable-Université Laval, Quebec, Canada.,Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - Caroline Sirois
- Vitam, Centre de recherche en santé durable-Université Laval, Quebec, Canada.,Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada.,Faculty of Pharmacy, Université Laval, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada.,Institut National de santé publique du Québec, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - Carlotta Lunghi
- Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada.,Department of Health Sciences, Université du Québec à Rimouski, Rimouski, Quebec, Canada
| | - Myriam Gaudreault
- Faculty of Administration, Université Laval, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - Yumiko Nakamura
- College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Carolann Bolduc
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Université Laval, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - Marie-Laure Laroche
- Centre de Pharmacovigilance, de Pharmacoépidémiologie et d'information sur les médicaments, Service de Pharmacologie, Toxicologie et Pharmacovigilance, CHU de Limoges, Limoges, France.,Laboratoire Vie-Santé, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Limoges, Limoges, France
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16
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The Evolving Role and Impact of Integrating Pharmacists into Primary Care Teams: Experience from Ontario, Canada. PHARMACY 2020; 8:pharmacy8040234. [PMID: 33297509 PMCID: PMC7768418 DOI: 10.3390/pharmacy8040234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2020] [Revised: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 12/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The movement to integrate pharmacists into primary care team-based settings is growing in countries such as Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. In the province of Ontario in Canada, almost 200 pharmacists have positions within interdisciplinary primary care team settings, including Family Health Teams and Community Health Centers. This article provides a narrative review of the evolving roles of pharmacists working in primary care teams, with a focus on evidence from Ontario, as well as drawing from other jurisdictions around the world. Pharmacists within primary care teams are uniquely positioned to facilitate the expansion of the pharmacist’s scope of practice, through a collaborative care model that leverages, integrates, and transforms the medication expertise of pharmacists into a reliable asset and resource for physicians, as well as improves the health outcomes for patients and optimizes healthcare utilization.
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Abrahamsen B, Hansen RN, Rossing C. For which patient subgroups are there positive outcomes from a medication review? A systematic review. Pharm Pract (Granada) 2020; 18:1976. [PMID: 33224322 PMCID: PMC7672485 DOI: 10.18549/pharmpract.2020.4.1976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 10/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: A medication review is a possibility to assess and optimise a
patient’s medicine. A model that includes a medication review and a
follow-up seem to provide the best results. However, it is not known whether
specific subgroups of patients benefit more from a medication review than
others. Objective: This literature review summarises the evidence that is available on which
patient subgroups exist positive outcomes from a medication review carried
out in a primary care setting. Methods: We performed a PICO analysis to identify keywords for setting, medication
review and effect. We then conducted a search using the PubMed database
(2004 to 2019) to identify studies relevant for our investigation. A
screening process was carried out based on either title or abstract, and any
study that matched the aim and inclusion criteria was included. All matching
studies were obtained and read, and were included if they met predefined
criteria such as study design, medication review and primary care. The
studies were divided into subgroups. First, each subgroup was divided
according to the studies’ own definition. Secondly, each subgroup was
allocated as either risk patients if the subgroup described a specific
patient subgroup or risk medication, if the subgroup was defined as using a
specific type of medication. This was done after discussion in the author
group. Results: 28 studies from a total of 935 studies were included. Identified studies were
divided into either risk patients; frail, recently discharged or multimorbid
patients, or risk medication; heart medication, antithrombotic medication,
blood pressure lowering medication, antidiabetic medication, anti-Parkinson
medication or medication increasing the risk of falls. The subgroups
identified from a medication review in primary care were defined as being
frail, recently discharged from hospital or multimorbid (risk patients), or
defined as patients using anticoagulant or blood pressure lowering
medication (risk medication). Most of the medication reviews in the studies
that showed an economic effect included at least one follow-up and were
delivered by a pharmacist. Conclusions: The literature review demonstrates that medication reviews delivered by
pharmacists to specific subgroups of patients are a way of optimising the
economic effect of medication reviews in primary care. This is obtained by
reducing health-related costs or the number of contacts with primary or
secondary health care services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bjarke Abrahamsen
- PhD, MSc (Pharm). Department of Research and Development, Danish College of Pharmacy Practice. Hillerød (Denmark).
| | - Rikke N Hansen
- MSc (Pharm). Department of Research and Development, Danish College of Pharmacy Practice. Hillerød (Denmark).
| | - Charlotte Rossing
- PhD, MSc (Pharm). Department of Research and Development, Danish College of Pharmacy Practice. Hillerød (Denmark).
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Varas-Doval R, Gastelurrutia MA, Benrimoj SI, García-Cárdenas V, Sáez-Benito L, Martinez-Martínez F. Clinical impact of a pharmacist-led medication review with follow up for aged polypharmacy patients: A cluster randomized controlled trial. Pharm Pract (Granada) 2020; 18:2133. [PMID: 33149794 PMCID: PMC7603656 DOI: 10.18549/pharmpract.2020.4.2133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 10/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Medication review with follow-up (MRF) is a service where community pharmacists undertake a medication review with monthly follow-up to provide continuing care. The ConSIGUE Program assessed the impact and implementation of MRF for aged polypharmacy patients in Spanish Community Pharmacies. The present paper reports on the clinical impact evaluation phase of ConSIGUE. Objective The main objective of the study was to measure the effect of MRF on the primary outcome of the number of uncontrolled health problems. Secondary objectives were to analyze the drug-related problems (DRPs) identified as potential causes of ineffective or unsafe medications and the pharmacists' interventions implemented during MRF provision. Methods An open-label multi-centered cluster randomized study with comparison group (CG) was carried out in community pharmacies from 4 provinces in Spain during 6 months. The main inclusion criteria were patients over 64 years old, using 5 or more medicines. The intervention group (IG) received the MRF service (advanced medication review-type 3 MR) whereas patients in the CG received usual care. Results 178 pharmacies recruited 1403 patients (IG= 688 patients; CG= 715 patients). During the 6 months of the study 72 patients were lost to follow up. The adjusted multi-level random effects models showed a significant reduction in the number of uncontrolled health problems over the periods in the IG (-0.72, 95% CI: -0.80, -0.65) and no change in the CG (-0.03, 95% CI: -0.10, 0.04). Main DRPs identified as potential causes of failures of uncontrolled health problems' treatment were undertreated condition (559 DRPs; 35.81%), lack of treatment adherence (261 DRP; 16.67%) and risk of adverse effects (207 DRPs; 13.53%). Interventions performed by pharmacist to solve DRP mainly included the addition (246 interventions; 14.67%) and change (330 interventions; 19.68%) of a medicine and educational interventions on medicine adherence (231 interventions; 13.78%) and non-pharmacological interventions (369 interventions; 22.01%). Conclusions This study provides evidence of the impact of community pharmacist on clinical outcomes for aged patients. It suggests that the provision of an MRF in collaboration with general medical practitioners and patients contributes to the improvement of aged polypharmacy patients' health status and reduces their problems related with the use of medicines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel Varas-Doval
- M.Pharm, BPharm, Pharmaceutical Services, Department of Innovation and Education, Spanish General Council of Official Pharmacists Associations. Madrid (Spain).
| | - Miguel A Gastelurrutia
- PhD, MSc, BPharm. Pharmaceutical Research Group of the University of Granada, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Granada. Granada (Spain).
| | - Shalom I Benrimoj
- PhD, BPharm (hons). Pharmaceutical Research Group of the University of Granada, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Granada. Granada (Spain).
| | - Victoria García-Cárdenas
- PhD, MPharm, BPharm. Senior Lecturer, Graduate School of Health, Discipline of Pharmacy University of Technology Sydney. Sydney, NSW (Australia).
| | - Loreto Sáez-Benito
- PhD, MPharm. Teaching and Research Academic Staff, Faculty of Health Sciences, San Jorge University. Zaragoza (Spain).
| | - Fernando Martinez-Martínez
- PhD, BPharm. Professor, Pharmaceutical Research Group of the University of Granada, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Granada. Granada (Spain).
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Auvinen KJ, Räisänen J, Voutilainen A, Jyrkkä J, Mäntyselkä P, Lönnroos E. Interprofessional Medication Assessment has Effects on the Quality of Medication Among Home Care Patients: Randomized Controlled Intervention Study. J Am Med Dir Assoc 2020; 22:74-81. [PMID: 32893136 DOI: 10.1016/j.jamda.2020.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Revised: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 07/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Multimorbidity and complex medications increase the risk of medication-related problems, especially in vulnerable home care patients. The objective of this study was to examine whether interprofessional medication assessment has an effect on medication quality among home care patients. DESIGN The FIMA (Finnish Interprofessional Medication Assessment) study was a randomized, controlled study comparing physician-led interprofessional medication assessment and usual care. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS The FIMA study was conducted in home care settings in Finland. The participants were ≥65-year-old home care patients with ≥6 drugs daily, dizziness, orthostatic hypotension, or a recent fall. METHODS Primary outcome measures over the 6-month follow-up were number of drugs, drug-drug-interactions, medication-related risk loads, and use of potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) examined by SFINX, RENBASE, PHARAO, and Meds75+ databases. The databases classified information as follows: A (no known pharmacologic or clinical basis for an increased risk), B (evidence not available/uncertain), C (moderately increased risk which may have clinical relevance), and D (high risk, best to avoid). Logistic regression adjusted for age, sex, and the baseline level of the outcome measure served as statistical methods. RESULTS The mean number of all drugs for home care patients (n = 512) was 15. The odds of drug-induced impairment of renal function (RENBASE D, P = .020) and medication-related risk loads for bleeding (PHARAO D, P = .001), anticholinergic effects (PHARAO D, P = .009), and constipation (PHARAO D, P = .003) decreased significantly in the intervention group compared with usual care. The intervention also reduced the odds of using PIMs (Meds75+ D, P = .005). There were no significant changes in drug-drug-interactions or number of drugs. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS FIMA intervention improved the medication quality of home care patients. Risks for renal failure, anticholinergic effects, bleeding, constipation, and the use of PIMs were reduced significantly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kati J Auvinen
- The East Savo Hospital District, Savonlinna, Finland; Institute of Public Health and Clinical Nutrition, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland.
| | - Johanna Räisänen
- Institute of Public Health and Clinical Nutrition, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Ari Voutilainen
- Institute of Public Health and Clinical Nutrition, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Johanna Jyrkkä
- Assessment of Pharmacotherapies, Finnish Medicines Agency, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Pekka Mäntyselkä
- Institute of Public Health and Clinical Nutrition, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland; Kuopio University Hospital, Primary Health Care Unit, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Eija Lönnroos
- Institute of Public Health and Clinical Nutrition, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
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A Descriptive Quantitative Analysis on the Extent of Polypharmacy in Recipients of Ontario Primary Care Team Pharmacist-Led Medication Reviews. PHARMACY 2020; 8:pharmacy8030110. [PMID: 32630000 PMCID: PMC7558087 DOI: 10.3390/pharmacy8030110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2020] [Revised: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 06/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Pharmacist-led medication reviews have been shown to improve medication management, reducing the adverse effects of polypharmacy among older adults. This paper quantitatively examines the medications, medication discrepancies and drug therapy problems of recipients in primary care. A convenience sample of 16 primary care team pharmacists in Ontario, Canada contributed data for patients with whom they conducted a medication review over a prior four-week period. Data were uploaded using electronic data capture forms and descriptive analyses were completed. Two hundred and thirty-seven patients (on average, 67.9 years old) were included in the study, taking an average of 9.2 prescription medications ( ± 4.7). Majority of these patients (83.5%) were categorized as polypharmacy patients taking at least five or more prescribed drugs per day. Just over half of the patients were classified as having a low level of medication complexity (52.3%). Pharmacists identified 2.1 medication discrepancies ( ± 3.9) and 3.6 drug therapy problems per patient ( ± 2.8). Half these patients had more than one medication discrepancy and almost every patient had a drug therapy problem identified. Medication reviews conducted by pharmacists in primary care teams minimized medication discrepancies and addressed drug therapy problems to improve medication management and reduce adverse events that may result from polypharmacy.
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McCormick P, Chennells R, Coleman B, Bates I. The outcome of domiciliary medication reviews and their impact: a systematic review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACY PRACTICE 2020; 28:417-427. [DOI: 10.1111/ijpp.12649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2019] [Revised: 05/12/2020] [Accepted: 05/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Objectives
Medication reviews in the domiciliary setting are becoming more prevalent internationally. Understanding the benefits of these reviews is essential to ensuring quality healthcare services. To date there has not been a systematic evaluation of the outcomes of these services and their impact on patients. A systematic review of the literature was undertaken with a view to understanding the impact of medication reviews in this setting. Controlled and uncontrolled studies were included. Outcomes were categorised according to the ECHO model. A narrative synthesis was developed.
Key findings
Nineteen out of 31 papers included demonstrated an improvement in outcome. Clinical outcomes were the most commonly measured and humanistic outcomes the least commonly measured. Domiciliary medication reviews (DMRs) services are presented as providing benefit. However, it is difficult to quantify the impact of services from the published outcomes.
Summary
Future work should focus on demonstrating the meaningful changes to patients that DMRs have enabled.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia McCormick
- School of Pharmacy, University College London, London, UK
- Pharmacy Department, Whittington Health, London, UK
| | | | | | - Ian Bates
- School of Pharmacy, University College London, London, UK
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Cross AJ, Elliott RA, Petrie K, Kuruvilla L, George J. Interventions for improving medication-taking ability and adherence in older adults prescribed multiple medications. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2020; 5:CD012419. [PMID: 32383493 PMCID: PMC7207012 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd012419.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Older people taking multiple medications represent a large and growing proportion of the population. Managing multiple medications can be challenging, and this is especially the case for older people, who have higher rates of comorbidity and physical and cognitive impairment than younger adults. Good medication-taking ability and medication adherence are necessary to ensure safe and effective use of medications. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the effectiveness of interventions designed to improve medication-taking ability and/or medication adherence in older community-dwelling adults prescribed multiple long-term medications. SEARCH METHODS We searched MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), PsycINFO, CINAHL Plus, and International Pharmaceutical Abstracts from inception until June 2019. We also searched grey literature, online trial registries, and reference lists of included studies. SELECTION CRITERIA We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs), quasi-RCTs, and cluster-RCTs. Eligible studies tested interventions aimed at improving medication-taking ability and/or medication adherence among people aged ≥ 65 years (or of mean/median age > 65 years), living in the community or being discharged from hospital back into the community, and taking four or more regular prescription medications (or with group mean/median of more than four medications). Interventions targeting carers of older people who met these criteria were also included. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two review authors independently reviewed abstracts and full texts of eligible studies, extracted data, and assessed risk of bias of included studies. We conducted meta-analyses when possible and used a random-effects model to yield summary estimates of effect, risk ratios (RRs) for dichotomous outcomes, and mean differences (MDs) or standardised mean differences (SMDs) for continuous outcomes, along with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Narrative synthesis was performed when meta-analysis was not possible. We assessed overall certainty of evidence for each outcome using Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE). Primary outcomes were medication-taking ability and medication adherence. Secondary outcomes included health-related quality of life (HRQoL), emergency department (ED)/hospital admissions, and mortality. MAIN RESULTS We identified 50 studies (14,269 participants) comprising 40 RCTs, six cluster-RCTs, and four quasi-RCTs. All included studies evaluated interventions versus usual care; six studies also reported a comparison between two interventions as part of a three-arm RCT design. Interventions were grouped on the basis of their educational and/or behavioural components: 14 involved educational components only, 7 used behavioural strategies only, and 29 provided mixed educational and behavioural interventions. Overall, our confidence in results regarding the effectiveness of interventions was low to very low due to a high degree of heterogeneity of included studies and high or unclear risk of bias across multiple domains in most studies. Five studies evaluated interventions for improving medication-taking ability, and 48 evaluated interventions for improving medication adherence (three studies evaluated both outcomes). No studies involved educational or behavioural interventions alone for improving medication-taking ability. Low-quality evidence from five studies, each using a different measure of medication-taking ability, meant that we were unable to determine the effects of mixed interventions on medication-taking ability. Low-quality evidence suggests that behavioural only interventions (RR 1.22, 95% CI 1.07 to 1.38; 4 studies) and mixed interventions (RR 1.22, 95% CI 1.08 to 1.37; 12 studies) may increase the proportions of people who are adherent compared with usual care. We could not include in the meta-analysis results from two studies involving mixed interventions: one had a positive effect on adherence, and the other had little or no effect. Very low-quality evidence means that we are uncertain of the effects of educational only interventions (5 studies) on the proportions of people who are adherent. Low-quality evidence suggests that educational only interventions (SMD 0.16, 95% CI -0.12 to 0.43; 5 studies) and mixed interventions (SMD 0.47, 95% CI -0.08 to 1.02; 7 studies) may have little or no impact on medication adherence assessed through continuous measures of adherence. We excluded 10 studies (4 educational only and 6 mixed interventions) from the meta-analysis including four studies with unclear or no available results. Very low-quality evidence means that we are uncertain of the effects of behavioural only interventions (3 studies) on medication adherence when assessed through continuous outcomes. Low-quality evidence suggests that mixed interventions may reduce the number of ED/hospital admissions (RR 0.67, 95% CI 0.50 to 0.90; 11 studies) compared with usual care, although results from six further studies that we were unable to include in meta-analyses indicate that the intervention may have a smaller, or even no, effect on these outcomes. Similarly, low-quality evidence suggests that mixed interventions may lead to little or no change in HRQoL (7 studies), and very low-quality evidence means that we are uncertain of the effects on mortality (RR 0.93, 95% CI 0.67 to 1.30; 7 studies). Moderate-quality evidence shows that educational interventions alone probably have little or no effect on HRQoL (6 studies) or on ED/hospital admissions (4 studies) when compared with usual care. Very low-quality evidence means that we are uncertain of the effects of behavioural interventions on HRQoL (1 study) or on ED/hospital admissions (2 studies). We identified no studies evaluating effects of educational or behavioural interventions alone on mortality. Six studies reported a comparison between two interventions; however due to the limited number of studies assessing the same types of interventions and comparisons, we are unable to draw firm conclusions for any outcomes. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Behavioural only or mixed educational and behavioural interventions may improve the proportion of people who satisfactorily adhere to their prescribed medications, but we are uncertain of the effects of educational only interventions. No type of intervention was found to improve adherence when it was measured as a continuous variable, with educational only and mixed interventions having little or no impact and evidence of insufficient quality to determine the effects of behavioural only interventions. We were unable to determine the impact of interventions on medication-taking ability. The quality of evidence for these findings is low due to heterogeneity and methodological limitations of studies included in the review. Further well-designed RCTs are needed to investigate the effects of interventions for improving medication-taking ability and medication adherence in older adults prescribed multiple medications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda J Cross
- Centre for Medicine Use and Safety, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Australia
| | - Rohan A Elliott
- Centre for Medicine Use and Safety, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Australia
- Pharmacy Department, Austin Health, Heidelberg, Australia
| | - Kate Petrie
- Centre for Medicine Use and Safety, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Australia
| | - Lisha Kuruvilla
- Centre for Medicine Use and Safety, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Australia
- Pharmacy Department, Barwon Health, North Geelong, Australia
| | - Johnson George
- Centre for Medicine Use and Safety, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Australia
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Karia AM, Balane C, Norman R, Robinson S, Lehnbom E, Durakovic I, Laba TL, Joshi R, Webster R. Community pharmacist workflow: Space for Pharmacy-based Interventions and Consultation TimE study protocol. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACY PRACTICE 2020; 28:441-448. [PMID: 32347607 DOI: 10.1111/ijpp.12625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2019] [Revised: 03/24/2020] [Accepted: 03/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pharmacists' roles are expanding to delivering a wider set of professional services including medication management optimisation, vaccinations and screening services. Robust research determining whether pharmacists have the capacity to offer such services in the Australian community pharmacy setting is lacking. This protocol details a mixed methods study that investigates the variation in pharmacists' daily tasks and the workspace they work in as a measure of their workload capacity for expanding pharmacy services. METHODS An observational time and motion study will be conducted in up to twenty community pharmacies in metropolitan and rural regions of Australia. A trained observer will follow a pharmacist and record the type, location and duration of tasks undertaken over the course of their working day. Data will be collected and analysed using the electronic Work Observation Method By Activity Timing (WOMBAT) tool. Pharmacists' work patterns will be described as time for each task, and by proportionating multitasking and interruptions. This information will be combined with workspace data collected using floor plans, photographs and a qualitative assessment of the working environment completed by the observer. Analysis will include heat-mapped floor plans visually highlighting pharmacist movements. DISCUSSION Pharmacists may provide solutions to the strained health workforce and system. There is limited quantitative evidence on whether pharmacists have the time or work setting to support such needs. The use of time and motion methodology is novel to Australian community pharmacy research, and the findings will provide a better understanding of pharmacists' capacity and work environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ajay Mahendrarai Karia
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Christine Balane
- The George Institute for Global Health, UNSW, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Richard Norman
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Suzanne Robinson
- Health Systems Health Economics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Elin Lehnbom
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromso, Norway.,Department of Health and Caring Sciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Linnaeus University, Kalmar, Sweden
| | - Iva Durakovic
- Interior Architecture, Faculty of Built Environment UNSW, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Tracey-Lea Laba
- Centre for Health Economics Research and Evaluation, The University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,The George Institute for Global Health, UNSW, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Rohina Joshi
- Faculty of Medicine, The George Institute for Global Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,The George Institute for Global Health India, New Delhi, India
| | - Ruth Webster
- Technical Transfer, The George Institute for Global Health, UNSW, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Home medicines reviews and residential medication management reviews in Western Australia. Int J Clin Pharm 2020; 42:567-578. [PMID: 32162188 DOI: 10.1007/s11096-020-01001-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2019] [Accepted: 02/20/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Background Australian government funding for Residential Medication Management Reviews and Home Medicines Reviews commenced in 1997 and 2001 respectively. Limited data are available on their provision in Australia. Objective To investigate the extent and characteristics of Home Medicines Review and Residential Medication Management Review services provided by accredited pharmacists practising in Western Australia. Setting Pharmacists in Western Australia accredited by the Australian Association of Consultant Pharmacy or Society of Hospital Pharmacists of Australia. Method A paper questionnaire was developed and sent to 198 accredited pharmacists in Western Australia in June 2017. Simple descriptive statistics summarised demographic information and other responses. Logistic regression evaluated factors associated with the frequency of provision of Home Medicines Reviews. Main outcome measure Frequency and factors influencing services provided. Results Of 102 (51.5%) questionnaires returned, 67 (65.7%) respondents were female. Many were aged between 31 and 40 years (53; 52.0%). Most were accredited by the Australian Association of Consultant Pharmacy (101; 99.0%) and mainly offered Home Medicines Reviews (70; 68.6%). Home Medicines Reviews provided over the previous 12 months were limited in frequency with one quarter providing either 1-10 (27; 26.5%) or 21-50 (28; 27.5%) reviews. The median "average" preparation, interview and report writing times, plus communication with other health professionals aggregated to 175.0 min (interquartile range: 140.0-235.0 min) for Home Medicine Reviews and 110.0 min (90.0-140.0) for Residential Medication Management Reviews. Pharmacists born overseas and those who were accredited for a longer time were associated with performing 51 or more Home Medicines Reviews annually. Only one-third (36/101; 35.6%) agreed the current payment was appropriate. Most agreed their Home Medicines Reviews (92/96; 95.8%) and Residential Medication Management Reviews (26/28; 92.9%) provided improved patient outcomes. Over 97% of accredited pharmacists intended to continue to remain accredited. Conclusions Wide variations were evident in the times taken for tasks associated with performing reviews. Most respondents considered their medication reviews contributed to improved patient outcomes. The wide variation in times taken for the reviews suggests a tiered structure for service provision, with appropriate payment within each tier, since most consider current remuneration inadequate.
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25
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Releasing GP capacity with pharmacy prescribing support and New Ways of Working: a prospective observational cohort study. Br J Gen Pract 2019; 68:e735-e742. [PMID: 30249610 DOI: 10.3399/bjgp18x699137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2018] [Accepted: 06/15/2018] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND General practice in the UK is experiencing a workforce crisis. However, it is unknown what impact prescribing support teams may have on freeing up GP capacity and time for clinical activities. AIM To release GP time by providing additional prescribing resources to support general practices between April 2016 and March 2017. DESIGN AND SETTING Prospective observational cohort study in 16 urban general practices that comprise Inverclyde Health and Social Care Partnership in Scotland. METHOD GPs recorded the time they spent dealing with special requests, immediate discharges, outpatient requests, and other prescribing issues for 2 weeks prior to the study and for two equivalent periods during the study. Specialist clinical pharmacists performed these key prescribing activities to release GP time and Read coded their activities. GP and practice staff were surveyed to assess their expectations at baseline and their experiences during the final data-collection period. Prescribing support staff were also surveyed during the study period. RESULTS GP time spent on key prescribing activities significantly reduced by 51% (79 hours, P<0.001) per week, equating to 4.9 hours (95% confidence interval = 3.4 to 6.4) per week per practice. The additional clinical pharmacist resource was well received and appreciated by GPs and practices. As well as freeing up GP capacity, practices and practitioners also identified improvements in patient safety, positive effects on staff morale, and reductions in stress. Prescribing support staff also indicated that the initiative had a positive impact on job satisfaction and was considered sustainable, although practice expectations and time constraints created new challenges. CONCLUSION Specialist clinical pharmacists are safe and effective in supporting GPs and practices with key prescribing activities in order to directly free GP capacity. However, further work is required to assess the impact of such service developments on prescribing cost-efficiency and clinical pharmacist medication review work.
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Mifsud EM, Wirth F, Camilleri L, Azzopardi LM, Serracino-Inglott A. Pharmacist-led medicine use review in community pharmacy for patients on warfarin. Int J Clin Pharm 2019; 41:741-750. [PMID: 31006832 DOI: 10.1007/s11096-019-00824-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2018] [Accepted: 04/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Background Medicine use review by pharmacists has the potential to improve anticoagulation therapy management in patients on warfarin. Objective To develop, implement and evaluate a pharmacist-led medication use review service for patients on warfarin. Setting Six community pharmacies in Malta. Method Patients (N = 100) aged 18 or older and on warfarin were recruited through pre-selected community-pharmacies. These patients were then invited to attend two sessions: a review session (t1) and a follow-up session after 2 months (t2). During the medication use review session, medication reconciliation was performed (a) to detect drug-related problems using the DOCUMENT classification system, (b) to develop an individualised care plan for each patient and (c) to recommend an action for each identified problem for physician, pharmacist or patient consideration. At t2, the degree of acceptance of the recommendations was determined by assessing the number of drug-related problems for which action was taken to address the problem. International normalisation ration (INR) control was evaluated by calculating the percentage Time in Therapeutic Range (TTR) at t1 and t2 using the Rosendaal linear interpolation method. Main outcome measures Frequency and type of drug-related problems detected; percentage of accepted recommendations; and INR control. Results A total of 481 drug-related problems were identified; 40% (n = 190) were related to warfarin treatment. Need for monitoring (30%; n = 145), lack of compliance (20%; n = 97) and need for patient education (19%; n = 90) were the top three problems identified. There was a significant correlation between frequency of the problems and number of chronic medications (Spearman Correlation 0.583, p < 0.001), number of comorbidities (Spearman Correlation 0.327, p = 0.001) and older age (Spearman Correlation 0.285, p = 0.04). A total of 475 recommendations were followed-up; 49% (n = 234) were referred for consideration by the physician. The percentage of recommendations accepted (84%; n = 397) was significantly higher than the percentage of recommendations not accepted (16%; n = 78) (p < 0.001). The time in therapeutic range improved significantly from 68.7% at t1 to 79.8% at t2 (p = 0.01). Conclusions The high percentage of accepted recommendations and the improvement in INR control indicate that a pharmacist-led medication use review service in community pharmacy contributes to improving anticoagulation therapy management in patients on warfarin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena M Mifsud
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, Msida, Malta.
| | - Francesca Wirth
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, Msida, Malta
| | - Liberato Camilleri
- Department of Statistics and Operations Research, Faculty of Science, University of Malta, Msida, Malta
| | - Lilian M Azzopardi
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, Msida, Malta
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Nabhanizadeh A, Oppewal A, Boot FH, Maes-Festen D. Effectiveness of medication reviews in identifying and reducing medication-related problems among people with intellectual disabilities: A systematic review. JOURNAL OF APPLIED RESEARCH IN INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES 2019; 32:750-761. [PMID: 30793852 PMCID: PMC6850346 DOI: 10.1111/jar.12580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2018] [Revised: 12/21/2018] [Accepted: 01/30/2019] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Background Polypharmacy is common in people with intellectual disabilities. Using multiple medication may lead to unintended medication‐related problems (MRPs). Medication review may serve as a tool to reduce MRPs. This systematic review assessed the scientific evidence for the effectiveness of medication reviews in identifying and reducing MRPs in people with intellectual disabilities. Method Literature databases were searched up to August 2017. Studies were selected that included the effect of medication reviews on identifying and/or reducing MRPs in people with intellectual disabilities with no restriction of type of medication, age and level of intellectual disabilities. Results The eight studies that fulfilled the inclusion criteria report that systematic medication reviews appear to assist in the identification and reduction of MRPs. Conclusion There is a lack of studies about the effect of medication reviews on identification and reduction of MRPs, especially health outcomes for people with intellectual disabilities. Further studies with long‐term follow‐up are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amal Nabhanizadeh
- Intellectual Disability Medicine, Department of General Practice, Erasmus MC University Medical Centre Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Alyt Oppewal
- Intellectual Disability Medicine, Department of General Practice, Erasmus MC University Medical Centre Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Dederieke Maes-Festen
- Intellectual Disability Medicine, Department of General Practice, Erasmus MC University Medical Centre Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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Awareness and use of medication management services in relation to medication adherence prior to hospitalisation among older adults in Regional Australia. Int J Clin Pharm 2018; 41:189-197. [DOI: 10.1007/s11096-018-0765-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2018] [Accepted: 11/29/2018] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Basheti IA, Ayasrah SM, Ahmad M. Identifying treatment related problems and associated factors among hospitalized post-stroke patients through medication management review: A multi-center study. Saudi Pharm J 2018; 27:208-219. [PMID: 30766431 PMCID: PMC6362176 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsps.2018.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2018] [Accepted: 10/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Stroke is a major cause of disability and one of the leading causes of death among the elderly. Treatment related problems can lead to undesirable consequences. The Medication Management Review (MMR) service is aimed at identifying, resolving and preventing TRPs, subsiding the undesirable outcomes associated with TRPs. Objectives To explore the types, frequencies and severity of TRPs amongst post-stroke patients recruited through hospitals via conducting the MMR service by clinical pharmacists in Jordan. Associations between patient factors and the identified TRPs were explored. Methods This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted over three months in 2017 in different geographical areas throughout Jordan. Randomly recruited patients were interviewed at the hospitals to collect their demographic data and clinical characteristics. Types/frequencies/severity of TRPs for each stroke patient were identified by a clinical pharmacist. Associations between the identified TRPs and patient's factors were explored through multiple regression analysis.Key findings:Out of 198 stroke patients (mean age: 56.6 ± 14.2) who completed the study, 110 (55.6%) were males. Many of the patients (82 (41.6%)) were smokers and 61 (69.2%) had hypertension and/or diabetes. The mean number of TRPs per patient was 2.5 ± 1.1. The most common TRP categories involved efficacy issues (198 (40.6%)), inappropriate drug adherence (136 (27.9%)) and inappropriate patient knowledge (114 (23.4%)). More than 70.0% (342/487) of the identified TRPs were of major severity. Higher number of TRPs was found to be associated with being a male, having a lower educational level, being a current smoker, having a higher number of drugs and a poorer quality of life. Conclusion Lack of drug efficacy, inappropriate drug adherence and patient knowledge were the major TRPs identified via delivering the MMR service to post-stroke patients. The identified TRPs highlights the importance of the MMR service, and supports planning future strategies aimed at decreasing the incidence of strokes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iman A Basheti
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Applied Science Private University, Amman, Jordan
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Bazargan M, Smith JL, King EO. Potentially inappropriate medication use among hypertensive older African-American adults. BMC Geriatr 2018; 18:238. [PMID: 30290768 PMCID: PMC6173851 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-018-0926-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2017] [Accepted: 09/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Inappropriate use of medications, particularly among minority older adults with co-morbidity, remains a major public health concern. The American Geriatrics Society (AGS) reports that Potentially Inappropriate Medication (PIM) continues to be prescribed for older adults, despite evidence of poor outcomes. The main objective of this study was to examine the prevalence of PIM use among underserved non-institutionalized hypertensive older African-American adults. Furthermore, this study examines potential correlations between PIM use and the number and type of chronic conditions. Methods This cross-sectional study is comprised of a convenience sample of 193 hypertensive non-institutionalized African-American adults, aged 65 years and older recruited from several senior housing units located in underserved areas of South Los Angeles. The updated 2015 AGS Beers Criteria was used to identify participants using PIMs. Results Almost one out of two participants had inappropriate medication use. While the average number of PIMs taken was 0.87 drugs, the range was from one to seven medications. Almost 23% of PIMs were due to drugs with potential drug-drug interactions. The most common PIM was the use of proton pump inhibitors (PPI) and Central Nervous System (CNS) active agents. Nearly 56% of PIMs potentially increased the risk of falls and fall-associated bone fractures. The use of PIMs was significantly higher among participants who reported a higher number of chronic conditions. Nearly 70% of participants with PIM use reported suffering from chronic pain. Conclusions The major reason for high levels of polypharmacy, PIMs, and drug interactions is that patients suffer from multiple chronic conditions. But it may not be possible or necessary to treat all chronic conditions. Therefore, the goals of care should be explicitly reviewed with the patient in order to determine which of the many chronic conditions has the greatest impact on the life goals and/or functional priorities of the patient. Those drugs that have a limited impact on the patient’s functional priorities and that may cause harmful drug-drug interactions can be reduced or eliminated, while the remaining medications can focus on the most important functional priorities of the patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohsen Bazargan
- Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, 1731 East 120th Street, Los Angeles, CA, 90005, USA. .,University of California, Los Angeles, USA.
| | - James L Smith
- Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, 1731 East 120th Street, Los Angeles, CA, 90005, USA
| | - Ebony O King
- Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, 1731 East 120th Street, Los Angeles, CA, 90005, USA.,University of California, Los Angeles, USA
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Amkreutz J, Lenssen R, Marx G, Deisz R, Eisert A. Medication safety in a German telemedicine centre: Implementation of a telepharmaceutical expert consultation in addition to existing tele-intensive care unit services. J Telemed Telecare 2018; 26:105-112. [PMID: 30253681 DOI: 10.1177/1357633x18799796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Introduction Tele-intensive care unit (tele-ICU) services offer the possibility to provide specialized medical care in remote areas and to improve patient outcomes. The aim of this study was to implement and evaluate an additional telepharmaceutical expert consultation as part of tele-ICU services. Methods This is a prospective observational study conducted in the telemedicine centre of the University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Germany. Between March and July 2015, all tele-ICU patients of one internal and two remote ICUs received telepharmaceutical consultation. Number and type of drug related problems (DRPs) were identified in a comprehensive medication safety check. Implementation of DRPs was discussed interdisciplinarily by tele-ICU pharmacist, tele-ICU physician and remote ICU physician. Special focus was on drug–drug interactions (DDIs) and dosage adjustment in renal and liver failure. Results A total of 210 DRPs in 103 patients were identified and discussed. On average, 2.0 (range 0–17) DRPs per patient were found. At least one DRP was found in 62% of patients. Antibacterials for systemic use were most involved in DRPs. A total of 1129 DDI-alerts were generated by ID PHARMA CHECK®. Fifty-six DDIs (5%) were discussed in tele-ICU rounds. The tele-ICU team discussed 28 cases of dosage adjustment in organ failure. Discussion Telepharmaceutical consultation as part of tele-ICU services was successfully implemented and can improve medication safety. Telemedicine infrastructure provides the possibility to implement guidelines recommending pharmaceutical service in the ICU in remote hospitals not having access to clinical pharmacists. Thus, quality of care can be improved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Amkreutz
- Hospital Pharmacy, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany.,Department of Intensive Care Medicine and Intermediate Care, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Rebekka Lenssen
- Hospital Pharmacy, University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Gernot Marx
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine and Intermediate Care, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Robert Deisz
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine and Intermediate Care, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Albrecht Eisert
- Hospital Pharmacy, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany.,Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical Faculty RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
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Rankin A, Cadogan CA, Patterson SM, Kerse N, Cardwell CR, Bradley MC, Ryan C, Hughes C. Interventions to improve the appropriate use of polypharmacy for older people. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2018; 9:CD008165. [PMID: 30175841 PMCID: PMC6513645 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd008165.pub4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 202] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Inappropriate polypharmacy is a particular concern in older people and is associated with negative health outcomes. Choosing the best interventions to improve appropriate polypharmacy is a priority, hence interest in appropriate polypharmacy, where many medicines may be used to achieve better clinical outcomes for patients, is growing. This is the second update of this Cochrane Review. OBJECTIVES To determine which interventions, alone or in combination, are effective in improving the appropriate use of polypharmacy and reducing medication-related problems in older people. SEARCH METHODS We searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL and two trials registers up until 7 February 2018, together with handsearching of reference lists to identify additional studies. SELECTION CRITERIA We included randomised trials, non-randomised trials, controlled before-after studies, and interrupted time series. Eligible studies described interventions affecting prescribing aimed at improving appropriate polypharmacy in people aged 65 years and older, prescribed polypharmacy (four or more medicines), which used a validated tool to assess prescribing appropriateness. These tools can be classified as either implicit tools (judgement-based/based on expert professional judgement) or explicit tools (criterion-based, comprising lists of drugs to be avoided in older people). DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two review authors independently reviewed abstracts of eligible studies, extracted data and assessed risk of bias of included studies. We pooled study-specific estimates, and used a random-effects model to yield summary estimates of effect and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). We assessed the overall certainty of evidence for each outcome using the GRADE approach. MAIN RESULTS We identified 32 studies, 20 from this update. Included studies consisted of 18 randomised trials, 10 cluster randomised trials (one of which was a stepped-wedge design), two non-randomised trials and two controlled before-after studies. One intervention consisted of computerised decision support (CDS); and 31 were complex, multi-faceted pharmaceutical-care based approaches (i.e. the responsible provision of medicines to improve patient's outcomes), one of which incorporated a CDS component as part of their multi-faceted intervention. Interventions were provided in a variety of settings. Interventions were delivered by healthcare professionals such as general physicians, pharmacists and geriatricians, and all were conducted in high-income countries. Assessments using the Cochrane 'Risk of bias' tool, found that there was a high and/or unclear risk of bias across a number of domains. Based on the GRADE approach, the overall certainty of evidence for each pooled outcome ranged from low to very low.It is uncertain whether pharmaceutical care improves medication appropriateness (as measured by an implicit tool), mean difference (MD) -4.76, 95% CI -9.20 to -0.33; 5 studies, N = 517; very low-certainty evidence). It is uncertain whether pharmaceutical care reduces the number of potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs), (standardised mean difference (SMD) -0.22, 95% CI -0.38 to -0.05; 7 studies; N = 1832; very low-certainty evidence). It is uncertain whether pharmaceutical care reduces the proportion of patients with one or more PIMs, (risk ratio (RR) 0.79, 95% CI 0.61 to 1.02; 11 studies; N = 3079; very low-certainty evidence). Pharmaceutical care may slightly reduce the number of potential prescribing omissions (PPOs) (SMD -0.81, 95% CI -0.98 to -0.64; 2 studies; N = 569; low-certainty evidence), however it must be noted that this effect estimate is based on only two studies, which had serious limitations in terms of risk bias. Likewise, it is uncertain whether pharmaceutical care reduces the proportion of patients with one or more PPOs (RR 0.40, 95% CI 0.18 to 0.85; 5 studies; N = 1310; very low-certainty evidence). Pharmaceutical care may make little or no difference in hospital admissions (data not pooled; 12 studies; N = 4052; low-certainty evidence). Pharmaceutical care may make little or no difference in quality of life (data not pooled; 12 studies; N = 3211; low-certainty evidence). Medication-related problems were reported in eight studies (N = 10,087) using different terms (e.g. adverse drug reactions, drug-drug interactions). No consistent intervention effect on medication-related problems was noted across studies. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS It is unclear whether interventions to improve appropriate polypharmacy, such as reviews of patients' prescriptions, resulted in clinically significant improvement; however, they may be slightly beneficial in terms of reducing potential prescribing omissions (PPOs); but this effect estimate is based on only two studies, which had serious limitations in terms of risk bias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Audrey Rankin
- Queen's University BelfastSchool of Pharmacy97 Lisburn RoadBelfastNorthern IrelandUKBT9 7BL
| | - Cathal A Cadogan
- Royal College of Surgeons in IrelandSchool of PharmacyDublinIreland
| | - Susan M Patterson
- No affiliationIntegrated Care40 Dunmore RoadBallynahinchNorthern IrelandUKBT24 8PR
| | - Ngaire Kerse
- University of AucklandDepartment of General Practice and Primary Health CarePrivate Bag 92019AucklandNew Zealand
| | - Chris R Cardwell
- Queen's University BelfastCentre for Public HealthSchool of MedicineDentistry and Biomedical SciencesBelfastNorthern IrelandUKBT12 6BJ
| | - Marie C Bradley
- National Cancer Institute9609 Medical Center DriveRockvilleMDUSA20850
| | - Cristin Ryan
- Trinity College DublinSchool of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences111 St Stephen’s GreenDublin 2Ireland
| | - Carmel Hughes
- Queen's University BelfastSchool of Pharmacy97 Lisburn RoadBelfastNorthern IrelandUKBT9 7BL
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Lenander C, Bondesson Å, Viberg N, Beckman A, Midlöv P. Effects of medication reviews on use of potentially inappropriate medications in elderly patients; a cross-sectional study in Swedish primary care. BMC Health Serv Res 2018; 18:616. [PMID: 30086742 PMCID: PMC6081800 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-018-3425-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2016] [Accepted: 07/29/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Drug use among the elderly population is generally extensive and the use of potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) is common, which increases the risk for drug-related problems (DRP). Medication reviews are one method to improve drug therapy by identifying, preventing and solving DRPs. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of medication reviews on total drug use and potentially inappropriate drug use in elderly patients, as well as describe the occurrence and types of drug-related problems. Method This was a cross-sectional analysis to study medication reviews conducted by trained clinical pharmacists followed by team-based discussions with general practitioners (GPs) and nurses, for elderly primary care patients in Skåne, Sweden. Included in the analysis were patients ≥75 years living in nursing homes or in their own homes with home care, who received a medication review during 2011–2012. Documented DRPs were described as both the type of DRPs and as pharmacists’ recommendations to the GP. The usage of ≥3 psychotropics and PIMs (antipsychotics, anticholinergics, long-acting benzodiazepines, tramadol and propiomazine) at baseline and after medication review were also studied. Results The analysis included a total of 1720 patients. They were on average aged 87.5 years, used typically 11.3 drugs (range 1–35) and 61% of them used 10 drugs or more. Of the patients, 84% had at least one DRP with a mean of 2.2 DRPs/patient. Of the DRPs, 12% were attributable to PIMs. The proportion of patients with ≥ one PIM was reduced significantly (p < 0.001) as was the use of ≥3 psychotropics (p < 0.001). The most common DRP was unnecessary drug therapy (39%), followed by dose too high (21%) and wrong drug (20%). Drug withdrawal was the most common result. Conclusion This study shows that medication reviews performed in everyday care are one way of improving drug use among elderly patients. The use of potentially inappropriate medications and use of three or more psychotropic drugs decreased after the medication review. Our study also shows that drug use is extensive in nursing home residents and elderly patients with homecare, and that unnecessary drug therapy is a common problem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia Lenander
- Department of Clinical Sciences in Malmö, Lund University, Jan Waldenströms gata 35, SE-205 02, Malmö, Sweden. .,Department of Medicines Management and Informatics, Region Skåne, Sweden.
| | - Åsa Bondesson
- Department of Clinical Sciences in Malmö, Lund University, Jan Waldenströms gata 35, SE-205 02, Malmö, Sweden.,Department of Medicines Management and Informatics, Region Skåne, Sweden
| | - Nina Viberg
- Department of Clinical Sciences in Malmö, Lund University, Jan Waldenströms gata 35, SE-205 02, Malmö, Sweden.,Department of Public Health Sciences, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
| | - Anders Beckman
- Department of Clinical Sciences in Malmö, Lund University, Jan Waldenströms gata 35, SE-205 02, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Patrik Midlöv
- Department of Clinical Sciences in Malmö, Lund University, Jan Waldenströms gata 35, SE-205 02, Malmö, Sweden
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Burt J, Elmore N, Campbell SM, Rodgers S, Avery AJ, Payne RA. Developing a measure of polypharmacy appropriateness in primary care: systematic review and expert consensus study. BMC Med 2018; 16:91. [PMID: 29895310 PMCID: PMC5998565 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-018-1078-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2018] [Accepted: 05/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Polypharmacy is an increasing challenge for primary care. Although sometimes clinically justified, polypharmacy can be inappropriate, leading to undesirable outcomes. Optimising care for polypharmacy necessitates effective targeting and monitoring of interventions. This requires a valid, reliable measure of polypharmacy, relevant for all patients, that considers clinical appropriateness and generic prescribing issues applicable across all medications. Whilst there are several existing measures of potentially inappropriate prescribing, these are not specifically designed with polypharmacy in mind, can require extensive clinical input to complete, and often cover a limited number of drugs. The aim of this study was to identify what experts consider to be the key elements of a measure of prescribing appropriateness in the context of polypharmacy. METHODS Firstly, we conducted a systematic review to identify generic (not drug specific) prescribing indicators relevant to polypharmacy appropriateness. Indicators were subject to content analysis to enable categorisation. Secondly, we convened a panel of 10 clinical experts to review the identified indicators and assess their relative clinical importance. For each indicator category, a brief evidence summary was developed, based on relevant clinical and indicator literature, clinical guidance, and opinions obtained from a separate patient discussion panel. A two-stage RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method was used to reach consensus amongst the panel on a core set of indicators of polypharmacy appropriateness. RESULTS We identified 20,879 papers for title/abstract screening, obtaining 273 full papers. We extracted 189 generic indicators, and presented 160 to the panel grouped into 18 classifications (e.g. adherence, dosage, clinical efficacy). After two stages, during which the panel introduced 18 additional indicators, there was consensus that 134 indicators were of clinical importance. Following the application of decision rules and further panel consultation, 12 indicators were placed into the final selection. Panel members particularly valued indicators concerned with adverse drug reactions, contraindications, drug-drug interactions, and the conduct of medication reviews. CONCLUSIONS We have identified a set of 12 indicators of clinical importance considered relevant to polypharmacy appropriateness. Use of these indicators in clinical practice and informatics systems is dependent on their operationalisation and their utility (e.g. risk stratification, targeting and monitoring polypharmacy interventions) requires subsequent evaluation. TRIAL REGISTRATION Registration number: PROSPERO ( CRD42016049176 ).
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenni Burt
- THIS Institute (The Healthcare Improvement Studies Institute), University of Cambridge, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Clifford Allbutt Building, Cambridge, CB2 0AH, UK.
| | - Natasha Elmore
- THIS Institute (The Healthcare Improvement Studies Institute), University of Cambridge, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Clifford Allbutt Building, Cambridge, CB2 0AH, UK
| | - Stephen M Campbell
- NIHR Greater Manchester Patient Safety Translational Research Centre, Division of Population Health, HSR & Primary Care, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Sarah Rodgers
- Division of Primary Care, University of Nottingham, Room 1312, Tower Building, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Anthony J Avery
- Division of Primary Care, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Dean's Office, B Floor, Medical School, Queens Medical Centre, Nottingham, NG7 2UH, UK
| | - Rupert A Payne
- Centre for Academic Primary Care, Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Canynge Hall, 39 Whatley Road, Bristol, BS8 2PS, UK
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Dimitrow M, Puustinen J, Viikari P, Puumalainen E, Vahlberg T, Airaksinen MSA, Kivelä SL. Can Practical Nurses Identify Older Home Care Clients at Risk of Drug-Related Problems-Geriatricians' Appraisal of Their Risk Screenings: A Pilot Study. J Pharm Technol 2018; 34:99-108. [PMID: 34861022 PMCID: PMC6580731 DOI: 10.1177/8755122518756332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Home care (HC) clients are increasingly older, have many chronic diseases, and use multiple medicines and thus are at high risk for drug-related problems (DRPs). Objective: Establish the sensitivity of practical nurse (PN) administered DRP risk assessment tool (DRP-RAT) compared with geriatrician's assessment of the medical record. Identify the clinically most significant DRPs needing action. Methods: Twenty-six PNs working in HC of Härkätie Health Center in Lieto, Finland, 46 HC clients (≥65 years), and a geriatrician participated in this pilot study. The geriatrician reviewed HC clients' medications using 3 different methods. The reviews were based on the following: (1) the PN's risk screening (ie, PN-completed DRP-RAT) and medication list, (2) health center's medical records, and (3) methods 1 and 2 together. The main outcome was the number of "at-risk patients" (ie, the patient is at risk of clinically significant DRPs) by using each review method. Secondary outcomes were clinically most significant DRP-risk predicting factors identified by the geriatrician. Results: The geriatrician reviewed 45 clients' medications using all 3 methods. Based on PN-completed DRP-RAT and medication list, 93% (42/45) of the clients were classified as "at-risk patients." Two other review methods resulted in 45/45 (100%) "at-risk patients." Symptoms suggestive of adverse drug reactions were the most significant risk predicting factors. Small sample size limits the generalizability of the results. Conclusions: The PN-completed DRP-RAT was able to provide clinically important timely patient information for clinical decision making. DRP-RAT could make it possible to more effectively involve PNs in medication risk management among older HC clients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Juha Puustinen
- University of Helsinki, Helsinki,
Finland
- Satakunta Central Hospital, Pori,
Finland
| | | | | | | | | | - Sirkka-Liisa Kivelä
- University of Helsinki, Helsinki,
Finland
- University of Turku, Turku,
Finland
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Hazen A, de Groot E, de Gier H, Damoiseaux R, Zwart D, Leendertse A. Design of a 15-month interprofessional workplace learning program to expand the added value of clinical pharmacists in primary care. CURRENTS IN PHARMACY TEACHING & LEARNING 2018; 10:618-626. [PMID: 29986822 DOI: 10.1016/j.cptl.2018.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2017] [Revised: 09/18/2017] [Accepted: 01/30/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Clinical pharmacists who work in the general practice settings bring an improvement to patient care and outcomes. Postgraduate training for an independent clinical role does not often occur in the primary health care setting. When it does, the design of the curriculum is infrequently based on interprofessional workplace learning principles and it does not always integrate practical experience with classroom-based learning activities. This could lead to situations where clinical pharmacists are insufficiently trained to apply clinical reasoning skills and direct patient care in the general practice setting. EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITY AND SETTING A program was designed, including competencies and learning objectives, based on results from focus group interviews with stakeholders and the literature on interprofessional workplace learning. Ten participants were selected for a pilot run of the program and were asked several times for their opinion about the program. FINDINGS A 15-month training program was offered to pharmacists who became clinical pharmacists with the responsibility to perform patient consultations in general practice. The program was based on interprofessional workplace learning principles and facilitated the participants' skill in connecting the evidence, the patients' perspective and their own professional perspective. The 10 participating pharmacists were satisfied with the program. DISCUSSION AND SUMMARY The training program provided increased opportunities to clinical pharmacists to add value in general practice. The training program enabled pharmacists to advance their skills in direct patient care and to improve the alignment between different professionals in the primary care domain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ankie Hazen
- University Medical Centre Utrecht (UMCU) Julius Centre for Health Sciences and Primary Care, Universiteitsweg 100, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - Esther de Groot
- University Medical Centre Utrecht (UMCU) Julius Centre for Health Sciences and Primary Care, Universiteitsweg 100, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - Han de Gier
- University of Groningen - Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, Unit of PharmacoTherapy, Epidemiology & Economics, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Roger Damoiseaux
- University Medical Centre Utrecht (UMCU) Julius Centre for Health Sciences and Primary Care, Universiteitsweg 100, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - Dorien Zwart
- University Medical Centre Utrecht (UMCU) Julius Centre for Health Sciences and Primary Care, Universiteitsweg 100, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - Anne Leendertse
- University Medical Centre Utrecht (UMCU) Julius Centre for Health Sciences and Primary Care, Universiteitsweg 100, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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Alipour F, Peiravian F, Mehralian G. Perceptions, experiences and expectations of physicians regarding the role of pharmacists in low-income and middle-income countries: the case of Tehran hospital settings. BMJ Open 2018; 8:e019237. [PMID: 29420231 PMCID: PMC5829860 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2017-019237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2017] [Revised: 12/22/2017] [Accepted: 01/03/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Pharmacists play a pivotal role in the health continuum, and the perceptions and expectations of physicians towards pharmacists have been reported as a key factor in the interprofessional relationship. This study aimed to elicit the perceptions and expectations of physicians towards the role of pharmacists in hospitals to clarify the level of interaction between physicians and pharmacists in hospital settings. DESIGN A cross-sectional survey using a self-administered questionnaire was conducted to collect data in 2016. METHODS A cross-sectional study was carried out at 20 large government hospitals in Tehran Province. Data was collected using a questionnaire consisting of four sections. It includes a section on demographic profile and three sections to measure the perceptions of physicians towards pharmacists, the expectations of physicians and their experiences with pharmacists, respectively. RESULTS More than two-thirds of physicians (67.2%) agreed that pharmacists were a reliable source of general drug information. The majority of physicians (90.6%) expected pharmacists to advise their patients about the dose and administration of their medications. Almost half of the physicians (51.6%) agreed that they were usually informed by pharmacists regarding potential problems in their prescriptions. Both senior and junior residents had the view that pharmacists would inform them if any potential problems with their prescriptions were discovered (P=0.04). CONCLUSION This study demonstrated that physicians had positive view on pharmacists' clinically defined roles and also accepted pharmacists as a valuable source of general drug information. However, the perceptions and expectations of physicians towards pharmacists did not match their real experience. Therefore, improving the awareness of physicians about the benefits of interprofessional collaboration with pharmacists seems to be a key step towards the implementation of pharmaceutical care practices in Iran.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Alipour
- Department of Pharmacoeconomics and Pharma Management, School of Pharmacy, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran
| | - Farzad Peiravian
- Department of Pharmacoeconomics and Pharma Management, School of Pharmacy, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran
| | - Gholamhossein Mehralian
- Department of Pharmacoeconomics and Pharma Management, School of Pharmacy, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran
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Prescription of potentially inappropriate medications to older adults. A nationwide survey at dispensing pharmacies in Japan. Arch Gerontol Geriatr 2017; 77:8-12. [PMID: 29587175 DOI: 10.1016/j.archger.2017.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2017] [Revised: 11/30/2017] [Accepted: 12/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Prescriptions to older adults were surveyed to elucidate factors associated with potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) in Japan. METHODS Adults aged ≥65 years, who were prescribed medications at 585 dispensing pharmacies across Japan, participated (N = 180,673). Data were collected between October 1 and October 31, 2014. RESULTS Proportion of polypharmacy and that of PIMs increased with age (p < 0.001). Analgesic drugs were most commonly prescribed for the older adults aged 65-74 years, whereas benzodiazepines were prescribed most commonly for those aged over 75 years. A logistic regression analysis revealed that the increase of PIMs was explained by polypharmacy and mainly the use of central nervous systems (CNS) and psychotropic drugs. CONCLUSIONS The increased prevalence of polypharmacy with age and the common use of CNS and psychotropic medications account for the PIMs in old age in the current nationwide survey.
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Schoenmakers TWA, Teichert M, Wensing M, de Smet PAGM. Evaluation of Potentially Drug-Related Patient-Reported Common Symptoms Assessed During Clinical Medication Reviews: A Cross-Sectional Observational Study. Drug Saf 2017; 40:419-430. [PMID: 28205099 PMCID: PMC5384965 DOI: 10.1007/s40264-017-0504-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Introduction Healthcare professionals tend to consider common non-alarming drug-related symptoms to be of little clinical relevance. However, such symptoms can have a substantial impact on the individual patient. Insight into patient-reported symptoms could aid pharmacists to identify improvements in medication treatment, for instance in the patient interview at the start of a clinical medication review (CMR). Objective The objectives of this study were to describe the numbers and types of patient-reported symptoms assessed during a CMR and to elucidate their potential association with the drugs in use. Methods This observational study was performed using data from a clinical trial on patient-reported outcomes of CMRs. Patients taking at least five drugs and who were eligible for a CMR were selected by 15 community pharmacies. Patients were asked to fill in a structured instrument, the Patient Reported Outcome Measure, Inquiry into Side Effects (PROMISE). Among other domains, this instrument offers a list of 22 symptom categories to report symptoms and their relationship with the drugs in use. The results of the PROMISE instrument together with information on patients’ actual drug use were available for analysis. Besides descriptive analysis, associations with side effects as listed in the summary of product characteristics (SPC) of the drugs in use were assessed with logistic regression analysis. Results Of the 180 patients included, 168 patients (93.3%) reported at least one symptom via the PROMISE instrument, which could be discussed with the pharmacist during the patient interview. In total, the patients reported 1102 symptoms in 22 symptom categories. Of these patients, 101 (56.1%) assumed that at one or more of the symptoms experienced were related to the drugs in use and 107 (59.4%) reported at least one symptom that corresponded to a ‘very common’ side effect listed in the SPC of a drug in use. Each additional drug in use with a specific symptom listed as a ‘very common’ side effect in its SPC statistically significantly increased the probability of a patient reporting the symptoms of ‘dry mouth/thirst, mouth complaints’, ‘constipation’, ‘diarrhoea’ and ‘sweating’. Conclusion Many patient-reported symptoms and symptoms potentially related to drugs in use were identified by administering the PROMISE instrument to users of at least five drugs being taking long-term. This information can be used in CMRs to improve patients’ drug therapy. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s40264-017-0504-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim W A Schoenmakers
- Department of IQ Healthcare, Radboud university medical center, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, PO Box 9101, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
- Zorgapotheek Nederland BV, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - Martina Teichert
- Department of IQ Healthcare, Radboud university medical center, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, PO Box 9101, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Toxicology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Michel Wensing
- Department of IQ Healthcare, Radboud university medical center, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, PO Box 9101, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Department of General Practice and Health Services Research, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Peter A G M de Smet
- Department of IQ Healthcare, Radboud university medical center, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, PO Box 9101, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Radboud university medical center, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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40
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Schoenmakers TWA, Wensing M, De Smet PAGM, Teichert M. Patient-reported common symptoms as an assessment of interventions in medication reviews: a randomised, controlled trial. Int J Clin Pharm 2017; 40:126-134. [PMID: 29209863 PMCID: PMC5840243 DOI: 10.1007/s11096-017-0575-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2017] [Accepted: 11/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Background A 'Patient-Reported Outcome Measure, Inquiry into Side Effects' (PROMISE) instrument was developed for patients to report common symptoms in clinical medication reviews. Objective To determine changes in patient-reported drug-associated symptoms collected by PROMISE before and after community pharmacist-led clinical medication reviews compared with usual care. Setting Community pharmacies in the Netherlands. Methods Patients were randomised into an intervention group (IG) and a control group (CG). PROMISE was used to collect symptoms experienced during the previous month, and any suspected drug-associated symptoms from both groups at baseline and at follow-up after 3 months. IG patients received a one-time clinical medication review, while CG patients received usual care. Main outcome measure Mean number of drug-associated symptoms at follow-up. Results Measurements were completed by 78 IG and 67 CG patients from 15 community pharmacies. Mean numbers of drug-associated symptoms per patient at follow-up were 4.0 in the IG and 5.0 in the CG, with an incident rate ratio between the groups of 0.90 (95% CI 0.62-1.33). Mean numbers of drug-associated symptoms per patient reported at follow-up and persisting since baseline were 2.1 in the IG and 2.6 in the CG, with an incident rate ratio of 0.85 (95% CI 0.43-1.42). The lowest percentages of persisting drug-associated symptoms detected in the IG were 'palpitations' and 'stomach pain, dyspepsia' while in the CG they were 'stomach pain, dyspepsia' and 'trembling, shivering'. Conclusion PROMISE provided meaningful information on drug-associated symptoms in clinical medication reviews, however the number of drug-associated symptoms was not reduced by performing clinical medication reviews compared with usual care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim W A Schoenmakers
- Department of IQ Healthcare, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, PO Box 9101, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, The Netherlands. .,Zorgapotheek Nederland BV, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - Michel Wensing
- Department of IQ Healthcare, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, PO Box 9101, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.,Department of General Practice and Health Services Research, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Peter A G M De Smet
- Department of IQ Healthcare, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, PO Box 9101, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.,Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Martina Teichert
- Department of IQ Healthcare, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, PO Box 9101, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.,Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Toxicology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
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41
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Koyama T, Onoue H, Ohshima A, Tanaka Y, Tatebe Y, Zamami Y, Shinomiya K, Kitamura Y. Trends in the medication reviews of community pharmacies in Japan: a nationwide retrospective study. Int J Clin Pharm 2017; 40:101-108. [PMID: 29189975 DOI: 10.1007/s11096-017-0559-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2017] [Accepted: 11/02/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Background The trends in medication reviews made by community pharmacies in Japan are currently unknown. Objective We aimed to comprehensively describe the national trends in medication reviews in Japan's community pharmacies in the backdrop of the country's ageing population. Setting Community pharmacies in Japan. Methods We analysed national health insurance claims data for 2010-2015. These data were provided by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare as part of the Survey of Medical Care Activities in Public Health Insurance. Main outcome measures The national trends in community pharmacy visits involving medicine dispensing and medication reviews that involve consultations with a physician. Results Among the 365 million pharmacy visits for 2010-2015, we identified 373,429 medication reviews accompanied by consultations with a physician. The pharmacy visit rate per 1000 population increased from 427.2 in 2010 to 483.7 in 2015. Medication reviews also increased from 407 per million pharmacy visits in 2010 to 1445 in 2015. Among the 373,429 medication reviews during the study period, the prescription was changed through collaboration with a physician 338,982 times (90.4%). The proportion of medication review acceptance increased from 80.6% in 2010 to 94.8% in 2015. The prescription change rate was higher among older patients than among younger ones. Conclusions Medication reviews by community pharmacists involving consultations with a physician increased in Japan from 2010 to 2015, as did prescription changes following these reviews.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toshihiro Koyama
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Graduate school of Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama, Japan. .,Clinical Pharmacy Education and Research Center, Graduate school of Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama, Japan.
| | - Hiroshi Onoue
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biomedicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama, Japan.,Department of Drug Information, Pharmacy Co., Ltd., Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Ayako Ohshima
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biomedicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama, Japan
| | - Yuri Tanaka
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biomedicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama, Japan
| | - Yasuhisa Tatebe
- Department of Pharmacy, Okayama University Hospital, Okayama, Japan
| | - Yoshito Zamami
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Kazuaki Shinomiya
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Graduate school of Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama, Japan.,Clinical Pharmacy Education and Research Center, Graduate school of Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama, Japan
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Wolters M, van Hulten R, Blom L, Bouvy ML. Exploring the concept of patient centred communication for the pharmacy practice. Int J Clin Pharm 2017; 39:1145-1156. [PMID: 28887610 PMCID: PMC5694524 DOI: 10.1007/s11096-017-0508-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2017] [Accepted: 07/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Background Patient centred communication can improve pharmaceutical care, but is not well described for pharmacists. Aim of the review To provide a comprehensive and accessible overview of the concept of patient centred communication for the pharmacy practice. Method A scoping review and thematic analysis was undertaken to synthesize the extracted data and present it in a model. Results Literature search and selection resulted in eighteen articles. Thematic analysis of the extracted data led to five categories regarding patient centred communication. Two categories refer to phases of a pharmaceutical consultation: (1) shared problem defining and (2) shared decision making; three refer to underlying concepts and assumptions about patient centredness regarding (3) the patient, (4) the pharmacist and (5) the therapeutic relation. The categories were modelled in the so called Utrecht’s Model for Patient centred communication in the Pharmacy. Conclusion Although there might be barriers to implement patient centred communication in the pharmacy, the concept of patient centred communication as described in the literature is relevant for the pharmacy practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Majanne Wolters
- Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Science, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, PO Box 80082, 3508 TB, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - Rolf van Hulten
- Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Science, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, PO Box 80082, 3508 TB, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Lyda Blom
- Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Science, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, PO Box 80082, 3508 TB, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Marcel L Bouvy
- Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Science, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, PO Box 80082, 3508 TB, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Dauphinot V, Jean-Bart E, Krolak-Salmon P, Mouchoux C. A multi-center, randomized, controlled trial to assess the efficacy of optimization of drug prescribing in an elderly population, at 18 months of follow-up, in the evolution of functional autonomy: the OPTIM study protocol. BMC Geriatr 2017; 17:195. [PMID: 28854884 PMCID: PMC5577682 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-017-0600-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2017] [Accepted: 08/24/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pharmacotherapy is necessary for the management of many diseases which number increased with aging. However, potentially inappropriate prescriptions and polymedication increases iatrogenic risks and can lead to adverse events. To limit the consequences of potentially harmful prescriptions, optimization of drug prescribing is a major stake of improving quality and safety of care in the elderly. The purpose of the OPTIM study is to study the impact of the optimization of drug prescribing on the evolution of functional autonomy at 18 months of follow-up. METHODS A multicenter, open-label, Randomized Controlled Trial was designed to assess the impact of an optimization program of drug prescribing consisting in a clinical medication review by a pharmacist, in collaboration with specialist physician of the geriatric/memory center and the referent physician, on the evolution of functional autonomy level, measured during 18 months of follow-up. The study will include 302 elderly outpatients visiting geriatric and memory centers, randomly distributed in one of the two parallel groups. One group will benefit of the intervention, while the other will be considered as control group. The effect of the intervention on evolution of the level of autonomy function, defined with repeated measures, will be estimated in a generalized linear mixed model. The intervention will be considered significant if the interaction between time and the study group is significant. Secondary analysis will be conducted to assess the impact of the intervention on secondary clinical outcomes. DISCUSSION The "OPTIM" program should enable optimization of drug prescribing in elderly patients and therefore slow or prevent progression to loss of functional autonomy. It should also help to strengthen collaboration between the hospital team of geriatric/neurologist, the pharmacist and the private practice who are all involved in caring for the patient's health. The benefits for the patient are thus optimizing its medical management by linking health professionals met during his care pathway. In addition, pharmaceutical recommendations sent to referent physicians should help raise awareness of the prescription of drugs in these patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER CLINICALTRIALS NCT02740764.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginie Dauphinot
- Memory Research Centre of Lyon (CMRR); Geriatrics Unit, Charpennes Hospital, University Hospital of Lyon, Villeurbanne, France. .,Research Clinic Centre (CRC) - VCF (Aging - Brain - Frailty), Charpennes Hospital, University Hospital of Lyon, Villeurbanne, France. .,Hôpital des Charpennes, 27 rue Gabriel Péri, 69100, Villeurbanne, France.
| | - Elodie Jean-Bart
- Research Clinic Centre (CRC) - VCF (Aging - Brain - Frailty), Charpennes Hospital, University Hospital of Lyon, Villeurbanne, France.,Pharmacy department, Charpennes Hospital, University Hospital of Lyon, Villeurbanne, France
| | - Pierre Krolak-Salmon
- Memory Research Centre of Lyon (CMRR); Geriatrics Unit, Charpennes Hospital, University Hospital of Lyon, Villeurbanne, France.,Research Clinic Centre (CRC) - VCF (Aging - Brain - Frailty), Charpennes Hospital, University Hospital of Lyon, Villeurbanne, France.,University Lyon 1, INSERM, U1028; UMR CNRS 5292, Research Centre of Neurosciences of Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Christelle Mouchoux
- Research Clinic Centre (CRC) - VCF (Aging - Brain - Frailty), Charpennes Hospital, University Hospital of Lyon, Villeurbanne, France.,Pharmacy department, Charpennes Hospital, University Hospital of Lyon, Villeurbanne, France.,University Lyon 1, INSERM, U1028; UMR CNRS 5292, Research Centre of Neurosciences of Lyon, Lyon, France.,University Lyon 1, ISPB, Pharmacie Clinique, Pharmacocinétique et Évaluation du Médicament, Lyon, France
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44
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Cross AJ, Elliott RA, George J. Interventions for improving medication-taking ability and adherence in older adults prescribed multiple medications. THE COCHRANE DATABASE OF SYSTEMATIC REVIEWS 2016. [DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd012419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Amanda J Cross
- Monash University; Centre for Medicine Use and Safety, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences; Parkville VIC Australia 3052
| | - Rohan A Elliott
- Monash University; Centre for Medicine Use and Safety, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences; Parkville VIC Australia 3052
- Austin Health; Pharmacy Department; Heidelberg Victoria Australia 3084
| | - Johnson George
- Monash University; Centre for Medicine Use and Safety, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences; Parkville VIC Australia 3052
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45
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Greißing C, Kössler K, Freyer J, Hüter L, Buchal P, Schiek S, Bertsche T. The status of the performance of medication reviews in German community pharmacies and assessment of the practical performance. Int J Clin Pharm 2016; 38:1425-1435. [DOI: 10.1007/s11096-016-0381-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2016] [Accepted: 09/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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46
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Elliott RA. Geriatric medicine and pharmacy practice: a historical perspective. JOURNAL OF PHARMACY PRACTICE AND RESEARCH 2016. [DOI: 10.1002/jppr.1214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Rohan A. Elliott
- Pharmacy Department; Austin Health; Heidelberg Victoria Australia
- Centre for Medicine Use and Safety; Monash University; Parkville Victoria Australia
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47
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Jokanovic N, Tan EC, van den Bosch D, Kirkpatrick CM, Dooley MJ, Bell JS. Clinical medication review in Australia: A systematic review. Res Social Adm Pharm 2016; 12:384-418. [DOI: 10.1016/j.sapharm.2015.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2015] [Revised: 06/26/2015] [Accepted: 06/26/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Gálvez-Barrón C, Narvaiza L, Dapena MD, Macho O, Rodríguez-Molinero A. Prevalence and treatment of pain in non-institutionalized very old population: transversal study at national level. Aging Clin Exp Res 2016; 28:347-53. [PMID: 26025464 DOI: 10.1007/s40520-015-0387-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2015] [Accepted: 05/20/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Europe, there is no conclusive data at national level about pain prevalence in non-institutionalized very old population. In USA, it has recently been reported a high prevalence (56 %); however, this data can not be extrapolated to other regions because the known influence of geographical and ethnic differences. Furthermore there are few data on use of treatments for pain in this population. AIMS To explore prevalence and considered pharmacological treatments for pain in this population. METHODS Transversal study on 551 participants aged 80 or more living in Spain (non-institutionalized). Probabilistic multistage sampling was carried out, stratified by sex and place of residence. All Spanish regions were considered for recruitment process. Pain (last 4 weeks), intensity (Face Pain Scale), localization and pharmacological treatments were evaluated by in-person interviews. RESULTS Pain's prevalence was 52.5 % (CI 95 % 48.28-56.80) and 38.5 % experienced pain of at least moderate intensity. The most frequently involved body regions were lower limbs (26.6 %) and dorso-lumbar region (21.9 %). Only 40 % of participants with pain and 43.2 % with moderate or severe pain used analgesics, and paracetamol was less frequently used than non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs at any pain intensity. Age was not associated with higher prevalence [odds ratios 0.97 (CI 95 % 0.93-1.02) in females and 0.99 (CI 95 % 0.92-1.06) in males]. CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of pain in non-institutionalized very old people is high. Pain is probably being undertreated, even moderate or severe pain. Guideline's recommendations are probably not being considered to select the analgesic therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- César Gálvez-Barrón
- Clinical Research Unit, Hospital Sant Antoni Abat, Fundació Privada Sant Antoni Abat, C/ Sant Josep 21-23, Vilanova i la Geltrú, 08800, Barcelona, Spain.
- Geriatrics Department, Consorci Sanitari del Garraf, Vilanova i la Geltrú, 08800, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Leire Narvaiza
- Geriatrics Department, Consorci Sanitari del Garraf, Vilanova i la Geltrú, 08800, Barcelona, Spain
| | - María D Dapena
- Geriatrics Department, Consorci Sanitari del Garraf, Vilanova i la Geltrú, 08800, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Oscar Macho
- Geriatrics Department, Consorci Sanitari del Garraf, Vilanova i la Geltrú, 08800, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alejandro Rodríguez-Molinero
- Clinical Research Unit, Hospital Sant Antoni Abat, Fundació Privada Sant Antoni Abat, C/ Sant Josep 21-23, Vilanova i la Geltrú, 08800, Barcelona, Spain
- Geriatrics Department, Consorci Sanitari del Garraf, Vilanova i la Geltrú, 08800, Barcelona, Spain
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Basheti IA, Al-Qudah RA, Obeidat NM, Bulatova NR. Home medication management review in outpatients with chronic diseases in Jordan: a randomized control trial. Int J Clin Pharm 2016; 38:404-13. [PMID: 26960406 DOI: 10.1007/s11096-016-0266-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2015] [Accepted: 02/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Medication Management Review (MMR) is a patient-focused, structured and collaborative health care service provided in the community setting to optimize patient understanding and quality use of medicines. OBJECTIVE To conduct a randomized control trial of the MMR program in Jordan, by a pharmacist identifying treatment related problems (TRPs) through home visits, assessing type and frequency of TRPs, and eventual effect of resolving TRPs identified by the pharmacist and accepted by the physician on the health status of participating patients. SETTING Outpatient clinic at the Jordan University Hospital, Amman, Jordan. METHOD Consecutive patients from outpatient clinics who were eligible for the study were recruited and randomly distributed into two groups (control and intervention). All patients were visited at home by the pharmacist who delivered only for intervention group counseling regarding self-reported adherence, frequency of monitoring and education regarding pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapy. After identifying TRPs, the pharmacist sent a letter to the physician with certain recommendations for patients in the intervention group only. Physician ticked the approved recommendations and returned the report to the pharmacist, allowing the pharmacist to convey the approved changes to the patients. Patients were referred back to their physicians for confirmation of any changes in treatment. Both groups were reassessed after 2-3 months during their regular follow-up visits to their physicians. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE To assess the impact of home medication review on the number of TRPs and self-reported adherence in outpatients with chronic diseases via hospital-based clinics in Jordan. RESULTS A total of 158 TRPs were identified in 112 patients; mean TRP number was 1.63 per patient. As a result of the pharmacist intervention, there was a significant decrease in number of TRPs in the intervention group, the change in the mean was (1.23 (±1.19), P < 0.001) versus the control group (0.29 (±1.24), P = 0.114). After 3 months, a reduction in non-adherence was observed in the intervention (-0.81 (±1.48), P < 0.001) in contrast to no change in self-reported adherence in the control (0.22 (± 1.12), P = 0.168) group. CONCLUSION Overall, home-based medication review for patients with chronic conditions decreased the total number of TRPs and improved patient self-reported adherence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iman A Basheti
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, Applied Sciences University, Amman, Jordan.
| | - Rajaa A Al-Qudah
- Department of Biopharmaceutics and Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Nathir M Obeidat
- Department of Internal Medicine, Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Jordan & Jordan University Hospital, Amman, Jordan
| | - Nailya R Bulatova
- Department of Biopharmaceutics and Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
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Willeboordse F, Hugtenburg JG, Schellevis FG, Elders PJM. Patient participation in medication reviews is desirable but not evidence-based: a systematic literature review. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2015; 78:1201-16. [PMID: 24698145 DOI: 10.1111/bcp.12398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2013] [Accepted: 03/28/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM The aim of this systematic literature review is to investigate which types of patient participation in medication reviews have been practiced and what is known about the effects of patient participation within the medication review process. METHODS A systematic literature review was performed in multiple databases using an extensive selection and quality assessment procedure. RESULTS In total, 37 articles were included and most were assessed with a weak or moderate quality. In all studies patient participation in medication reviews was limited to the level of information giving by the patient to the professional, mainly on actual drug use. Nine studies showed limited results of effects of patient participation on the identification of drug related problems. CONCLUSIONS The effects of patient participation are not frequently studied and poorly described in current literature. Nevertheless, involving patients can improve patients' knowledge, satisfaction and the identification of drug related problems. Patient involvement is now limited to information sharing. The profit of higher levels of patient communication and shared decision making is until now, not supported by evidence of its effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Floor Willeboordse
- Department of General Practice & Elderly Care Medicine, EMGO+ Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; NIVEL, (Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research), Utrecht, The Netherlands
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