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Tilli T, Mathers A, Lin Q, Bhaidani S, Baker J, Wei L, Grootendorst P, Cadarette SM, Dolovich L. The appointment-based model in community pharmacies: Patient demographics and reimbursable clinical services uptake in Ontario. Can Pharm J (Ott) 2024; 157:143-152. [PMID: 38737357 PMCID: PMC11086738 DOI: 10.1177/17151635241241686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
Background Community pharmacies typically require patients to request medication refills. The appointment-based model (ABM) is a proactive approach that synchronizes refills and schedules patient-pharmacist appointments. These appointments provide opportunities for medication reviews, medication optimization and health promotion services. The primary aim of this study was to describe the types of patients who received an ABM service in a community pharmacy in Ontario in 2017. The secondary aim was to describe reimbursable clinical service uptake. Methods In September 2017, the ABM was implemented across 3 Ontario community pharmacies within a Canadian pharmacy banner. Patients who filled at least 1 chronic oral medication and consented to enrolment were eligible. In December 2018, data were extracted from pharmacies using pharmacy management software. Descriptive statistics and frequencies were generated. Results Analysis of 131 patients (51.1% female; mean ± SD age 70.8 ± 10.5 years) revealed patients were dispensed a mean ± SD of 5.1 ± 2.7 medications, and 73 (55.7%) experienced polypharmacy. Hypertension (87.8%) and dyslipidemia (68.7%) were the most common medical conditions. There were 74 (56.5%) patients who received ≥1 medication review service (MedsCheck). Of 79 unique drug therapy problems (DTPs) identified, the most common categories related to patients needing additional drug therapy and adverse drug reactions. Discussion and conclusion Patients enrolled in the ABM were generally older adults experiencing polypharmacy. The ABM presented opportunities for DTP identification and delivery of reimbursed services. Findings support continued exploration of the ABM to support integration of clinical services within community practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiana Tilli
- Wholehealth Pharmacy Partners, Markham, Ontario
| | - Annalise Mathers
- Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario
| | - Qiqi Lin
- Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario
| | | | - Jen Baker
- Wholehealth Pharmacy Partners, Markham, Ontario
| | - Louis Wei
- Wholehealth Pharmacy Partners, Markham, Ontario
| | - Paul Grootendorst
- Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario
| | | | - Lisa Dolovich
- Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario
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2
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Bobrova V, Fialová D, Desselle S, Heinämäki J, Volmer D. Identifying Potential Drug-Related Problems Among Geriatric Patients With Use of an Integrated Clinical Decision Support Tool. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:761787. [PMID: 35418859 PMCID: PMC8995559 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.761787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Drug-related problems (DRPs) which arise from potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) are a common problem in older people with multi-morbidity and polypharmacy. Aim: To develop an integrated PIM clinical decision support tool for identification of DRPs in geriatric multi-morbid polypharmacy patients, using the EU(7)-PIM and EURO-FORTA lists, with a focus on high-risk medications. Methods: The integrated PIM tool used the information on PIMs in both databases—the EU(7)-PIM and EURO-FORTA. PIMs were classified into four color groups based on risk profile: high-risk PIMs (should be avoided in older patients) as red, moderate-risk PIMs (require dose and/or treatment duration adjustment) as yellow, low-risk PIMs (low DRP risk) as green, and questionable PIMs (incomplete/missing information) as grey. Results: The summarized list of the high-risk (red and some grey) PIMs contained 81 active substances and medication classes. According to the ATC classification, most of the high-risk PIMs (n = 60, 74.1%) belong to the A, C, and N medication groups and 50.6% (n = 41) of the high-risk PIMs have currently marketing authorization in Estonia. The preliminary list of the moderate- and low-risk (yellow, green, and other grey) PIMs contained 240 active substances and medication classes, but sub-classification of this category into one or another group depends mainly on an individual patient´s clinical characteristics in a concrete analyzed study sample and needs further research. Conclusion: The integrated clinical decision support tool based on the EU(7)-PIM and EURO-FORTA criteria addresses the need for more efficient identification of DRPs. It can be applied to identify PIMs and geriatric prescribing problems in different health care settings, and also in a context of little clinical information available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veera Bobrova
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Pharmacy, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Daniela Fialová
- Department of Social and Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Králové, Charles University, Prague, Czechia.,Department of Geriatrics and Gerontology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Shane Desselle
- Touro University California College of Pharmacy, Vallejo, CA, United States
| | - Jyrki Heinämäki
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Pharmacy, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Daisy Volmer
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Pharmacy, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
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Miller MJ, Pammett RT. A scoping review of research on Canadian team-based primary care pharmacists. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACY PRACTICE 2021; 29:106-115. [PMID: 33729533 DOI: 10.1093/ijpp/riaa021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES An ageing population with an increasing prevalence of chronic disease and complex medication regimens has placed a strain on healthcare systems in Canada. A limited number of team-based primary care pharmacists are integrated into primary care clinics across the country, working alongside other members of the health care team to identify and resolve drug therapy problems and improve outcomes. While many studies have been completed in the area, the extent of research on integrated team-based primary care pharmacists in Canada is unknown. The objectives of this work were to describe the literature that exists surrounding pharmacists in a primary health care team setting in Canada. A scoping review of research focusing on pharmacists in team-based primary health care settings in Canada was performed. Thematic analysis was then performed to categorize the identified studies. KEY FINDINGS The search identified 874 articles, of which 93 met inclusion criteria relevant to the objective. From these 93 studies, 4 themes and 23 subthemes were identified, with some studies having more than one theme or subtheme. Themes identified were the following: primary care pharmacist scope of practice (n = 79 studies), collaboration/communication within the primary care setting (n = 26), chronic disease management (n = 24) and 'other' (n = 15). SUMMARY This research quantified and categorized 93 studies on pharmacists in interprofessional primary care teams in Canada. As this is an expanding role for pharmacists in Canada, understanding the current state of the literature is an important consideration when developing future team-based primary care roles.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Robert T Pammett
- Northern Health Authority, Prince George, British Columbia, Canada.,Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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4
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Syafhan NF, Al Azzam S, Williams SD, Wilson W, Brady J, Lawrence P, McCrudden M, Ahmed M, Scott MG, Fleming G, Hogg A, Scullin C, Horne R, Ahir H, McElnay JC. General practitioner practice-based pharmacist input to medicines optimisation in the UK: pragmatic, multicenter, randomised, controlled trial. J Pharm Policy Pract 2021; 14:4. [PMID: 33397509 PMCID: PMC7784025 DOI: 10.1186/s40545-020-00279-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Changing demographics across the UK has led to general practitioners (GPs) managing increasing numbers of older patients with multi-morbidity and resultant polypharmacy. Through government led initiatives within the National Health Service, an increasing number of GP practices employ pharmacist support. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the impact of a medicines optimisation intervention, delivered by GP practice-based pharmacists, to patients at risk of medication-related problems (MRPs), on patient outcomes and healthcare costs. METHODS A multi-centre, randomised (normal care or pharmacist supplemented care) study in four regions of the UK, involving patients (n = 356) from eight GP practices, with a 6-month follow-up period. Participants were adult patients who were at risk of MRPs. RESULTS Median number of MRPs per intervention patient were reduced at the third assessment, i.e. 3 to 0.5 (p < 0.001) in patients who received the full intervention schedule. Medication Appropriateness Index (MAI) scores were reduced (medications more appropriate) for the intervention group, but not for control group patients (8 [4-13] to 5 [0-11] vs 8 [3-13] to 7 [3-12], respectively; p = 0.001). Using the intention-to-treat (ITT) approach, the number of telephone consultations in intervention group patients was reduced and different from the control group (1 [0-3] to 1 [0-2] vs 1 [0-2] to 1 [0-3], p = 0.020). No significant differences between groups were, however, found in unplanned hospital admissions, length of hospital stay, number of A&E attendances or outpatient visits. The mean overall healthcare cost per intervention patient fell from £1041.7 ± 1446.7 to £859.1 ± 1235.2 (p = 0.032). Cost utility analysis showed an incremental cost per patient of - £229.0 (95% CI - 594.6, 128.2) and a mean QALY gained of 0.024 (95% CI - 0.021 to 0.065), i.e. indicative of a health status gain at a reduced cost (2016/2017). CONCLUSION The pharmacist service was effective in reducing MRPs, inappropriateness of medications and telephone consultations in general practice in a cost-effective manner. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.Gov, NCT03241498. Registered 7 August 2017-Retrospectively registered, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03241498.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia Farhanah Syafhan
- Clinical and Practice Research Group, School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, BT9 7BL, UK
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Indonesia, Depok, Indonesia
| | - Sayer Al Azzam
- Clinical and Practice Research Group, School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, BT9 7BL, UK
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Mustafa Ahmed
- Fern House Surgery, Essex, UK
- Douglas Grove Surgery, Essex, UK
| | | | - Glenda Fleming
- Medicines Optimisation Innovation Centre (MOIC), Antrim, UK
| | - Anita Hogg
- Medicines Optimisation Innovation Centre (MOIC), Antrim, UK
| | - Claire Scullin
- Medicines Optimisation Innovation Centre (MOIC), Antrim, UK
| | - Robert Horne
- School of Pharmacy, University College London, London, UK
| | | | - James C McElnay
- Clinical and Practice Research Group, School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, BT9 7BL, UK.
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Kassam R, Kwong M, Collins JB. A demonstration study comparing "role-emergent" versus "role-established" pharmacy clinical placement experiences in long-term care facilities. BMC MEDICAL EDUCATION 2013; 13:104. [PMID: 23915080 PMCID: PMC3737056 DOI: 10.1186/1472-6920-13-104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2012] [Accepted: 07/25/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Increasing challenges to recruit hospital sites with full-time on-site pharmacy preceptors for institutional-based Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences (APPE) has made it necessary to consider alternate experiential models. Sites with on-site discipline specific preceptors to supervise students have typically been referred to in the literature as "role-established" sites. In British Columbia, long-term care (LTC) facilities offered a unique opportunity to address placement capacity issues. However, since the majority of these facilities are serviced by off-site community pharmacists, this study was undertaken to explore the viability of supervising pharmacy students remotely - a model referred to in the literature as "role-emergent" placements. This paper's objectives are to discuss pharmacy preceptors' and LTC non-pharmacist staff experiences with this model. METHODS The study consisted of three phases: (1) the development phase which included delivery of a training program to create a pool of potential LTC preceptors, (2) an evaluation phase to test the viability of the LTC role-emergent model with seven pharmacists (two role-established and five role-emergent) together with their LTC staff, and (3) expansion of LTC role-emergent sites to build capacity. Both qualitative and quantitative methods were used to obtain feedback from pharmacists and staff and t-tests and Mann-Whitney U tests were used to examine equivalency of survey outcomes from staff representing both models. RESULTS The 76 pharmacists who completed the training program survey rated the modules as "largely" meeting their learning needs. All five role-emergent pharmacists and 29 LTC participating staff reported positive experiences with the pharmacy preceptor-student-staff collaboration. Preceptors reported that having students work side-by-side with facility staff promoted inter-professional collaboration. The staff viewed students' presence as a mutually beneficial experience, suggesting that the students' presence had enabled them to deliver better care to the residents. As a direct result of the study findings, the annual role-emergent placement capacity was increased to over 45 by the end of the study. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrated that role-emergent LTC facilities were not only viable for quality institutional APPEs but also provided more available sites, greater student placement capacity, and more trained pharmacy preceptors than could be achieved in role-established facilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosemin Kassam
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, 2206 East Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Mona Kwong
- Howe Street Pharmacy, 1070 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1P5, Canada
| | - John B Collins
- Department of Educational Studies, University of British Columbia, 2044 Lower Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z2, Canada
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6
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Jin M, Naumann T, Regier L, Bugden S, Allen M, Salach L, Chelak K, Blythe N, Gagnon A, Dolovich L. A brief overview of academic detailing in Canada: Another role for pharmacists. Can Pharm J (Ott) 2013; 145:142-146.e2. [PMID: 23509530 DOI: 10.3821/145.3.cpj142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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Sáez-Benito L, Fernandez-Llimos F, Feletto E, Gastelurrutia MA, Martinez-Martinez F, Benrimoj SI. Evidence of the clinical effectiveness of cognitive pharmaceutical services for aged patients. Age Ageing 2013; 42:442-9. [PMID: 23676212 DOI: 10.1093/ageing/aft045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND cognitive pharmaceutical services (CPSs) encompass a variety of pharmacists' interventions to optimise pharmacotherapy. The clinical effectiveness of CPSs for aged patients remains controversial. OBJECTIVE to analyse and describe the evidence of the clinical effectiveness of CPSs in aged patients by means of performing a systematic review of systematic reviews. METHODS using the recommended methodology by Cochrane, a search was undertaken for systematic reviews of the clinical effectiveness of CPSs in MEDLINE, EMBASE, DOAJ, SCIELO and COCHRANE LIBRARY. Reviews were assessed using the Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews (AMSTAR) instrument. Quality of the evidence in the reviews was ranked using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) system. RESULTS a total of 14 systematic reviews and one meta-analysis were analysed. The overall quality of the reviews was moderate. High and moderate strength of evidence was found for the positive effect of certain CPSs on reducing the number and improving the appropriateness of medicines. There was conflicting evidence of the effect on adherence. There was limited evidence of high and moderate strength on clinical outcomes. No positive evidence was found on mortality, hospitalisations, functional capacity and cognitive function. No systematic reviews reported the effect on the level of control of health problems. CONCLUSIONS certain types of CPSs reduce the number of medicines and improve the appropriateness of prescriptions. Longer follow-up periods and/or the use of surrogate clinical variables measuring the short-term impact are required to demonstrate the effect on clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loreto Sáez-Benito
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Pharmacy Department, San Jorge University, Campus Universitario Villanueva de Gállego Autovía A-23 Zaragoza-Huesca Km. 299, Villanueva de Gállego, Zaragoza, Spain.
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8
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Papastergiou J, Zervas J, Li W, Rajan A. Home medication reviews by community pharmacists: Reaching out to homebound patients. Can Pharm J (Ott) 2013; 146:139-42. [PMID: 23795196 DOI: 10.1177/1715163513487830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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9
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Basger BJ, Chen TF, Moles RJ. Application of a prescribing indicators tool to assist in identifying drug-related problems in a cohort of older Australians. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACY PRACTICE 2011; 20:172-82. [DOI: 10.1111/j.2042-7174.2011.00177.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Objective
Drug-related problems (DRPs) are common in older people, resulting in a disproportionate number of serious medication adverse events. Pharmacist-led interventions have been shown to be effective in identifying and reducing DRPs such as medication interactions, omission of recommended medications and use of ineffective medications. In 2008 we proposed a prescribing indicators tool to assist in identifying DRPs as part of the Australian medication review process. The objective was to apply the proposed prescribing indicators tool to a cohort of older Australians, to assess its use in detecting potential DRPs.
Methods
The prescribing indicators tool was applied in a cross-sectional observational study to 126 older (aged ≥65 years) English-speaking Australians taking five or more medications, as they were being discharged from a small private hospital into the community. Indicators were unmet when prescribing did not adhere to indicator tool guidelines.
Key findings
We found a high incidence of under-treatment, and use of inappropriate medications. There were on average 18 applicable indicators per patient, with each patient having on average seven unmet indicators.
Conclusion
The use of a prescribing indicators tool for commonly used medications and common medical conditions in older Australians may contribute to the efficient identification of DRPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin J Basger
- Faculty of Pharmacy, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Timothy F Chen
- Faculty of Pharmacy, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Rebekah J Moles
- Faculty of Pharmacy, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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