A Needs Assessment for Development and Provision of Medication Therapy Management Services in New York City

Abstract

Objectives: To (1) assess the current extent of medication therapy management (MTM) provision in NYC; (2) investigate New York City pharmacists' attitudes, efforts, interest, and challenges in providing MTM; and 3) examine factors influencing pharmacist interest in providing MTM. Methods: A cross-sectional design was utilized to survey New York City pharmacists attending a continuing education program. The survey questionnaire contained items pertaining to the extent of MTM currently provided by the pharmacists, attitudes, efforts, and interest in providing MTM and challenges to provision of MTM. Results: A total of 93 out of 123 attendees (73.81%) completed the survey. Pharmacists provided an average of 1.65 (±0.36) MTM services as defined by the APhA and NACDS framework. Pharmacists had slightly positive attitudes toward provision of MTM and were very interested in providing some MTM services. There was a positive correlation between pharmacist attitude toward MTM and interest in providing MTM (r = .31, P = .016). Of all the 6 challenges to provision of MTM listed in the survey, respondents indicated that additional time to be spent with patients and additional pharmacists would be the most difficult to overcome. Conclusions: This study serves as an assessment of the needs of New York City pharmacists with regard to provision of MTM services.