Pharmacy-led Medication Management Services in Long-term Care Facilities: Lessons from other Countries for Korea

Abstract

The elderly usually have a high risk of drug-related problems by polypharmacy, therefore they are in need of drug management in long-term care facilities. This study aims to obtain the implications for developing a drug management system in long-term care facilities by pharmacists suitable for Korea by reviewing the drug management programs in long-term care facilities in countries that experienced population aging first. The United States, Canada, Australia, and Japan have enacted laws to optimize drug management in long-term care facilities according to the social demands of the aging population and operate specific programs based on those laws. Drug management programs in longterm care facilities operate in a variety of forms to suit the circumstances of each country. In long-term care facilities, pharmacists participate in the medication regimen review, in setting up drug related service frames and in developing relevant policies of the facilities. The results of the pharmacist s medication regimen review are not only provided to the doctor but also included in the medical record and kept for a while. Pharmacists emphasize cooperation with physicians and other health practitioners for proper drug management in long-term care facilities. In Korea, where the number of long-term care facilities is increasing along with the surge in the elderly population, it is necessary to develop a drug management system by pharmacists for safe drug use in long-term care facilities.