Pharmacist-led Medication Review Research Articles

Pharmacist-Led Medication Review Identifies and Mitigates Fall-Risk-Increasing Drugs and Multi-Drug Interactions

Purpose: Falls, a common cause of injuries and hospitalizations, are observed more commonly as age increases. Several factors may potentiate a fall including vision impairment, muscle weakness, and medications. Among those, medication use is a modifiable risk factor that pharmacists can address to lower the risk for falls and falls-related injuries. Fall-risk-increasing drugs are associated with adverse drug events such as sedation, dizziness, impaired coordination, and orthostatic hypotension. The purpose of this case report is to present mitigation strategies a clinical pharmacist provided after a medication review that identified a fall-risk-increasing drug and multi-drug interactions, to which its resultant intervention reduced the risk for falls and improved patient safety. Case: A 63-year-old male who suffered a recent fall in his home received a targeted fall assessment medication review by a clinical pharmacist. Upon review, the clinical pharmacist identified hydroxyzine as a fall-risk-increasing drug and identified drug-drug interactions with simvastatin and fluoxetine that could increase the risk for hydroxyzine-related adverse drug events. Additionally, other fall-risk-increasing drugs (e.g., clonazepam, meclizine, fluoxetine) were present, each involved in one or more drug-drug interactions. As a first step, the clinical pharmacist recommended to discontinue the hydroxyzine to lower his risk for a future fall and fall-related injury. Conclusion: This case demonstrates an example of a clinical pharmacist’s interventions that resulted in a reduction of falls risk, along with the improvement of patient safety.

Pharmacists Role in Deprescribing Medications in An Adult with End-Stage Kidney Disease

Purpose: Individuals diagnosed with End-Stage Kidney Disease (ESKD) have multiple comorbidities and require many medications. Alterations in renal function, coupled with pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic changes in individuals with increasing age, can result in adverse drug effects. The purpose of this case is to demonstrate how interventions recommended by a clinical pharmacist improved medication safety for a patient with ESKD. Case: A 55-year-old male with a past medical history of ESKD, peripheral artery disease, chronic heart failure, cirrhosis, and major depressive disorder had a clinical pharmacist-led medication review. During the review, the clinical pharmacist identified several medications (i.e., bumetanide, metolazone, spironolactone, rivaroxaban) that should be discontinued since the patient had no urinary flow output and was on dialysis. Before the recommendations were addressed, the patient experienced retinal hemorrhaging, which may have been a rivaroxaban-associated adverse drug reaction. After addressing the retinal hemorrhaging, the physician discontinued the rivaroxaban and initiated clopidogrel. Additionally, both bumetanide and metolazone were discontinued. Conclusion: This case demonstrates that clinical pharmacists can have a significant role in medication therapy management and medication safety, especially in patients with ESKD. Healthcare providers with patients with ESKD on dialysis can greatly benefit from consulting with a clinical pharmacist who can evaluate all medications for safety and efficacy.

Hastanede Yatan Pediatrik Hastalarda İlaç Tedavisinin İncelenmesi: Klinik Eczacı Önerileri

Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate clinical pharmacist-led medication review service for hospitalized pediatric patients. Material and Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out between November 2017-April 2018 in an education and research hospital in Istanbul. Clinical pharmacist-led medication review was conducted by using Pharmaceutical Care Network Europe (PCNE) Classification V8.02 in hospitalized pediatric at general pediatric service. Potential drug-related problems (DRPs) were identified and classified. These DRPs were presented the physicians and the percentage of accepted recommendations by the physician were recorded. Results: Among forty-three patients (21 male and 22 female), the median age of them was calculated as 6 (3-36) months. Of them, 25.58% had 16 DRPs. The most common DRPs were associated with potential drug-drug interactions (n= 9); and dose selection (n= 5), which represented 56.25% and 31.25% of drug-related problems, respectively. It was observed that 63% of these problems were occurred during selection of drugs (at prescription level) according to PCNE classification. Of the clinical pharmacist’s recommendations regarding these DRPs, 87.5% were accepted by the physician. Conclusion: To optimize rational drug use, numerous studies related with clinical pharmacist-led medication review by using PCNE classification were present in adult patients; however, there was no sufficient studies conducted in pediatric patients. Clinical pharmacists have an important role in the classification of DRPs and to provide rational drug use in pediatric patients.

Hastanede Yatan Pediatrik Hastalarda İlaç Tedavisinin İncelenmesi: Klinik Eczacı Önerileri

Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate clinical pharmacist-led medication review service for hospitalized pediatric patients. Material and Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out between November 2017-April 2018 in an education and research hospital in Istanbul. Clinical pharmacist-led medication review was conducted by using Pharmaceutical Care Network Europe (PCNE) Classification V8.02 in hospitalized pediatric at general pediatric service. Potential drug-related problems (DRPs) were identified and classified. These DRPs were presented the physicians and the percentage of accepted recommendations by the physician were recorded. Results: Among forty-three patients (21 male and 22 female), the median age of them was calculated as 6 (3-36) months. Of them, 25.58% had 16 DRPs. The most common DRPs were associated with potential drug-drug interactions (n= 9); and dose selection (n= 5), which represented 56.25% and 31.25% of drug-related problems, respectively. It was observed that 63% of these problems were occurred during selection of drugs (at prescription level) according to PCNE classification. Of the clinical pharmacist’s recommendations regarding these DRPs, 87.5% were accepted by the physician. Conclusion: To optimize rational drug use, numerous studies related with clinical pharmacist-led medication review by using PCNE classification were present in adult patients; however, there was no sufficient studies conducted in pediatric patients. Clinical pharmacists have an important role in the classification of DRPs and to provide rational drug use in pediatric patients.

Medication-Related Problems in Older Adults and the Importance of Comprehensive Medication

Objective: Older adults are at greater risk for medications-related problems due to age-related changes in drug disposition. Therefore, it is important to properly identify and mitigate the use of inappropriate medication(s) in this population. The purpose of this case is to demonstrate the importance of identifying and evaluating the medication-related problems in older adults via pharmacist-led comprehensive medication reviews. Case: A 69-year old female patient with a past medical history of hypertension, myocardial infarction, atrial fibrillation, and hyperlipidemia has reported to her medical team with chief complaints of increased blurry vision, yellow-brown deposits within her eyes, and gradual hair loss over the last two to three months. The clinical pharmacist conducted a comprehensive medication review and noted that these symptoms were likely adverse drug reactions caused by amiodarone, and recommended discontinuation of the amiodarone in an effort to mitigate toxicities. One month later, the pharmacist followed-up with the care team, and was notified that the patient noticed improvement in her vision and continues to deny symptoms related to atrial fibrillation. The pharmacist recommended continuation of close monitoring of the patient for the next few months. Conclusion: This case sheds light onto the importance of pharmacist-led comprehensive medication reviews to identify medication-related problems in older adults. Careful prescribing and continuous reviews of medication regimens can help to mitigate and prevent medication-related problems such as adverse drug effects and drug-drug interactions.

Pharmacist-led medication reviews in aged care residents with dementia: A systematic review.

To evaluate outcomes associated with pharmacist-led medication reviews in residential aged care facility (RACF) residents with dementia. Six scientific databases were searched. All study designs investigating pharmacist-led medication reviews in RACF residents with dementia were considered. The protocol was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42019121681). One randomised controlled trial (RCT) and five observational studies were identified. Two studies reported reductions in medication usage per resident, and one study reported improved appropriateness of psychotropic use following reviews as part of multi-faceted, collaborative interventions. In three studies, reviews undertaken as an isolated intervention or by a visiting pharmacist with minimal collaboration with physicians were associated with low implementation rates of recommendations to alter therapy. Pharmacist-led medication reviews, when conducted collaboratively, may improve the use of medicines in RACF residents with dementia. However, robust conclusions cannot be drawn, largely due to the low quality of evidence available, including only one RCT.

Prevalence and follow-up of potentially inappropriate medication and potentially omitted medication in older patients with cancer – The PIM POM study

ObjectivesTo determine the prevalence of Potentially Inappropriate Medication (PIMs) and Potentially Omitted Medication (POMs) in older patients with cancer. Materials and MethodsIn this prospective observational study (hospital) pharmacists conducted comprehensive medication reviews in older patients with cancer (aged ≥65 years) receiving parenteral chemotherapy and/or immunotherapy at the Deventer Hospital. PIMs and POMs were identified using the Screening Tool of Older Persons' potentially inappropriate Prescriptions (STOPP), the Screening Tool to Alert doctors to the Right Treatment (START), and pharmacists' expert opinion. Recommendations regarding PIMs and POMs were communicated to the patient's oncologist/haematologist and follow-up was measured. Associations between covariates and the prevalence of PIMs and POMs were statistically analysed. ResultsFor the 150 patients included, 180 PIMs and 86 POMs were identified with a prevalence of 78%. Using pharmacists' expert opinion in addition to only STOPP/START criteria contributed to 49% of the PIMs and 23% of the POMs. A follow-up action was required in 73% of the 266 PIMs and POMs. Number of medicines and Charlson Comorbidity Index score were both associated with having at least one PIM and/or POM (p = .031 and p = .016, respectively). ConclusionThe prevalence of PIMs and POMs and subsequent follow-up in older patients with cancer is high. A pharmacist-led comprehensive medication review is a good instrument to identify these PIMs and POMs and to optimize patients' treatment. A complete approach, including pharmacists' expert opinion, is recommended to identify all PIMs and POMs in clinical practice.

Reducing 30-Day All-Cause Rehospitalizations: A Pharmacist-Led Telehealth Service

BACKGROUND: Use of skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) has grown as an intermediary step for patients unready to discharge to lower acuity care settings. Discharge planning from SNFs has become a critical component of the care continuum and may impact patient outcomes and facility payment status. Currently, the discharge process does not include a pharmacist-led comprehensive medication review.<br/> OBJECTIVES: To determine the impact of a pharmacistdriven discharge consultation service on 30-day allcause rehospitalization. Secondary outcomes included hospital readmission diagnosis, discharge consultation times, number of pharmacist interventions, and patient satisfaction.<br/> METHODS: The institutional review board approved this prospective cohort with a historical control pilot study to evaluate patients discharging from SNFs. Patients who provided informed consent were enrolled to participate in a video consultation service at the time of discharge. The primary outcome measured was 30-day hospital readmission rate postdischarge compared with one year prior.<br/> RESULTS: One hundred ninety-six counseling sessions were performed at three facilities. The average time per discharge was 15.4 ± 3.3 minutes, average number of medications was 15.5 ± 6.2, and average Charlson Comorbidity Index was 5.6 ± 2.2. Patient readmission data were tracked by diagnosis and reported by facility.<br/> CONCLUSION: A positive correlation between reduced readmission rates and participation in consultation service were observed. Second, positive patient satisfaction surveys indicated patients value medication education. The use of a pharmacist-led telehealth service like the one described in this study may lead to a reduction in facility readmission penalties and improve patient access to pharmacist services in remote locations.

Reducing 30-Day All-Cause Rehospitalizations: A Pharmacist-Led Telehealth Service.

BACKGROUND: Use of skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) has grown as an intermediary step for patients unready to discharge to lower acuity care settings. Discharge planning from SNFs has become a critical component of the care continuum and may impact patient outcomes and facility payment status. Currently, the discharge process does not include a pharmacist-led comprehensive medication review.<br/> OBJECTIVES: To determine the impact of a pharmacistdriven discharge consultation service on 30-day allcause rehospitalization. Secondary outcomes included hospital readmission diagnosis, discharge consultation times, number of pharmacist interventions, and patient satisfaction.<br/> METHODS: The institutional review board approved this prospective cohort with a historical control pilot study to evaluate patients discharging from SNFs. Patients who provided informed consent were enrolled to participate in a video consultation service at the time of discharge. The primary outcome measured was 30-day hospital readmission rate postdischarge compared with one year prior.<br/> RESULTS: One hundred ninety-six counseling sessions were performed at three facilities. The average time per discharge was 15.4 ± 3.3 minutes, average number of medications was 15.5 ± 6.2, and average Charlson Comorbidity Index was 5.6 ± 2.2. Patient readmission data were tracked by diagnosis and reported by facility.<br/> CONCLUSION: A positive correlation between reduced readmission rates and participation in consultation service were observed. Second, positive patient satisfaction surveys indicated patients value medication education. The use of a pharmacist-led telehealth service like the one described in this study may lead to a reduction in facility readmission penalties and improve patient access to pharmacist services in remote locations.

A Descriptive Quantitative Analysis on the Extent of Polypharmacy in Recipients of Ontario Primary Care Team Pharmacist-Led Medication Reviews.

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.

Emergency department-based medication review on outpatient health services utilization: interrupted time series

BackgroundOne in nine emergency department (ED) visits in Canada are caused by adverse drug events, the unintended and harmful effects of medication use. Medication reviews by clinical pharmacists are interventions designed to optimize medications and address adverse drug events to impact patient outcomes. However, the effect of medication reviews on long-term outpatient health services utilization is not well understood. This research studied the effect of medication review performed by clinical pharmacists on long-term outpatient health services utilization.MethodsData included information from 10,783 patients who were part of a prospective, multi-centre quality improvement evaluation from 2011 to 2013. Outpatient health services utilization was defined as total ED visits and physician contacts, aggregated to four physician specialty groups: general and family practitioners (GP); medical specialists; surgical specialists; and imaging and laboratory specialists. During triage, patients deemed high-risk based on their medical history, were systematically allocated to receive either a medication review (n = 6403) or the standard of care (n = 4380). Medication review involved a critical examination of a patient’s medications to identify and resolve medication-related problems and communicate these results to community care providers. Interrupted time series analysis compared the effect of the intervention on health services utilization relative to the standard of care controlling for pre-intervention differences in utilization.ResultsED-based pharmacist-led medication review did not result in a significant level or trend change in the primary outcome of total outpatient health services utilization. There were also no differences in the secondary outcomes of primary care physician visits or ED visits relative to the standard of care in the 12 months following the intervention. Our findings were consistent when stratified by age, hospital site, and whether patients were discharged on their index visit.ConclusionThis was the first study to measure long-term trends of physician visits following an ED-based medication review. The lack of differences in level and trend of GP and ED visits suggest that pharmacist recommendations may not have been adequately communicated to community-based providers, and/or recommendations may not have affected health care delivery. Future studies should evaluate physician acceptance of pharmacist recommendations and should encourage patient follow-up to community providers.

Pharmacist-led medication reviews in pre-dialysis and dialysis patients.

Pre-dialysis and dialysis patients are at risk for drug related problems (DRPs) due to a high incidence of comorbidities. Pharmacist-led medication reviews might reduce the number of DRPs. The aim of this study was to evaluate pharmacist-led medication reviews in pre-dialysis and dialysis patients by determining the number and type of DRPs, nephrologist acceptance of pharmacist interventions and time investment. From September 2017 until December 2018, pharmacist-led medication reviews were performed on pre-dialysis and dialysis patients. DRPs (medication discrepancies, prescribing issues related to drug and dose selection, drug use problems) were identified using the pharmacists' expert opinion and the STOPP/START criteria. Number and type of accepted pharmacist interventions, sustainability of interventions after at least 1 month and time investment were determined. Practical barriers in the process were appraised. One-hundred twenty five patients were reviewed: 37 pre-dialysis and 88 dialysis patients. In 100 (80%) patients 277 medication discrepancies were identified of which 224 (81%) were accepted by the nephrologist. Pharmacists suggested 422 interventions concerning drug or dose selection for 115 patients; 106 interventions were accepted by the nephrologist, which resulted in 60 patients having medication changed. Ninety percent of those changes remained implemented on follow-up after at least 1 month. In 46 (37%) patients, the clinical pharmacist detected DRPs concerning the drug use process and performed patient counseling. The average time investment was 85min per patient for the clinical pharmacist and 15min for the nephrologist. Besides time investment, unclear responsibility for medication management due to multiple prescribers was an important barrier in the process and the main reason for nephrologists to reject pharmacist interventions. Pharmacist-led medication reviews in pre-dialysis and dialysis patients led to medication changes in half of the patients. However, efficiency should be improved before adopting pharmacist-led medication reviews into clinical practice.

The Impact of Face-to-Face Pharmacist Transitional Care Management Visits on Medication-Related Problems.

Background: Studies are needed to evaluate medication-related problems (MRPs) to assess the effect of a pharmacist on managing medications postdischarge. Objective: To assess the ability of pharmacist-led medication review and reconciliation to reduce the number of MRPs found in transitional care medicine (TCM) visits, leading to medication optimization. Methods: This study involved a retrospective chart review of standard TCM procedure at a family/internal medicine clinic and a prospective, team-based TCM visit in the same clinic. Inclusion criteria included patients discharged from any hospital within our institution and seen in the clinic. The primary outcome was the difference in the proportion of MRPs found between the prospective and retrospective groups. Secondary outcomes included the number and specific type of MRPs found, classified by the Pharmaceutical Care Network Europe tool, and further subdivided by patient aware or unaware of MRP, only in the prospective group, as well as 30-day readmission rate. Results: Patients in the prospective group (n = 50) had an average age of 67.9 years versus 65.5 years in the retrospective group (n = 50). Four times as many patients in the prospective group were found to have MRPs than the retrospective group. The most common MRP was due to a patient-related factor, meaning the cause is related to a patient's behavior. Patients were unaware of the MRP in a majority of these cases. Thirty-day readmission rate did not differ between the groups. Conclusion: Team-based TCM visits that included a pharmacist-led medication reconciliation uncovered more MRPs than patients who did not have a pharmacist perform a medication reconciliation.

Effectiveness of pharmacist home visits for individuals at risk of medication-related problems: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

BackgroundMedication mismanagement is a major cause of both hospital admission and nursing home placement of frail older adults. Medication reviews by community pharmacists aim to maximise therapeutic benefit but also minimise harm. Pharmacist-led medication reviews have been the focus of several systematic reviews, but none have focussed on the home setting.Review methodsTo determine the effectiveness of pharmacist home visits for individuals at risk of medication-related problems we undertook a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials (RCTs). Thirteen databases were searched from inception to December 2018. Forward and backward citation of included studies was also performed. Articles were screened for inclusion independently by two reviewers. Randomised controlled studies of home visits by pharmacists for individuals at risk of medication-related problems were eligible for inclusion. Data extraction and quality appraisal were performed by one reviewer and checked by a second. Random-effects meta-analyses were performed where sufficient data allowed and narrative synthesis summarised all remaining data.ResultsTwelve RCTs (reported in 15 articles), involving 3410 participants, were included in the review. The frequency, content and purpose of the home visit varied considerably. The data from eight trials were suitable for meta-analysis of the effects on hospital admissions and mortality, and from three trials for the effects on quality of life. Overall there was no evidence of reduction in hospital admissions (risk ratio (RR) of 1.01 (95%CI 0.86 to 1.20, I2 = 69.0%, p = 0.89; 8 studies, 2314 participants)), or mortality (RR of 1.01 (95%CI 0.81 to 1.26, I2 = 0%, p = 0.94; 8 studies, 2314 participants)). There was no consistent evidence of an effect on quality of life, medication adherence or knowledge.ConclusionA systematic review of twelve RCTs assessing the impact of pharmacist home visits for individuals at risk of medication related problems found no evidence of effect on hospital admission or mortality rates, and limited evidence of effect on quality of life. Future studies should focus on using more robust methods to assess relevant outcomes.

Impact of pharmacist-led multidisciplinary medication review on the safety and medication cost of the elderly people living in a nursing home: a before-after study

ABSTRACT Objectives: Adverse drug events (ADE) are a common cause of morbidity and mortality in elderly patients. In this study, we assessed the impact of multidisciplinary medication review (MMR) for nursing home residents on patient safety and costs incurred by the hospital and the national health service. Methods: Medical files of residents were retrospectively assessed for medications prescribed in the previous six months. A pharmacist reviewed the prescriptions and suggested modifications to the patient’s medical team. Patients were followed for six months. Trivalle’s ADE geriatric risk score was calculated before and after MMR, as were number of potentially inappropriate medications, and economic impact from the perspective of the health care system and the nursing home. Results: Forty-nine patients were recruited. ADE score dropped one risk level (median score of 4 before versus 1 after, p < 0.0001). The number of patients taking at least one potentially inappropriate medication decreased from 30.6% before to 6.1% after MMR (p = 0.005). A mean saving of €232 per patient was made from the nursing home perspective following MMR (p = 0.008). Conclusion: The MMR reduced the iatrogenic drug risk for elderly residents and costs from the nursing home perspective, particularly drug expenditure.

Pharmacist-led medication reviews after hospital discharge significantly cut chances of readmission

Pharmacist-led medication reviews after hospital discharge significantly cut chances of readmission

Pharmacist-led medication reviews free 28 hours of GP time

Pharmacist-led medication reviews free 28 hours of GP time

Clinical impact of a pharmacist-led medication review with follow up for aged polypharmacy patients: A cluster randomized controlled trial.

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.

Effectiveness of medication review on the number of drug-related problems in patients visiting the outpatient cardiology clinic: A randomized controlled trial.

To assess the effectiveness of medication review on the number of drug-related problems (DRPs) in outpatient cardiology patients. In this randomized controlled trial, a computer-assisted and pharmacist-led medication review with patient involvement (questionnaire and telephone call with pharmacist) was conducted in intervention patients prior to their visit to the cardiologist. The control group received usual care. Adult outpatient cardiology patients without support concerning the administration of medication, without a medication review in the past 6 months and who gave permission to access their electronic medication record were included. The primary outcome measure was the number of DRPs 1 month after the visit. Secondary outcome measures concerned the type of DRP and the type of medication involved in the DRPs. In total, 75 patients (mean [standard deviation, SD] age 66.0 [12.5] years, 41% female) were included. Intervention (n = 90) and control group (n = 85) were comparable at baseline. The mean (SD) number of drugs used per patient was 7.9 (3.9). After 1 month, the mean (SD) number of DRPs was 0.3 (0.7) and 0.8 (1.0) and the median (range) number of DRPs was 0 (0-4) and 0 (0-4) in the intervention group and control group, respectively (P < .001). In the intervention group, 74% of the DRPs identified at T0 were solved at T1 vs 14% in the control group. This randomized controlled trial suggests that a pharmacist-led medication review in patients with a scheduled visit to the outpatient cardiology clinic decreases the number of DRPs.

Community pharmacist-led medication review procedures across Europe: Characterization, implementation and remuneration.

Pharmaceutical Care Network Europe (PCNE) proposed a definition and classification system (type 1, 2a, 2b, 3) for medication review in 2016. However, to date, a description of the implementation and remuneration of such procedures across Europe is lacking. The aim of this study was to describe the medication review procedures and the level of implementation and remuneration in community pharmacies across Europe. An online survey was developed to characterize medication review procedures (PCNE classification), level of implementation (considering regional or national) and remuneration by a third party. This survey was sent to a purposive sample of three individuals per country, with a working background in community pharmacy, pharmacy practice research, or health policy to ensure reliable data. Data triangulation was used and consensus sought between the responses. Data were received from 34 out of 44 targeted European countries (November 2016-October 2017) [response rate=77%]. Overall, 55.9% of the countries provided at least one type of medication review as an implemented service or project. Type 1 medication review (based on the medication history) was provided in 13 countries, type 2a (medication history+patient interview) in 14, type 2b (medication history+clinical data) in two, and type 3 medication review (medication history+patient interview+clinical data) in four countries. Ten of the mentioned services or projects were remunerated by a third-party. Substantial heterogeneity was observed across Europe in various aspects, including the procedures, implementation level and remuneration obtained. Type 1 and 2a medication review services seem to be more feasible to implement in the community pharmacy than type 2b and 3. A large number of medication review projects were ongoing in community pharmacies, which suggests that new medication review services could become implemented in the coming years.