Provide Medication Therapy Management Research Articles

Evaluation of a hybrid medication synchronization training module for pharmacy technicians

BackgroundMedication synchronization involves coordinating a patient’s medications to a single date each month. Medication synchronization programs close gaps in care and improve adherence compared with automatic refill-processing programs. Patients are 2-6 times more adherent to medications when enrolled in a medication synchronization program. Medication synchronization has historically been driven by pharmacists; however, pharmacy technicians are in a unique position to logistically run this service. ObjectiveThis study aimed to develop a training program for pharmacy technicians regarding medication synchronization and assess changes in knowledge and confidence before and after implementing a training program. Practice descriptionAn independent community pharmacy in North Carolina. Pharmacists provide medication therapy management, reimbursed clinical services, medication synchronization, and immunizations. Practice innovationThe training program included medication synchronization basics, patient enrollment process, processing a synced patient, and a hands-on practice session. Evaluation methodsTechnicians took a pre-training survey assessing knowledge and confidence before immediately completing a one-on-one pharmacist-led training session with a hands-on component regarding medication synchronization. Technicians took the same post-training survey 2 weeks after completing the training session and using medication synchronization in daily workflow. Pre- and post-training scores were assessed using a paired samples t test. ResultsTen technicians completed the training program; 40% of the technicians were certified and 30% were enrolled in a PharmD program. The mean pre-training knowledge score was 78% (7.1 of 9 points), the mean post-training knowledge score was 92% (8.3 of 9 points), and the mean difference between the pre- and post-training knowledge scores was 13.4% (1.2 points), with a statistically significant difference (P = 0.0026). Confidence with conducting a medication synchronization call increased from 7.2 to 9.6 on a 10-point Likert scale, and confidence scores increased regarding incorporating medication synchronization into workflow from 6.9 to 8.7. ConclusionThe standardized technician training program increased knowledge and confidence in technicians regarding managing a medication synchronization program.

The effects of medication therapy management on medication utilization among Medicare beneficiaries with HIV/AIDS

BackgroundMedicare Part D plans are required to provide medication therapy management (MTM) programs to eligible beneficiaries to optimize medication utilization. MTM programs’ effects on medication utilization among older persons living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHs) remain unclear. ObjectiveThis study examined the effects of the Medicare MTM programs on medication utilization among PLWHs. MethodsThis study analyzed 2017 Medicare databases linked to the Area Health Resources Files. Recipients and nonrecipients of the MTM services were compared on their medication utilization: adherence to antiretroviral medications, drug-drug interactions (DDI), and concurrent use of opioids and benzodiazepines. The intervention group comprised recipients of the MTM services, and the control group was nonrecipients meeting the eligibility criteria. A propensity score with a ratio of 1:2 between the intervention and control groups was used to identify study groups with balanced characteristics. A logistic regression was used to control for patient/community characteristics. ResultsAfter matching, the intervention and comparison groups comprised 3298 and 6596 beneficiaries for the antiretroviral adherence measure, 809 and 1618 for the DDI measure, and 691 and 1382 for the concurrent use of opioids and benzodiazepines measure. The intervention was associated with higher odds of adherence to antiretroviral medications (adjusted odds ratio = 1.15, 95% CI = 1.04–1.26), and no concurrent use of opioids and benzodiazepines (adjusted odds ratio = 1.255, 95% CI = 1.005–1.568). The study groups did not differ on no DDI (adjusted odds ratio = 0.95, 95% CI = 0.74–1.20). ConclusionsMedicare MTM programs effectively improved medication utilization among PLWHs. Future studies should explore the long-term effects of the program.

Knowledge, Attitude, and Perception of Health Care Providers Providing Medication Therapy Management (MTM) Services to Older Adults in Saudi Arabia.

Medication Therapy Management (MTM) is identified as a group of services provided to the patient in order to optimize the medication use in order to mitigate adverse drug reactions (ADRs), drug-drug interaction (DDI), and polypharmacy. Elderly populations above 60 years old are at high risk for Medication-related Problems (MRPs) due to several factors. Therefore, MTM programs showed good contributions globally regarding enhancing medication use in the elderly population. Thus, evident information regarding its implementation in Saudi Arabia is lacking in the literature. Our objective is to assess community pharmacists' knowledge, attitude, and barriers to providing MTM services to the older adult population in Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional study has been conducted among community pharmacists across the Kingdom. It was survey-based research that was designed and conducted through (QuestionPro). The survey was distributed for the community pharmacists from Feb-May 2023 via (QuestionPro). Descriptive analysis was performed using SAS OnDemand to analyze the categorical variables and test it with the outcome of interest. Out of the 528 participants who have viewed our questionnaire, 319 participants have completed the survey in 5 min average time. Most of our participants were male, holding a bachelor's degree, and had an average working load of more than 40 h a week, respectively (84.95%, 92.48%, and 76.18%). In addition, the participants were from different regions of the Kingdom, which enhanced the generalizability of our findings. Moreover, 65.52% have reported a higher level of knowledge, while 34.48% have reported a moderate to low level of knowledge regarding MTM service. Most of those with a higher level of knowledge maintain a positive attitude regarding MTM service, its implementation, and dealing with older adult patients in the community pharmacy. In addition, lacking the time, training, and presence of a private consultation room were the top barriers to provide MTM services in the community pharmacy in Saudi Arabia. Educational sessions regarding MTM services among the older adult population are highly recommended for community pharmacists before its implementation.

Knowledge, attitude, and practice of medication therapy management: a national survey among pharmacists in Indonesia.

The use of medication therapy management (MTM) is a proven method for reducing medication errors. MTM services rely heavily on pharmacists as service providers, particularly in community health centers (CHCs). Thus, understanding the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of MTM among pharmacists in CHCs is crucial to the strategy for the implementation of MTM program in Indonesia. This study aimed to assess the level of KAP regarding MTM among pharmacists working at CHCs and its associated factors and investigate pharmacists' perceptions of the barriers and facilitators of MTM provision in the future. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted. The respondents were pharmacists working at CHCs in 28 provinces in Indonesia. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the responses. Demographic differences were determined using Chi-square and Kruskal-Wallis tests, and associations were identified using multivariable ordinal regression for knowledge and multivariable logistic regression for attitude and practice. Barriers and facilitators were determined from codes and categories of frequency derived from pharmacists' responses to the open-ended questions. Of the 1,132 pharmacists, 74.9% had a high level of knowledge, 53.6% had a positive attitude, and 57.9% had a positive practice toward MTM. Gender, practice settings, province of CHCs, years of practice, and experience in MTM services were factors associated with the KAP level. Respondents perceived that the chronic disease conditions in Indonesia, MTM service features, and current practices were facilitators of MTM provision. The lack of interprofessional collaboration, staff, pharmacist knowledge, patient cooperation, facilities/drug supply/documentation systems, stakeholder support, and patient compliance were the most common barriers to MTM implementation in the future. Most of the pharmacists had high knowledge of MTM; however, only half had positive attitudes and practices toward MTM. Information about factors associated with the KAP level suggests that direct involvement is essential to improve pharmacists' understanding and view of MTM. Pharmacists also perceived barriers to the MTM provision in the future, such as interprofessional and pharmacist-patient relationships. A training program is needed to improve the KAP of MTM and develop skills for collaborating with other healthcare professionals and communicating with patients.

Identification and Characterization of Workflow Models for Medication Therapy Management in Community Pharmacies.

Community pharmacists providing medication therapy management (MTM) services report difficulty incorporating MTM services with dispensing and other pharmacy services. A variety of approaches exist due to a lack of an ideal standard for service integration. This study seeks to identify and characterize MTM workflow models in pharmacies of one geographic area of a large community pharmacy chain. Thirteen semi-structured interviews were conducted with pharmacists from thirteen different pharmacies. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed for common themes using an inductive qualitative approach. We did not find a high level of MTM task integration into the dispensing workflow in this setting. However, three main strategies used to delegate work of MTM activities were identified and defined: shared teamwork, delegated teamwork, and single delegation. Few MTM tasks were integrated into the dispensing workflow among interviewed pharmacies; most tasks were performed outside of workflow. The most common integration was performing patient interviews at pick up. There were no trends identified among high performing or low performing pharmacies. This work may provide a basis to define workflow models for further research to test implementation strategies within community pharmacies.

Pharmacists' Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Medication Therapy Management: A Systematic Review.

Understanding pharmacists' knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) and their perceptions of challenges, barriers, and facilitators towards medication therapy management (MTM) provision are vital in informing the design and implementation of successful service delivery. Thus, this review examined pharmacists' knowledge, attitudes, and practices, and their perceived challenges, barriers, and facilitators to MTM services provision, globally. A systematic search was conducted on 1-31 August 2022 to identify relevant studies on PubMed and EBSCO, supplemented with a bibliographic and a particular hand search. We focused on original research in quantitative survey form with the key concepts of "medication therapy management", "pharmacists", and "knowledge, attitude, practice". We assessed the reporting quality using the Checklist for Reporting of Survey Studies (CROSS). Results are reported narratively and according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guideline. From 237 articles identified, 17 studies met the eligibility criteria. Of the included studies, five reported that pharmacists had a considerable level of knowledge, seven suggested a positive attitude among pharmacists, and five revealed that pharmacists had been practicing some MTM elements. Factors associated with pharmacists' KAP may include age, educational degree, additional qualification, income, years of practice, practice setting, and experience in patient care service. The challenges toward MTM provision were related to the pharmacist-patient and pharmacist-physician relationship. Insufficient time, staff, compensation, and training were the barriers, while patients' willingness to participate and educational background were the facilitators of MTM provision. These findings of studies on KAP could help develop an MTM program and design an intervention to improve program effectiveness. Further research focusing on other quantitative and qualitative studies of KAP is needed to obtain a comprehensive approach to MTM provision.

EE269 Long-Term Cost-Effectiveness of a Pharmacist-Led Medication Therapy Management Clinic (MTMC) for Type 2 Diabetes Management

About one in ten Americans has type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Poorly managed diabetes causes serious complications that diminish quality of life and life expectancy, with substantial cost to the healthcare system and patients. Pharmacists are well-equipped to provide medication therapy management (MTM) services for managing diabetes, but cost-effectiveness of MTM is not known.

MO927: The Impact of Medication Therapy Management on Medication Burden Quality of Life Among Haemodialysis Patients in Egypt: An Intervention Study

Abstract BACKGROUND AND AIMS End-stage kidney disease (ESKD) is a rapidly increasing global health burden. Renal replacement therapy is essential to save the lives of ESKD patients and is done either through kidney transplantation, peritoneal dialysis or hemodialysis (HD). Patients on HD are subjected to polypharmacy, increase in drug-related problems (DRPs), adverse effects, impaired drug adherence and consequently poor medication burden quality of life (MBQoL). Medication therapy management (MTM) plays an essential role in resolving those problems. The MTM involves performing a medication review, selecting, modifying or administering medication therapy, evaluating the patient’s response to therapy, identifying and resolving any DRPs and providing patient education to enhance the patient’s understanding and adherence to the treatment plan. These pharmaceutical services have shown a positive impact on dialysis patients regarding the economic, humanistic and clinical aspects. We therefore aimed to evaluate the impact of the application of MTM on MBQoL and determine its predictors. METHOD We collected baseline data (sociodemographic, clinical, hemodialysis vintage, hospital admission, drug adverse effects and laboratory) in a pre–post one-group intervention study from all adults on regular maintenance dialysis for >3 months at Alexandria University Hospital. The MBQoL was assessed using the patient-reported outcomes measure of the pharmaceutical therapy (PROMPT) questionnaire after being translated and validated into Arabic. Data on drug adherence was collected by comparing prescribed doses to the actually administered by patients. A structured checklist instrument was used to identify adverse effects. The MTM intervention was applied (medication therapy review, developing a personalized medication record, participating in the medication-related action plan, and patient education sessions). All haemodialysis patients were re-assessed after 3 months. Construct validity was assessed using exploratory factor analysis and reliability was determined using Cronbach's alpha and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Multiple linear regression was used to determine the predictors of the post-MBQoL and change in MBQoL from pre- to post MTM after adjusting for variables with P < 0.10 in bivariate analysis. RESULTS The study included 130 patients who were on average 52 year old (±13), 53.1% were males, 25.8% were smokers, 64.6% had cardiovascular diseases, 26.9% had hepatitis C virus and 14.6% were diabetics. The median (interquartile range) of the dialysis vintage was 5 (2–15) years. The validation of the PROMPT questionnaire was done on an additional 80 haemodialysis patients with similar baseline criteria as the study sample. Exploratory factor analysis revealed that items of the PROMPT were distributed on five domains. Cronbach's alpha was >0.70 for all domains except for ‘impact on patient's life’ (0.52). The ICC was significant (P < 0.01) for all items of the PROMPT questionnaire. The application of MTM had significant effects on the overall PROMPT score (50.74 ± 9.68 versus 59.3 ± 9.86; P < .001), the total number of DRPs (1245 versus 794; P < .001), and calcium level in mg/dL (9.13 ± 0.95 versus 8.77 ± 1.05; P = 0.002). There was a statistically significant reduction in the reported proportion of dry mouth, change of appetite, nausea and vomiting, stomach pain and dyspepsia, diarrhea, constipation and flatulence (P < 0.05). Calcium level (mg/dL) was significantly declined after the MTM application (9.13 ± 0.95 versus 8.77 ± 1.05; P = 0.002). The total number of DRPs was the only significant predictor for change in MBQoL, while university graduates and the a total number of DRPs were the predictors for the post-score of MBQoL. CONCLUSION There is a potentially relevant impact of MTM provision by a clinical pharmacist on medication burden, quality of life, drug-related problems and adverse events among haemodialysis patients.

Pharmacist Intention to Provide Medication Therapy Management Services in Saudi Arabia: A Study Using the Theory of Planned Behaviour.

Medication therapy management (MTM) is provided by pharmacists and other healthcare providers, improves patient health status, and increases the collaboration of MTM providers with others. However, little is known about pharmacists’ intention to provide MTM services in Saudi Arabia. This study aimed to predict the pharmacists’ willingness in this nation to commit to providing MTM services there. This study used a cross-sectional questionnaire based on the theory of planned behaviour (TPB). The survey was distributed to 149 pharmacists working in hospital and community pharmacies. It included items measuring pharmacist attitudes, intentions, subjective norms, perceived behavioural control, knowledge about the provision of MTM services, and other sociodemographic and pharmacy practice-related items. The pharmacists had a positive attitude towards MTM services (mean = 6.15 ± 1.12) and strong intention (mean = 6.09 ± 1.15), highly perceived social pressure to provide those services (mean = 5.42 ± 1.03), strongly perceived control over providing those services (mean = 4.98 ± 1.05), and had good MTM knowledge (mean = 5.03 ± 1.00). Pharmacists who completed a pharmacy residency programme and had good knowledge of MTM services and a positive attitude towards them usually strongly intended to provide MTM services. Thus, encouraging pharmacists to complete pharmacy residency programmes and educating them about the importance and provision of MTM services will enhance their motivation to provide them.

The Efficacy of a Didactic and Case-Based Pharmacogenomics Education Program on Improving the Knowledge and Confidence of Alberta Pharmacists.

BackgroundPharmacogenomics (PGx) is the study of how genetic variations for functional proteins, such as metabolizing enzymes and drug receptors, impact drug pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. In theory, pharmacists are well suited to utilize PGx in tailoring medications to patient genetics when providing medication therapy management services. However, PGx education needs to reach pharmacists prior to implementation. The aim of this study is to develop and evaluate a PGx course for pharmacists.MethodsA PGx education program was created and offered synchronously (virtual) and asynchronously (self-study) to pharmacists in Alberta, Canada. Lectures were delivered by experts live (virtual) with a question-and-answer period for synchronous sessions. These sessions were recorded for asynchronous delivery. Six case studies were discussed in large and small groups (“breakout rooms”) in synchronous sessions, and provided for self-study in the asynchronous subgroup. Topics included genetic and PGx concepts; therapeutic applications; ethical, legal, and social considerations; and practical implementation. Pre- and post-course surveys measured self-rated knowledge using a 5-point Likert Scale and tested objective knowledge with a graded quiz.ResultsThirty-six pharmacists completed the course and both surveys. Participants reported backgrounds in community (88.9%) and hospital (38.9%) practice. Prior education in PGx was reported by 44.4% from degree programs and 27.8% from continuing education. Overall responses to statements about confidence in PGx moved from a median of “Disagree” at baseline to “Agree” after receiving PGx education (2-point difference [1,2] on 5-point Likert Scale; p < 0.001), indicating an increase in self-assessed competency in PGx. Likewise, mean participant grades on the knowledge quiz improved (20.8±21.9% pre-course vs 70.2±19.1% post-course, p < 0.001). There was no difference in these results between synchronous and asynchronous groups.ConclusionA didactic and case-based PGx education program was effective at increasing pharmacist knowledge and confidence in PGx in both synchronous and asynchronous environments. Knowledge gained can be utilized in delivery of patient-centered, personalized medication therapy management in the pharmacy setting.

Pharmacists’ knowledge and attitudes toward medication therapy management service and the associated challenges and barriers for its implementation

BackgroundThe literature demonstrated a positive impact of medication therapy management (MTM) services provided by the pharmacists to improve the overall health outcomes. Nevertheless, limited data is available with regard to MTM service implementation by community pharmacists and its associated factors in Jordan. ObjectiveTo evaluate community pharmacists’ knowledge, attitude and practice of MTM service and to explore the challenges and barriers for its implementation. MethodsThe present cross-sectional study utilized a validated online survey which was filled by community pharmacists in different areas across Jordan. In addition to the socio-demographic variables, the study questionnaire evaluated pharmacists’ knowledge and attitudes towards MTM service, extent of MTM implementation and its associated challenges and barriers. ResultsA total of 250 pharmacists completed the survey. The study pharmacists showed moderate knowledge level (median of the total knowledge score = 6 (4–7) out of 10) and positive attitude (median of the attitude score was 23 (19–26) out of 30) towards MTM services. The participating pharmacists recognized performing or obtaining necessary assessments of patient’s health status as the most frequently provided MTM service (84.8%), while the least one was documenting the care delivered and communicating essential information to other healthcare providers (62%). Furthermore, collecting patient-related information was the most commonly recognized challenge to MTM service provision (36.8%), followed by referring the patient to a physician or consultant (36%) and collaboration with them (35.6%). The most reported barrier was negative physician attitudes (40.4%), followed by the lack of training on MTM provision (38.4%), and lack of adequate support staff (37.2%). ConclusionEfforts are needed to enhance collaboration between pharmacists and other health care professional, to develop documentation systems that would preserve and facilitate access to patient information, and to implement appropriate training programs which aim to overcome the challenges and barriers for MTM implementation.

Prevalence of Polypharmacy and Factors Associated with it Among Saudi Older Adults – Results from the Saudi National Survey for Elderly Health (SNSEH)

Background and ObjectivesThe percentage of Saudi older adults (SOA) is increasing over time. With advanced age, the prevalence of chronic diseases and multiple disabilities are increasing. This leads to increase utilization of multiple medications. The objectives of this study were to describe medication utilization, determine the prevalence of polypharmacy (PP) and factors associated with it among SOA. MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted among community-dwelling SOA aged ≥ 60 years old using the Saudi National Survey for Elderly Health (SNSEH). The survey was conducted between 2006 and 2007 by the Ministry of Health on a nationally representative sample of SOA. The data included demographics, socioeconomic and health information such as diseases and medications. Polypharmacy was defined as the concurrent use of medications from ≥ 5 therapeutic classes. A modified Poisson multivariable regression was used to study factors associated with PP controlling for confounders. All analyses were done using STATA 14. ResultsThe study included 2,946 SOA; 50.4% were males, 60.9% were 60–70 years old, and 69.6% were illiterate. The most common medications used among SOA were: Paracetamol (67%), joint pain medications and NSAIDs (50% each), anti-diabetic and multivitamins and minerals (47% each). PP was identified in (51.5%) of participants. The most medication associated with PP were: Paracetamol (79.9%), multivitamins and minerals (71.6%), steroid and DMARDs (70.1%), NSAIDs (66.4%), anti-diabetic and anti-hypertensive (61.3%). Higher risk of PP was associated with diabetes (RR: 1.863; 95% CI: 1.686–2.059), hypertension (RR: 1.829; 95% CI: 1.624–2.060), having pain (RR: 2.282; 95% CI: 1.918–2.713), urinary incontinence (RR: 1.389; 95% CI: 1.238–1.560; ref: no urinary incontinence) or suggestive depression (RR: 1.379; 95% CI: 1.259–1.512). Similarly, compared to low income (<2500 SAR), higher incomes were more likely to have PP. On the other hand, compared to the central region, southern and northern regions were less likely to have PP (RR = 0.741; 95% CI: 0.652–0.843 and RR: 0.736; 95% CI: 0.596–0.908, respectively).Severe cognitive impairment was associated with a lower risk of PP (RR: 0.708; 95% CI: 0.501–1.000). ConclusionThe prevalence of PP among a nationally representative SOA was very high, i.e., 51.5%. Higher risk of PP was associated with many factors such as region, income, diabetes, hypertension, musculoskeletal pain, urinary incontinence, and depression. PP leads to many negative implications such as drug interactions, combined side effects, hospitalization, and death. Therefore, raising the knowledge of health care providers on the consequences of PP and providing medication therapy management services may help decrease the negative consequences of PP and improve therapy outcomes.

Implementation of a self-measured blood pressure program in a community pharmacy: A pilot study

BackgroundHypertension is a leading cause of cardiovascular disease in the United States and is costing the health care system billions of dollars annually. A health program that combines education, empowerment, and monitoring has shown to improve clinical outcomes and decrease overall health care costs. ObjectiveTo describe the implementation and effectiveness of a self-measured blood pressure (SMBP) program in a community pharmacy. Practice descriptionAn independent community pharmacy located within rural Southeast Missouri. On-site community pharmacists provide medication therapy management, adherence monitoring, immunizations, and reimbursed clinical services. Practice innovationPatients were eligible if they were older than 18 years of age and fell into one of the following categories: self-reported a new hypertension diagnosis, self-reported a desire to SMBP, were referred by a provider, or had a medication change within the 3 months before enrollment. The program consisted of 4 patient sessions. The first session obtained an initial blood pressure and provided patient education and behavior counseling. Follow-up sessions obtained average SMBP readings and reinforced previously learned concepts. Evaluation methodsImplementation was evaluated using time and patient satisfaction. Effectiveness was evaluated using number and type of clinical problems identified, BP measurements, and test scores. ResultsA total of 20 patients enrolled and completed the study. The program took 63 minutes (SD ± 18) of staff time per patient for recruitment, sessions, reminder calls, and documentation. All patients received education and monitoring and 11 additional clinical problems were documented. Systolic BP decreased an average of 17 mm Hg (P = 0.002), and diastolic BP decreased an average of 12 mm Hg (P < 0.001). Patient confidence scores increased by 14%, and 7 more patients correctly answered the post-test knowledge question. All patients reported overall satisfaction with the program as “satisfied” or “very satisfied.” ConclusionThis standardized SMBP program effectively improved hypertension control and patient confidence in managing BP.

Medication Therapy Management for Texas MediCAID Patients With Asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease—A Pilot Study

Background: Pharmacists can play an important role in providing medication therapy management (MTM) services, which focus on appropriate medication use. This pilot study aimed to describe pharmacists’ MTM service provision, results/outcomes of pharmacists’ recommendations and resolution/acceptance rate among patients with high-risk asthma and/or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Methods: This was a prospective descriptive study of MTM services provided by community pharmacists to Texas Medicaid patients (5-63 years) with “high risk” asthma or COPD. Patients received in-person and telephone consultations that included medication review, asthma control test assessment, and education on adherence and proper medication/device use. Data extracted from MTM software was used to describe: reasons for MTM services, type of pharmacists’ interventions, outcomes of pharmacists’ recommendations and acceptance rate. Results: Twenty-eight pharmacists provided 139 MTM interventions with 63 patients (2.2 interventions per patient). The most frequent intervention reason was complex drug therapy (53.2%), underuse of medication (8.6%), need for drug therapy (8.6%), new or changed prescription therapy (6.5%), and administration technique (5.0%). The resolution rate was 77.7%. Patient and prescriber, respectively, refused recommendation in 12% and 6% of the interventions. Outcomes included comprehensive medication review (46.7%), improved adherence (6.5%), therapeutic success (6.5%), improved administration technique (5.0%), and initiation of new therapy (5.0%). Conclusion: Through the provision of MTM, pharmacists were able to identify and intervene with medication-related problems. These interventions are instrumental in helping patients better manage their asthma/COPD. The high resolution rate was encouraging. Larger scale studies are needed to assess clinical and economic outcomes.

A user-centered evaluation of medication therapy management alerts for community pharmacists: Recommendations to improve usability and usefulness.

Community pharmacists provide comprehensive medication reviews (CMRs) through pharmacy contracts with medication therapy management (MTM) vendors. These CMRs are documented in the vendors' web-based MTM software platforms, which often integrate alerts to assist pharmacists in the detection of medication therapy problems. Understanding pharmacists' experiences with MTM alerts is critical to optimizing alert design for patient care. The objectives of this study were to 1) assess the usability and usefulness of MTM alerts for MTM vendor-contracted community pharmacists and 2) generate recommendations for improving MTM alerts for use by community pharmacists. This was a convergent, parallel mixed-methods evaluation of data collected from 3 sources, with individual pharmacists contributing data to one or more sources: 1) community pharmacists' submissions of observational data about MTM alerts encountered during routine MTM provision, 2) videos of naturalistic usability testing of MTM alerts, and 3) semi-structured interviews to elicit pharmacists' perspectives on MTM alert usefulness and usability. MTM alert data submitted by pharmacists were summarized with descriptive statistics. Usability testing videos were analyzed to determine pharmacists' time spent on MTM alerts and to identify negative usability incidents. Interview transcripts were analyzed using a hybrid approach of deductive and inductive codes to identify emergent themes. Triangulation of data (i.e., determination of convergence/divergence in findings across all data sources) occurred through investigator discussion and identified overarching findings pertaining to key MTM alert challenges. These resulted in actionable recommendations to improve MTM alerts for use by community pharmacists. Collectively, two and four overarching key challenges pertaining to MTM alert usability and usefulness, respectively, were identified, resulting in 15 actionable recommendations for improving the design of MTM alerts from a user-centered perspective. Recommendations are expected to inform enhanced MTM alert designs that can improve pharmacist efficiency, patient and prescriber satisfaction with MTM, and patient outcomes.

A motivational factors assessment instrument for medication management center employees providing medication therapy management services: A Rasch analysis

BackgroundTelephonic medication management centers (MMCs) provide medication therapy management services to help alleviate medication-related issues and improve health outcomes. Motivation factors driving the performance of MMC personnel are key components in achieving these goals. Yet, published literature is limited on how motivation affects MMC personnel performance. ObjectiveTo assess validity and reliability of the employee motivation questionnaire (EMQ), a 19-item measure of barriers and facilitators to motivation associated with MMC employees’ work performance. MethodsPharmacist, nurse, pharmacy technician, and intern employees (N = 534) from 5 telephonic-based U.S. MMCs were invited to complete the electronic EMQ. Rasch analysis was conducted in Winsteps software using a rating scale model. Construct and content validity and reliability were analyzed with employee and item separation index (SI) and reliability coefficient (RC). Linear regression was conducted to test the association of employee characteristics with individual work performance motivation. ResultsA total of 319 employees completed the EMQ, 59.7% response rate. Principal components analysis suggested a unidimensional construct. Employee and item infit and outfit mean squared values met recommended fit criteria (0.5–1.5), suggesting that the data fit the model. An item-person map identified items that were easiest (joy of helping patients) and most difficult (motivated to work harder if incentives were tied to goal achievements) to agree with. Mismatch of employee motivation and item difficulty level on the measurement continuum (−1 to 0.92 logits) indicated a need for additional items that employees perceive as more difficult to agree with. The employee RC was 0.81 and the SI was 2.04; whereas, the item RC was 0.97 and the SI was 5.94. None of the variables tested illustrated statistically significant associations with the person motivation measure. ConclusionsThe EMQ illustrated reasonable content validity, good construct validity, and reliability evidence when used to measure motivation factors among MMC employees. Consideration of employee motivation factors may help to better meet MMC program goals and improve patient outcomes.

Optimizing the Role of Community Pharmacists in Managing the Health of Populations: Barriers, Facilitators, and Policy Recommendations.

The shift to a value-based health care system has incentivized providers to implement strategies that improve population health outcomes while minimizing downstream costs. Given their accessibility and expanded clinical care models, community pharmacists are well positioned to join interdisciplinary care teams to advance efforts in effectively managing the health of populations. In this Viewpoints article, we discuss the expanded role of community pharmacists and potential barriers limiting the uptake of these services. We then explore strategies to integrate, leverage, and sustain these services in a value-based economy. Although community pharmacists have great potential to improve population health outcomes because of their accessibility and clinical interventions that have demonstrated improved outcomes, pharmacists are not recognized as merit-based incentive eligible providers and, as a result, may be underutilized in this role. Additional barriers include lack of formal billing codes, which limits patient access to services such as hormonal contraception; fragmentation of Medicare, which prevents alignment of medical and pharmaceutical costs; and continued fee-for-service payment models, which do not incentivize quality. Despite these barriers, there are several opportunities for continued pharmacist involvement in new care models such as patient-centered medical homes (PCMH), accountable care organizations, and other value-based payment models. Community pharmacists integrated within PCMHs have demonstrated improved hemoglobin A1c, blood pressure control, and immunization rates. Likewise, other integrated, value-based models that used community pharmacists to provide medication therapy management services have reported a positive return on investment in overall health care costs. To uphold these efforts and effectively leverage community pharmacist services, we recommend the following: (a) recognition of pharmacists as providers to facilitate full participation in performance-based models, (b) increased integration of pharmacists in emerging delivery and payment models with rapid cycle testing to further clarify the role and value of pharmacists, and (c) enhanced collaborative relationships between pharmacists and other providers to improve interdisciplinary care. DISCLOSURES: This article was funded by the National Association of Chain Drug Stores. The authors have no potential conflicts of interest to report.

Kesiapan Apoteker dalam Memberikan Layanan Medication Therapy Management

Optimizing the implementation of the referral program is one of BPJS 'top programs. BPJS Health implements a referral program based on Medication Therapy Management. Medication therapy management interventions can reduce the frequency of drug-related problems, including non-compliance, and reduce health care costs. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the readiness of pharmacists in providing medication therapy management services This research uses a descriptive method by using a questionnaire as an instrument for data retrieval. The sampling technique is convenience sampling. The population is pharmacists who practice pharmaceutical services and are willing to fill out questionnaires. The result most pharmacists feel they have enough clinical knowledge and experience to provide MTM services. There are still many pharmacist workplaces (Puskesmas, Pharmacies and hospitals) that have not yet prepared to provide MTM services. Pharmacists think they have a desire to provide MTM services and have sufficient access to information in designing appropriate MTM services and pharmacists should be involved in providing MTM services. The obstacles faced by pharmacists in providing MTM services are insufficient time, insufficient human resources, limited space, limited information regarding MTM services, and the costs needed to implement MTM. Pharmacists are willing to provide Medication Therapy Management services but many obstacles remain. Training is needed so that pharmacists become more confident in providing clinical services

Exploring the expanded role of the pharmacy technician in medication therapy management service implementation in the community pharmacy

ObjectivesTo explore the current roles of the pharmacy technician in the provision of medication therapy management (MTM) and their relation to organizational behavior at “high-performing” community pharmacies within a nationwide supermarket chain. DesignQualitative research study using methodologic triangulation with the use of semistructured interviews of key informants, direct observation at “high-performing” pharmacy sites, and respondent journals. Setting and participantsHigh-performing pharmacy sites within a large supermarket pharmacy chain in Tennessee. A high-performing site was defined as a pharmacy that has successfully implemented MTM into its pharmacy workflow. Main outcome measuresThemes related to pharmacy technician roles in the delivery of direct patient care services. ResultsA total of 28 key informants were interviewed from May 2015 to May 2016. Key informants included 10 certified technicians, 5 noncertified technicians, and 13 pharmacists across 8 pharmacies in central and eastern Tennessee. Three themes were identified. At high-performing sites, pharmacy technicians were engaged in both clinical support activities as well as nonclinical support activities with the goal of improving clinical service implementation. Several barriers and facilitators were revealed. ConclusionWithin high-performing teams, expanded technician roles to support patient care service delivery were associated with successful clinical service implementation. Future studies should further explore these expanded technician duties, as well as the role of organizational culture, climate, and team dynamics, in the delivery of patient care and clinical services across a heterogeneous pharmacy setting.

Youth Experience With Community Pharmacy Services and Their Perceptions Toward Implementation of Medication Therapy Management Services by Community Pharmacists in the Western Region of Saudi Arabia.

Pharmacists are the part of the health care team who can counsel patients on the most appropriate use of medications. This study aims to measure patients' experience with services provided by community pharmacists and their perceptions toward providing medication therapy management (MTM) services by community pharmacists in the Western Region of Saudi Arabia. In addition, this study aims to measure patients' willingness to pay (WTP) for participating in the MTM program led by community pharmacists. Using a cross-sectional research design, a prevalidated questionnaire was developed and posted to respondents through either face-to-face interviews or online social media. All data were analyzed using SPSS, version 22.0, and all alpha values less than 0.05 were considered significant. A total of 953 responses were obtained in this study. Overall, 47.6% of the respondents always buy their medications from different community pharmacies, and 46.1% of respondents said that community pharmacists always respond to all of their questions. In addition, 96% of respondents perceived the MTM program to be beneficial for patient care. Moreover, 70.3% of respondents were willing to register in the MTM program if implemented at community pharmacies. Residents in the Western Region of Saudi Arabia highly appreciate the additional values of the MTM program if implemented by community pharmacists. Decisions makers should encourage community pharmacists to plan for MTM services.