Collaborative medication management services: improving patient care.
OBJECTIVE
To implement and evaluate a collaborative medication management service model.


METHODS
Participatory action research.


METHODS
The study was conducted from March 1999 to March 2000; 1000 patients, 63 pharmacists and 129 general practitioners from six Divisions of General Practice in South Australia participated.


METHODS
A collaborative service delivery model, involving a preliminary case conference, a home visit and a second case conference, was agreed through discussions with medical and pharmacy organisations and then implemented.


METHODS
Medication-related problems; actions recommended; actions implemented; and outcomes after actions taken.


RESULTS
Overall, 2764 problems were identified. The most common medication-related problem (17.5% of all problems) was the need for additional tests. Thirty-seven per cent of problems related to medicine selection, 20% to patient knowledge, and 17% to the medication regimen. Of 2764 actions recommended to resolve medication-related problems, 42% were implemented. Of the 978 problems for which action was taken and follow-up data were available, 81% were reported to be "resolved", "well managed" or "improving".


CONCLUSIONS
This implementation model was successful in engaging GPs and pharmacists and in assisting in the resolution of medication-related problems.
Gilbert
Andrew L
AL
Quality Use of Medicines and Pharmacy Research Centre, School of Pharmaceutical, Molecular and Biomedical Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia. andrew.gilbert@unisa.edu.au
Roughead
Elizabeth E
EE
Beilby
Justin
J
Mott
Kathy
K
Barratt
John D
JD
D000368:Aged; D005194:Family Practice; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007400:Interprofessional Relations; D008297:Male; D008508:Medication Errors / Q000517:prevention & control*; D010593:Pharmaceutical Services; D013021:South Australia