Perceptions of Medicare Part D enrollees about pharmacists and their role as providers of medication therapy management.
OBJECTIVE
To explore the awareness of Medicare Part D enrollees regarding medication therapy management (MTM) and to examine their expectations and perceptions of pharmacists in providing MTM.


METHODS
The Internet-based survey consisted of questions on respondent demographics, prescription-related behavior, awareness of MTM, and expectation and perception of pharmacists in usual roles and as MTM providers. Four open-ended questions examined expectations, trust, source of MTM information, and perceived benefit from MTM.


RESULTS
The sample of 504 Medicare Part D enrollees from California (mean age 72 years) used an average of 4.3 prescriptions per day. Awareness of MTM was low in this cohort (93% unaware). Trust in the pharmacist was centered on dispensing prescriptions. Expectation of pharmacists also revolved around product (>60%). Approximately 70% of respondents did not believe they needed MTM; however, 58% believed pharmacists were good candidates to provide MTM. Willingness to pay for MTM services was also low (31%).


CONCLUSIONS
Medicare Part D enrollees' expectation and perception of pharmacists revolves around the dispensing function. The public, payers, and policy makers need to be educated to recognize and use pharmacists as cost-effective providers of MTM.
Law
Anandi V
AV
Department of Pharmacy Practice and Administration, College of Pharmacy, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766, USA. alaw@westernu.edu
Okamoto
Mark P
MP
Brock
Kelly
K
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001364:Awareness; D002140:California; D003625:Data Collection; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D008297:Male; D054524:Medicare Part D; D054539:Medication Therapy Management / Q000592:standards*; D017060:Patient Satisfaction / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D010593:Pharmaceutical Services / Q000592:standards; D010595:Pharmacists / Q000592:standards*; D024382:Professional Role; D011369:Professional-Patient Relations; D035502:Trust; D014481:United States