The role of consultant pharmacists in reducing medication problems among older adults receiving Medicaid waiver services.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the impact of an evidence-based, medication management intervention to reduce four targeted medication problems among older adults at risk for placement in a nursing facility.


METHODS
A pretest-posttest design.


METHODS
Three sites of California's Multipurpose Senior Services Program (MSSP), a Medi-Cal waiver care management program.


METHODS
Six hundred fifteen dual-eligible, functionally impaired, community-dwelling adults, 65 years of age and older, enrolled in MSSP between June 2004 and January 2006.


METHODS
In collaboration with care managers, consultant pharmacists confirmed medication problems, developed individualized treatment plans, recommended changes, and communicated recommendations to prescribing physician(s), care managers, and participants/caregivers.


METHODS
Change in participant's medication at three-month follow-up.


RESULTS
Twenty-six percent (n=162) had a confirmed medication problem, and of those, 61% had at least one medication changed at three-month follow-up. Change rates for each medication problem ranged from 46% to 68%. Thirty-seven percent had two or more confirmed medication problems, and those with multiple medication problems had greater opportunity to realize at least one medication change. Pharmacists communicated with physicians, care managers, and participants/caregivers at varying levels; however, in 22 cases where all three parties were contacted, change rate was 73%.


CONCLUSIONS
Findings illustrate that consultant pharmacist services, in collaboration with other community-based providers, can reduce medication problems for vulnerable community-dwelling elders using well-defined criteria. There are policy implications for cost and reimbursement mechanisms that may increase identification and resolution of medication problems among older adults in Medicaid waiver services.
Alkema
Gretchen E
GE
Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089-0191, USA. alkema@usc.edu
Enguidanos
Susan M
SM
Wilber
Kathleen H
KH
Trufasiu
Mira
M
Simmons
W June
WJ
Frey
Dennee
D
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003253:Consultants; D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D017723:Drug Utilization Review / Q000191:economics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D064420:Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D005260:Female; D006299:Health Services for the Aged; D006699:Home Care Services; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008484:Medicaid; D008508:Medication Errors / Q000517:prevention & control*; D010348:Patient Care Team; D010595:Pharmacists; D024382:Professional Role; D014481:United States