Outcomes of medication therapy review in a family medicine clinic.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effects of pharmacist-conducted medication therapy review (MTR) and intervention on the quality of care of patients in a family medicine clinic.


METHODS
Prospective, observational, cohort study.


METHODS
Family medicine clinic in Minnesota during 2000-2001.


METHODS
Patients were enrolled in a statewide nonprofit managed care organization; selected patients were seen by a clinical pharmacist.


METHODS
Following MTR, medication-related problems (MRPs) were identified and resolved.


METHODS
MRPs identified and resolved, improvement in clinical status, achievement of therapeutic goals, important medication use, and reduction in number of medications.


RESULTS
92 patients were included in the study, with a total of 203 patient encounters. MRPs were identified in 90% of patients, with a total of 250 identified. Overall status of medical conditions improved in 45% of patients, 46% stayed the same, and 9% declined (P < 0.001). Significant improvement in status was found for hypertension (P = 0.007), dyslipidemia (P = 0.002), and asthma (P = 0.011). Significant improvement was seen for aspirin use for myocardial infarction prevention (50% vs. 93%, P = 0.031) and inhaled steroids for asthma (36% vs. 64%, P = 0.031). The number of medications was reduced from an average of 3.92 to 3.04 (P < 0.001) per patient.


CONCLUSIONS
MTR and intervention by a pharmacist positively affected quality of care in this family medicine clinic.
Harris
Ila M
IM
Department of Pharmaceutical Care & Health Systems, College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis 55103, USA. iharris@umphysicians.umn.edu
Westberg
Sarah M
SM
Frakes
Michael J
MJ
Van Vooren
James S
JS
D005194:Family Practice / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007400:Interprofessional Relations; D054539:Medication Therapy Management / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care / Q000379:methods*; D010607:Pharmacy Service, Hospital / Q000379:methods*; D024382:Professional Role; D011787:Quality of Health Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*