title: Home medicines reviews: a quantitative study of the views of recipients and eligible non-recipients.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  There is a lack of knowledge regarding recipients' experiences with, perceptions of, and willingness to reuse the Home Medicines Review (HMR) programme in Australia. In addition, little is known about eligible non-recipients' awareness of and willingness to use the HMR service. The aim of the study was therefore to explore perceptions of, and willingness to use, HMRs.
  
  
  METHODS
  A cross-sectional questionnaire was conducted with recipients and eligible non-recipients of HMRs. Eligible non-recipients were defined as those who had not had an HMR and were at risk of medication misadventure. The questionnaire was distributed by 264 practising pharmacists throughout Australia.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 595 out of 1893 (31%) HMR recipients and 293 out of 1829 (16%) eligible non-recipients completed the questionnaires. Overall, 91% of recipients were satisfied with the service. Compared with eligible non-recipients, recipients were more willing to have an HMR if their general practitioner (GP) suggested it (91% versus 71%, P < 0.001) and more willing to ask for an HMR if they were having concerns about their medicines (82% versus 63%, P < 0.001). Among eligible non-recipients, 23% were aware of HMRs. Predominantly pharmacists (68%) and GPs (36%) provided awareness of HMRs, which was associated with increased willingness to have an HMR if their GP suggested it (83% versus 67%, P < 0.014).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  An overwhelming majority of patients were satisfied with the HMR programme. Experience with HMR, and to a lesser extent, prior awareness, increased willingness to use HMR. Therefore, pharmacists and GPs who introduce HMR to eligible non-recipients may increase their willingness to use this service.
authors: Faculty of Pharmacy, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. scar4376@uni.sydney.edu.au
authors: Stephen R
authors: SR
authors: Carter
authors: Timothy F
authors: TF
authors: Chen
authors: Lesley
authors: L
authors: White
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001315:Australia; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D017723:Drug Utilization Review / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D058005:General Practitioners; D006699:Home Care Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D010465:Perception; D010593:Pharmaceutical Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D010595:Pharmacists / Q000458:organization & administration; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires