Resolution of drug-related problems in home care patients through a pharmacy referral service

Classification of drug-related problems with new prescriptions using a modified PCNE classification system

“…Many studies have shown drug-related problems (DRPs) to be very common in primary care and in hospital settings [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16]. In both settings there is evidence that pharmacists' interventions can reduce the occurrence of DRPs [6,9,14,15,17].…”

Effectiveness of a multidisciplinary home‐based medication review program in reducing healthcare utilization among older adult Singaporeans

“…15 A Canadian study involving 27 patients also reported a similar mean (SD) of 3.6 (2.0) DRP per patient. 23 A study carried out in Holland involving 155 patients, in contrast, reported a much higher average of 10 DRP per patient (range [4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21]. 24 In another study carried out in Asia, 167 patients from Jordan had a higher mean (SD) of 7.4 (2.8) DRP (range 1-16).…”

“…These results are consistent with that of other studies, with these being reported amongst the top three DRP in several studies. 15,20,23,[25][26][27] In view of this, we postulate that the positive outcomes were due to the following mechanisms. First, medication adherence was improved by provision of patient counselling and adherence aids.…”

“…14 Nevertheless, the high prevalence of DRP reported in the home care setting highlights the need to improve the pharmaceutical care of these patients. [15][16][17] Pharmacists, being professionally trained to evaluate complex drug therapies, are wellplaced to identify, solve and prevent DRP in high-risk patients. 15 The Agency for Integrated Care is a local public healthcare organization that coordinates and facilitates patient transition from acute care settings to care facilities in the community.…”

“…[15][16][17] Pharmacists, being professionally trained to evaluate complex drug therapies, are wellplaced to identify, solve and prevent DRP in high-risk patients. 15 The Agency for Integrated Care is a local public healthcare organization that coordinates and facilitates patient transition from acute care settings to care facilities in the community. Aged Care Transition teams, comprising of care coordinators, were formed and based in public acute hospitals in a home healthcare project initiated by the Agency for Integrated Care.…”