Reducing medication misadventure: A comparative analysis of telepharmacy and home medication reviews

Reducing medication misadventure: A comparative analysis of telepharmacy and home medication reviews Conference Paper

14th National Rural Health Conference: A World of Rural Health

• Author(s): Hall, Fiona, Dean, Debi, Braithwaite, Chris, Stephens, Catherine
• Secondary Author(s): Coleman, Leanne
• Published: 2017
• Publisher: National Rural Health Alliance

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Abstract: Background : Medication misadventure is a serious issue with two to three % of all hospital admissions being medication- related. The federally funded Home Medicine Reviews (HMRs) have provided an avenue for pharmacists to undertake medication reviews to reduce medication misadventure and they have been shown to be beneficial in improving quality use of medicines and overall health outcomes. The HMR program does not give reasonable access to medication reviews in Cape York due to accessibility and funding restrictions. A service model was required to address the challenge of providing medication reviews and to reduce the incidence of medication misadventure within the funding parameters. Methods: A service model using telepharmacy was trialled in ten primary health care clinics throughout Cape York. The solution supported individualised, culturally appropriate medicine education/counselling via telehealth to outpatients who had complex or extensive medication regimes or were recently discharged from hospital. Resources were developed to support the service model. A comparative analysis evaluated the outcomes of the state- funded telepharmacy service model to the HMRs using a cost analysis, clinical variables, patient safety factors and patient satisfaction. Results: Telepharmacy delivery is a more cost effective way to deliver medication management reviews to remote communities than the current HMR funding model, which is not financially viable for remote communities. The safety evaluations indicated an improvement in service quality, safer use of medications and reduced hospitalisation due to medication misadventure. The comparative analysis has informed business model planning and provided a better understanding of cost difference for remote pharmacy medication review methods. Discussion: The telepharmacy trial has increased access t o services, developed clear process and increased the capacity to provide treatments closer to home. Phase two of the implementation will embed the service model within the rural and remote facilities.

• Urls: http://www.ruralhealth.org.au/14nrhc/sites/default/files/Hall%2C%20Fiona_B7_0.pdf Available from, http://www.ruralhealth.org.au/14nrhc/program/concurrent-speakers Download site
• Publisher Location: Cairns