Medication Management – Tapping the Pharmacist’s

Expertise for Employees with Multiple Medications

Rosemarie Patodia, BScPhm, CGP

Pharmacist, Manager, Pharmacy Marketing and Professional Services

Shoppers Drug Mart

Agenda

• The medication review (MedsCheck) process

• The importance of medication review

• Benefits to your organization

• What can you do?

• Some examples

• Summary

• Questions

What is a medication review?

• A detailed review of all medications, including: Role of each medication Optimal use Monitoring and outcomes Interactions (including OTCs and natural

health products) Special tips and information

The Ontario MedsCheck Program

• A medication review program introduced by the Ontario Ministry of Health April 2007

• Eligibility: Anyone with an OHIP card 3 or more chronic medications Can be done annually, with an additional follow-up

review within 12 months of the initial medication review

Of the 250,000 completed to date, about 10% were for non-ODB recipients

Why is it Important?

• Identifies potential medication-related problems (pharmacist-recommended solutions)

• Improves medication adherence• Optimizes utilization of appropriate

therapies• Enhances knowledge level of the patient

Benefits to your organization

• Optimizes health outcomes by Helping employees understand the role of

their medications for their overall health Promoting proper use of medications, and Empowering employees to take charge of

their health conditions

Benefits to your organization

• Reduces drug plan costs by Identifying inappropriate medications Preventing future medication-related complications

that potentially require more prescription therapies Optimizing medication use to prevent devastating

events (e.g. heart attack, stroke)

• Win-win situation! Employees are healthier and more productive Less wasted resources from drug plans

What can you do?

• Raise awareness of the medication review opportunity: Promote the availability of this service to all

employees through appropriate internal communication vehicles

Provide information about the benefits of a medication review and how to prepare for it

Connect with your local Shoppers Drug Mart Pharmacy to facilitate the process for employees

Contact SDM at www.healthwatchforbusiness.ca for more information

The case of KW• KW’s medication review uncovers:

She keeps 15 medications on hand at home She has duplicate medications to treat anxiety

and insomnia She carries one angina patch (nitroglycerin) in

her medication bag because she believes she has “some angina sometimes”

The case of KW• How the pharmacist helped KW:

Consulted with her physician regarding her duplicate therapies and about her angina to determine her need for ongoing treatment

Resolved confusion about her medications Cautioned her about the duplicate therapies

and arranged to follow up after discussion with her physician

The case of RK

• RK’s medication review shows: He has a chronic lung condition for which he takes

inhalers – but is using two inhalers of the same class that should not be taken together – also, his inhaler technique is not completely correct

He was using a certain inhaler quite frequently, indicating that he may be having some trouble breathing

He is over 50 and does not have adequate calcium and vitamin D intake – he thinks that osteoporosis is for women

The case of RK

• How the pharmacist helped: Demonstrated and re-taught inhaler technique

for RK Reviewed the purpose of each inhaler Discussed with him that there appears to be

duplication and contacted his doctor to confirm

Advised him on appropriate calcium and vitamin D intake for his age to avoid osteoporosis and assisted him with supplements

Medication review outcomes

• SDM Pharmacists document the types of problems addressed: Addressed adherence issuesTaught proper use of medical devicesSimplified medication regimenResolved side effects or interactionsRecommended dosage changeRecommended discontinuation or substitution of an

inappropriate medicationRecommended more cost-effective medication

Take home messages

• A medication review is a personalized, comprehensive discussion with your pharmacist to review your medication profile

• A simple solution that impacts on medication adherence and appropriate utilization of medications

• First step? Speak with your Shoppers Drug Mart Pharmacist to set up an appointment!

Questions?