Abstract
The aim of this dissertation is to investigate Medication Reviews being carried out by Pharmacists and to determine whether Medication Review could be conducted by Pharmacists in Ireland today, and if it would improve patient adherence and outcomes. Various studies and journals were researched so as to identify the different models of Medication review in action today in different countries. The Australian and UK models were both investigated as they provide dramatically contrasting evidence around the relative success of medication review. My dissertation describes the infrastructure in place in respect of medication review in each country and surveys the key studies which have been undertaken in relation to its relative success. I then consider whether medication review would be a suitable activity for Pharmacists in Ireland and, finally, propose a model which I believe would offer the optimum positive outcome both in relation to positive patient care and enhancing the position and reputation of Pharmacists in the community today.
Introduction
Medication review, variously known as medication use review (UK), medication therapy management (USA) and home medication review (Australia) is a key issue for the practice of Pharmacy today. Indeed a recent symposium of the Pharmaceutical Care Network Europe (PCNE) held last November in Geneva, Switzerland was entirely dedicated to the topic of “Drug Related Problems and Medication Review”. J. W. Foppe van Mil’s intervention during this symposium provides an excellent overview of the topic and gives this definition:
“Medication review may be defined as a structured evaluation of a patient 's medicines, aimed at reaching agreement with the patient about drug
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