A pharmacy service beneficial to both employees and employers

by Ramy Hazboun, Pharmacist-owner

Medication Therapy Management (MTM) is a program that exists to ensure that medications provided to patients are properly used to optimize therapeutic outcomes and to reduce the risk of potential adverse events.

Any pharmacist can offer this valuable service through the use of user-friendly software (RX REVUE). The process begins with a personal or telephone interview with patients whom the pharmacist judges would benefit from this experience.

In the next step, the patient will identify the medication he is using, understand its expected therapeutic effect and how to administer it properly. The final objectives are to ensure that the patient complies with their treatment, that they are encouraged to take an active role in managing their condition and that they comprehend the effect of the medication and its positive effect on their quality of.life.

It may take more than a single interview to see positive results, especially since follow-ups are required to reassesses and motivate the patient. I have personally experienced a situation where, following an interview using the RX REVUE software, the patient enrolled in a smoking cessation program. The initiating factor was his persistent cough which he attributed to improper or absent use of his bronchodilating puffers.

Pharmacist do not have the time to offer this service while they are busy working and dispensing medications. Instead, they have to schedule separate interviews for that purpose. Since most insurance companies do not pay for this type of service, the patient has to pay out of pocket which is an obvious obstacle to using the service.

Our pharmacy offers this service free of charge to employees covered by Groupe Premier Medical who are already using our services. This benefits both employers and employees, as optimal use of medication translates into less absenteeism for the employer and validates the investment in their drug plans.