INTERNATIONAL RESEARCH AND OPINION

Phannacist consultationscan improve patients' health

If patients taking prescription medications, especiallyhigh-risk* drugs, consult with their pharmacist whengetting prescriptions filled, they are less likely to behospitalised for an urgent or emergency event. Thiswas the main finding of a US study conducted jointlyby the Kaiser Permanente (KP) Medical Care Programand the University of Southern California (USC).

The KPIUSC Patient Consultation Study compared2 models of pharmacy care with a control model in> 6000 patients. In the 'State model', which reflectscurrent Californian legal requirements, pharmacistswere required to counsel all patients presenting withnew prescriptions. In the 'KP model', pharmacistscounselled and monitored all recipients of high-riskdrugs on an ongoing basis.

Both models reduced hospital use and improvedpatient satisfaction with pharmacy services, comparedwith the control model. Moreover, patients were willingto wait for a consultation. Consultation with pharmacistsalso improved the likelihood of patients using the medi­cation correctly, commented Dr Jeff McCombs from USC.* e.g. digoxin, phenytoin

How phannacists interact with patients can improve their health. study finds;fewer emergencies and hospitalizations. and lower costs. Business Wire[online]: [3 pages]. 1997. Available from URL: http://www.newspage.com:

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1173,5503/9710104-00091$01.00° Adi.lnternetional Limited 1997. All right. rHefVed PhannacoEconomics & OUlcomes News 22 Mer 1997 No. 104