Employer-based patient-centered medication therapy management program: evidence and recommendations for future...

Area of Science:

• Health Services Research
• Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Patient-Centered Care

Background:

• Medication Therapy Management (MTM) programs aim to optimize medication use and improve patient outcomes.
• Employer-based MTM programs offer a unique setting to reach individuals managing multiple prescription medications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of a patient-centered, employer-based MTM program called Focus on Medicines (FOM).
• To assess patient uptake, medication-related outcomes, and satisfaction with the MTM intervention.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled study was conducted at the University of Michigan involving employees, retirees, and dependents taking seven or more medications.
• The FOM program included a comprehensive medication review, personalized recommendations, and a medication action plan (MAP) incorporating patient preferences.
• Key outcomes measured included patient uptake, medication costs, adherence, satisfaction, drug-related problems, and implementation of pharmacist recommendations.

Main Results:

• The FOM program enrolled 128 participants seeking medication regimen assessment, identifying an average of 3.3 drug-related problems per patient, primarily safety-related.
• Sixty-three percent of pharmacist recommendations were implemented overall, increasing to 83% when a prescriber was involved.
• The program demonstrated reduced drug costs for both patients and the employer, alongside improved patient convenience and satisfaction.

Conclusions:

• Personalized medication therapy management dialogues address a significant need for individuals with complex medication regimens.
• Understanding patient motivations and program preferences is crucial for designing effective and high-quality MTM services.