Medication problems of rheumatic patients assessed by domicillary visits by pharmacists

A pilot scheme of domicillary visits to thirty-three rheumatic patients attending either a specialized clinic or general practitioners was undertaken. Patients' understanding of their therapy and compliance with prescribed regimens was assessed, and a comparison made between specialized medical records and actual medications found in the home. A number of cases are discussed in detail to highlight some of the problems uncovered. It is suggested that the visits by pharmacists were sufficiently useful to extend the scheme.