"FQCs" Frequently Quoted Comments
Some common HMR misconceptions and barriers
The following is an attempt to address some of the barriers and misconceptions we face from a small number of GPs not familiar with the Home Medicines Review (HMR) program.
“I don't need a pharmacist to check my prescribing...”
A Home Medicines Reviews (HMR) is a patient-focussed collaboration involving a GP and a community pharmacy or accredited pharmacist; be assured that it is not an audit or review of prescribing skills. A HMR is mainly concerned with improving patient's understanding of their prescribed medications and an opportunity to identify potential medication management issues.
“I already do a thorough review my patient's medication at every consultation...”
Many potential medication-related problems are not easily identified at a routine GP visit.
Some examples include, but not limited to:
- Poor compliance/adherence to prescribed medication eg. Reluctance to start new medication, lack of knowledge of the purpose of individual medicines, problems with medication management.
- Doctor shopping – multiple prescribers and prescribed medication of which you may be unaware.
- Other-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins and herbal preparations – potential herb-drug interactions (warfarin) or duplication of therapy eg. Multiple paracetamol-containing products or NSAIDs
- Inappropriate storage and disposal of medication.
- Expired medications still in use – common example: glyceryl trinitrate tabs and sublingual sprays.
- Frequency of PRN medication.
- Adverse reactions – unidentified side-effects from prescribed/OTC medication.
- Brand confusion/duplication
- Incorrect medical device technique – eg. asthma inhalers, glucometers
- Other issues that patient thinks is irrelevant but may lead to medical misadventure.
“I don't think my patients would want the service...”
A survey published in the International Journal of Pharmacy Practice revealed that patients reported a high satisfaction rate with the HMR service. It has also been shown that patients are more willing to have a Home Medicines Review (HMR) if their GP suggested it. This was also true for those who had concerns about their medications; however there is a low awareness of the service and patients lack confidence that their GPs wanted them to ask for the service.
For those patients who have privacy or safety issues or are just uncomfortable about having a HMR in their home, advise them that the interview can be conducted in a venue of their choice e.g. in the pharmacy or at the GP clinic.
Click here to download a HMR brochure for your patients.
“I’m just too busy to bother with HMRs…”
The Medicines Review Company understands the time constrains that GPs face. The Home Medicines Review program can in fact allow you to focus on what you do best; that is, diagnosis and treatment of patients, while leaving things such as medicines education and identification of compliance and medication management issues to specially trained accredited pharmacists.
Home Medicines Reviews can be implemented with very little effort particularly when combined with other team care and management plan items with which you are already engaged.
“Most of my patients are of a younger demographic….”
Younger patients with chronic conditions such as children or adolescents with asthma are ideal candidates for a Home Medicines Review (HMR). Younger asthma patients often have poor adherence to treatments such as incorrect inhaler technique. It is estimated that only 50% of paediatric patients adhere to their medication regimen. A HMR also provides an opportunity for parents of younger patients to feel more confident about overseeing the administering of medications to their children.
If you are ready to incorporate Home Medicines Reviews (HMR) in your practice or clinic
