Perceived value of a home-based medication therapy management program for the elderly.

OBJECTIVE

To provide a model for a home-based medication therapy management (MTM) program provided by a pharmacist and to determine the perceived value of the service by program participants.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

SETTING

Houston (Harris County), Texas.

PARTICIPANTS

Thirty MTM participants 60 years of age or older identified between June 2006 and June 2007 by the Harris County Area Agency on Aging as candidates in need of medication management services.

INTERVENTION

Hand-delivered survey provided to participants following individual MTM and emergency-preparedness counseling by a pharmacist in their homes.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Measures of participants' program satisfaction, opinion of knowledge level gained, and the impact participants' felt the program would have on their physician visits.

RESULTS

Ninety-six percent of the participants in the MTM program felt knowledgeable or very knowledgeable about their medications after the pharmacist visit. Approximately 73% felt the home visit would reduce their visits to the doctor, 72% were very satisfied, and 22% somewhat satisfied with the program. All participants would strongly recommend the program to others.

CONCLUSION

There is a lack of literature on home-based medication management programs performed by pharmacists. This report describes a unique program, which was perceived as positive and valuable by participants. This was demonstrated by the high rates received in the areas of satisfaction with the program and a willingness to recommend the program to others.