Understanding, benefits and difficulties of home medicines review - patients' perspectives.

BACKGROUND

The home medicines review (HMR) is an important tool for promoting a model of patient-centred care. This article seeks pa-tients' perspectives on understanding, and perceived benefits and difficulties of HMRs.

METHODS

A qualitative study based on semi-structured interviews of adult participants who completed an HMR was undertaken in Black-town, a growing, multicultural suburb in Western Sydney. The medical centre is a large general practice offering comprehensive, integrated care. Fifteen participants consented to be interviewed. There was even representation of men and women, and the majority had completed high school.

RESULTS

Three major areas were explored: understanding and expectation of an HMR, perceived patient benefits and difficulties.

DISCUSSION

The HMR has the potential to be a useful tool in patients' management of their medications. There are clear benefits when per-formed well. However, we have identified areas of limitations in effectiveness, which present opportunities for strengthening the HMR process. Training of doctors and pharmacists may be needed to ensure better patient outcomes.