Manfrin, Andrea and Krska, Janet (2014) Pharmacist and GP views on a medicine use review pilot project conducted in Italy. International Social Pharmacy Workshop, Boston, USA, 5-8 August. Published in: Research in Social and Administrative Pharmacy. 10 (5) e38. Elsevier ISSN 1551-7411

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Abstract

To obtain pharmacists’ and GPs’ views on a medicine use review (MUR) service provided in four Italian locations between October 2012 and January 2013.

Method
Nine focus groups involving 55 pharmacists who provided MURs to asthmatic patients were conducted in February 2013 and one with four GP opinion leaders, in November 2013. Four domains were explored: feedback from patients, practitioners’ views on MUR, limitations/barriers, expectations/future applications. University ethics approval was obtained. Discussions were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically.

Results
Pharmacists recognised MUR as a significant development for their profession and GPs were very positive about the service. Some pharmacists confirmed that the asthma MUR project was one of the most interesting projects in which they took part. GPs suggested that pharmacists should spend more time educating patients on when and how to use medicines optimally and about potential ADRs. One GP suggested providing MUR every time pharmacists sell OTC medications. Pharmacists identified information flow as a barrier and GPs identified red tape and bureaucracy. GPs suggested that information sharing is a must, and endorsed the need for a shared platform which both GPs and pharmacists can access. Pharmacists’ expectations were that MUR should extend to other therapeutic areas; GPs suggested various target groups including patients using at least three medications or complex regimens, those with multiple diseases, the elderly, or those with cognitive problems. GPs also recommended joint educational sessions.

Conclusions
Both health care professional groups gave a very positive evaluation of the MUR service provided. Both also recognised the extreme importance of information flow and data sharing. The idea of joint educational sessions needs to be explored further; it could be the starting point of a new and a much more integrated form of collaboration between these professions.

Item Type:	Conference Proceedings
Schools and Departments:	Professional Services > Set for harvesting test Oct 19
Subjects:	R Medicine > RS Pharmacy and materia medica
Depositing User:	Andrea Manfrin
Date Deposited:	12 Dec 2017 09:11
Last Modified:	05 Nov 2019 10:58
URI:	http://srodev.sussex.ac.uk/id/eprint/71985

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