More now than ever, clinicians rely heavily on pharmacists to provide support in medication therapy management (MTM). With the COVID-19 pandemic still on the rise and evidence of various chronic conditions as precursors to the disease; it’s imperative that clinicians and pharmacist collaborate to improve patient outcomes.
The physician-pharmacist collaboration management (PPCM) model has proven to be beneficial; through enhancing patient outcomes, increasing patient education, and lessening hospitalizations. Within the PPCM model pharmacist obtain a thorough medication history, identify & support barriers of adherence, and when warranted adjust medication regimens. Patients with underlying chronic health conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and compromised immune systems; are more likely to experience severe illness when infected with COVID-19. Pharmacist, highly skilled health-care professionals can help clinicians mitigate the diagnosis of COVID-19 in the high-risk patient population.
How Can Pharmacist Help Mitigate COVID-19 Risk?
1. Complete a Thorough Medication Regimen Review
A medication regimen review is a detailed evaluation of patient’s medications, including over-the-counter (OTC) supplements and vitamins. Pharmacist can complete a personalized medication evaluation for any patient population. This process detects drug related problems such as drug-drug interactions, solely based on the patient’s individualized drug regimen. When performed, it provides clinicians better tracking of patient’s medication history and alleviates the burden of an incomplete drug history. There are many uncertainties with COVID-19 in the high-risk patient population. A thorough medication therapy review could alleviate the burden in this population and the nation’s healthcare system.
2. Support Barriers of Patient Adherence
Pharmacist support barriers of patient adherence by educating and guiding patients concerning there individualized drug therapies. There are many key indicators for non-adherence. For example, time management, unwarranted side-effects, high medication cost, and quit often patient education barriers. These indicators justify implementing the PPCM model within a physician practice. Overall clinicians and patients will gain added support in leveraging patient drug-therapy outcomes.
3. Recommend Adjustments to Patient’s Medication Regimens
Pharmacist will provide clinicians guidance on best approach to patient drug regimen adjustments when warranted. There are many benefits to evaluating a patients drug regimen and adjusting therapies to promote individualized prescribing. This may include deprescribing. A unique technique performed by clinicians that’s highly recommended when a medication is no longer appropriate for the individual patient’s current situation. Deprescribing also helps reduce the incidence of poly-pharmacy, potential drug-drug interactions, or adverse events.
Overall, the physician-pharmacist collaboration management (PPCM) model is an ideal approach. It creates a team approach in medication management and patient guidance which ultimately leads to better long-term patient outcomes. With the upcoming cold and flu season approaching and the potential negative impact with COVID-19 high-risk patients; it’s vital that clinicians consider a more collaborative approach in managing patient drug therapies & outcomes.
Our team is ready to collaborate with your practice. We will support your practice needs and guarantee your patients will receive the best education on there current drug therapies. Ultimately our mission is to help you optimize patient drug therapy outcomes and safeguard medication use!
