Examining the first year of Medicines Use Review services provided by pharmacists in New Zealand: 2008.

AIM

To determine where in New Zealand collaborative Medication Use Review and Adherence Support (MUR) services were provided by pharmacists, to identify the processes involved, and pharmacists' perceptions of the service.

METHODS

A questionnaire-based cross-sectional survey was undertaken of 68 of 71 MUR accredited pharmacists that were contactable in May 2008.

RESULTS

Fifty-four (79%) of the 68 accredited pharmacists completed the survey. Services were provided in 5/21 (24%) district health boards (DHBs) by 39 pharmacists from 33/897 (3.7%) pharmacies. The eligibility criteria for patients were highly consistent across the DHBs. The median time for pharmacists conducting their initial MUR consultation was 57 minutes. All pharmacists perceived this service to be highly (93%) or moderately valuable (7%) to patients. The main limitations to providing this service were identified as 'no current contract with funders', 'insufficient time', and 'personal circumstances'.

CONCLUSION

By May 2008, collaborative medication review services (MURs) were provided in five DHBs by 39 pharmacists. Limited time since launch and the need for local contract negotiations may have contributed to current participation rates. Studies should be undertaken as the service grows to establish the stakeholders' perceptions of the service, and the impact of MURs on the health outcomes of patients.