Patient Perceptions of Medication Therapy Management Targeted for Adherence following the Provision of Influenza Immunizations by Student Pharmacists: Preliminary Findings

Ramsey, Logan H. (2014) Patient Perceptions of Medication Therapy Management Targeted for Adherence following the Provision of Influenza Immunizations by Student Pharmacists: Preliminary Findings. Undergraduate thesis, under the direction of Ashley Ellis from Pharmacy Practice, The University of Mississippi.

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Abstract

Objective: To examine patients’ opinions of clinical pharmacy services, especially Medication Therapy Management (MTM), following the administration of influenza immunization. Methods: The McLean Institute for Public Service and Community Engagement at the University of Mississippi funded a service-learning project for student pharmacists to administer influenza immunizations to medically underserved patients. The project was conducted at a clinic for uninsured patients in Southaven, Mississippi but was open to the public. Patients (n=52) received an influenza immunization followed by a personal medication record during the observation period. Students, under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist, then provided a medication review and Drug Adherence Work-Up (DRAW) to identify adherence problems. A survey was administered to patients regarding services received. Demographics and beliefs on pharmacists’ roles were also assessed. Results: 30% of the sample reported a household income below $15,000 and 33% lacked health insurance. However, most patients attempt to obtain a flu shot every year (M=4.22; Likert scale 1 to 5). 97% indicated trust in pharmacists’ abilities as clinical providers. 63% of patients (n=33) reported taking 1 or more prescription medications daily, with a mean number of 3.6 medications. Medication adherence problems were identified in approximately half (49%) of patients. Respondents noted “forgetting” as the primary relevant issue. Two-thirds of patients (65%) were not aware of pharmacist-provided MTM. Overall, 80% of patients found the combined immunization and MTM a beneficial service (M=4.38; Likert scale 1 to 5). 74% would visit a community pharmacy to receive further MTM services in the future. Conclusions: While survey results indicate low awareness of MTM, a significant number of patients experienced medication adherence issues. Pharmacy visits for annual influenza immunizations may provide an excellent opportunity for pharmacists to implement the model in this study and provide MTM or adherence services.

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