Primary care clinical pharmacists and chronic disease medication adherence

• Published in: British journal of general practice Vol. 71; no. 712; p. 496
• Main Authors: Wormall, Stephen, Abbot, Sarah
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Royal College of General Practitioners 01.11.2021
• Subjects: Chronic Disease; Chronic illnesses; Community Pharmacy Services; Family physicians; Humans; Letters; Medication Adherence; Patient compliance; Pharmacists; Primary care; Primary Health Care; Professional Role
• ISSN: 0960-1643; 1478-5242
• DOI: 10.3399/bjgp21X717485

The NHS Long Term Plan emphasises the vital role of prevention in the NHS of the future.1 Optimising patients' medical management of chronic disease is an opportunity for primary care. Primary Care Network-based Population Health Management interventions have the potential to augment existing services. Pharmacist-led interventions to improve chronic disease medication adherence have been shown to be effective. A study of the New Medicine Service offered by community pharmacies in England showed 70% self-reported medication adherence at 10 weeks in the intervention group compared with 60% in the control. A Quality Improvement Project in a socioeconomicaiiy deprived general practice in Nottinghamshire led to a clinical pharmacist telephoning 30 patients with suboptimally managed lipid profiles and cardiovascular risk. Fourteen patients were prescribed and repeatedly dispensed simvastatin, atorvastatin, or rosuvastatin. Eight (57%) of those confided in the clinical pharmacist that they were non-adherent with the lipid-lowering medication regime. Patients had recently consulted with GPs and nurses prior to the intervention.