PCNE definition of medication review: reaching agreement

Abstract

Background Medication review is important in an era, in which polypharmacy is increasing. To date, no agreed international definition of medication review exists. Objective The aim was to reach agreement on an internationally applicable definition of medication review. Setting An international group of experts in medication review. Methods A working group of the Pharmaceutical Care Network Europe (PCNE) was established to agree on a definition including a classification of medication review. First, a survey with the aim of systematically gathering viewpoints on a definition of medication review was conducted. Second, a workshop was held to achieve an agreement. Finally, during the General Assembly of PCNE, the definition was approved. To ensure a better understanding of the scope and the considerations behind the definition, a position paper was created. Main outcome measure An internationally agreed definition of medication review. Results 58 PCNE members from 20 different countries completed the online survey. Then, 22 participants from 11 different countries (not only PCNE members) elaborated the final definition during a workshop. The final PCNE version agreed was: "Medication review is a structured evaluation of a patient's medicines with the aim of optimising medicines use and improving health outcomes. This entails detecting drug-related problems and recommending interventions". Overall, the consensus process included 225 people from 35 countries and resulted also in a classification of medication review taking into account the type and source of available information. Conclusion Involvement of an international community from research and practice and the use of a systematic process led to an agreement on the term medication review and on a classification valid for all settings and professions.

Patient Knowledge about Oral Anticoagulation Therapy Assessed during an Intermediate Medication Review in Swiss Community Pharmacies

“…However, interventions aimed at increasing medication knowledge are likely to succeed if the entire medication i.e., polypharmacy, is taken into account, especially in older adults. Therefore, starting with a medication review (MR) [18] might be indispensable when patients are to be counselled about knowledge or adherence [19].…”

Medication in older patients reviewed multiple ways (MORE) study

“…Geriatricians care for nearly the full spectrum of diseases seen in general medicine, taking into account the complexities in geriatric medicine. Therefore they often perform medication review: a structured evaluation of a patient's medicines with the aim of optimising medicines use and improving health outcomes [11].…”

Pharmacy‐based interdisciplinary intervention for patients with chronic heart failure: results of the PHARM‐CHF randomized controlled trial

“…Details on study visits, data collection, intervention, and standardization were previously described . In brief, the intervention consisted of the following components: first, medication review (Type 2a according to the Pharmaceutical Care Network Europe (PCNE) classification) in the community pharmacy at baseline with the aim of generating a consolidated medication plan. This included the following: compilation of the patient's entire medication (based on the physician's medication list, documented drug dispensing in the pharmacy, and patient interview in the pharmacy), check for DRPs such as drug interactions and double medications using a standardized check‐list, and contact with the physician to discuss problems and risks if necessary. …”

“…Details on study visits, data collection, intervention, and standardization were previously described. 10 In brief, the intervention consisted of the following components: first, medication review (Type 2a according to the Pharmaceutical Care Network Europe (PCNE) classification 11 in the community pharmacy at baseline with the aim of generating a consolidated medication plan. This included the following:…”