Medication Therapy Management in community pharmacy practice: core elements of an MTM service (version 1.0)

Abstract

Objective: To develop a model framework of Medication Therapy Management (MTM) in community pharmacy designed to improve care, enhance communication among patients and providers, improve collaboration among providers, and optimize medication use that leads to improved patient outcomes.

Data sources: Peer-reviewed literature, structured discussions with community pharmacy leaders and representatives from pharmacy benefit providers and health plans, and input from pharmacists and pharmacy associations.

Summary: Building on an MTM consensus definition adopted by 11 national pharmacy organizations in July 2004, this model describes core elements of an MTM service that can be provided by pharmacists across the spectrum of community pharmacy. The model is structured for pharmacists to use with all patients in need of MTM services, both in the private and public sector. The model describes five core elements of MTM in the community pharmacy setting: medication therapy review (MTR), a personal medication record (PMR), a medication action plan (MAP), intervention and referral, and documentation and follow-up. The MTR can be comprehensive or targeted, depending onthe needs of the patient. The PMR and MAP are patient-centered documents intended to be used by the patient to improve medication self-management. A collaborative approach to patient care involving patients, pharmacists, and physicians and other health care providers is advocated in the model. General patient eligibility considerations are also described.

Conclusion: A model framework for consideration by community pharmacists in developing MTM services is described. The model consists of five core elements for MTM service delivery in community pharmacy practice.