Medication therapy management services in West Virginia: pharmacists' perceptions of educational and training needs

Abstract

Background: The Medicare Modernization Act of 2003 recognizes the challenges associated with drug therapy in elderly patients with multiple chronic diseases, and requires the development of medication therapy management services (MTMS) for such beneficiaries.

Objective: To assess pharmacists' perception of educational and training needs necessary to implement MTMS in community pharmacies in West Virginia, USA.

Methods: Self-administered mail surveys with an explanatory cover letter were mailed to the designated pharmacist-in-charge (PIC) of each licensed community pharmacy (506) in West Virginia. Main outcome measures included pharmacists' comfort level, perceptions of value to patients, barriers to provision of services, and pharmacists' interest in receiving education and training related to MTMS.

Results: Of the 503 surveys that were deliverable, 203 (40.4%) usable responses were received. Fifty-five (27.1%) PICs reported that MTMS are currently being provided in their pharmacy. Respondents were likely to use services that aid in the development of MTMS and disease-state management, felt relatively comfortable in providing MTMS, and had a favorable view of the value of services to patients, but reported that lack of time tended to be a barrier.

Conclusion: PICs in West Virginia are interested in and open to their pharmacists receiving education and training for implementation of MTMS.