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. 2024 May;157(3):143-152.
doi: 10.1177/17151635241241686. Epub 2024 Apr 15.

The appointment-based model in community pharmacies: Patient demographics and reimbursable clinical services uptake in Ontario

Tiana Tilli  1 , Annalise Mathers  2 , Qiqi Lin  2 , Saleema Bhaidani  1 , Jen Baker  1 , Louis Wei  1 , Paul Grootendorst  2 , Suzanne M Cadarette  2 , Lisa Dolovich  2
Affiliations

The appointment-based model in community pharmacies: Patient demographics and reimbursable clinical services uptake in Ontario

Tiana Tilli et al. Can Pharm J (Ott). 2024 May.

Abstract

Background: Community pharmacies typically require patients to request medication refills. The appointment-based model (ABM) is a proactive approach that synchronizes refills and schedules patient-pharmacist appointments. These appointments provide opportunities for medication reviews, medication optimization and health promotion services. The primary aim of this study was to describe the types of patients who received an ABM service in a community pharmacy in Ontario in 2017. The secondary aim was to describe reimbursable clinical service uptake.

Methods: In September 2017, the ABM was implemented across 3 Ontario community pharmacies within a Canadian pharmacy banner. Patients who filled at least 1 chronic oral medication and consented to enrolment were eligible. In December 2018, data were extracted from pharmacies using pharmacy management software. Descriptive statistics and frequencies were generated.

Results: Analysis of 131 patients (51.1% female; mean ± SD age 70.8 ± 10.5 years) revealed patients were dispensed a mean ± SD of 5.1 ± 2.7 medications, and 73 (55.7%) experienced polypharmacy. Hypertension (87.8%) and dyslipidemia (68.7%) were the most common medical conditions. There were 74 (56.5%) patients who received ≥1 medication review service (MedsCheck). Of 79 unique drug therapy problems (DTPs) identified, the most common categories related to patients needing additional drug therapy and adverse drug reactions.

Discussion and conclusion: Patients enrolled in the ABM were generally older adults experiencing polypharmacy. The ABM presented opportunities for DTP identification and delivery of reimbursed services. Findings support continued exploration of the ABM to support integration of clinical services within community practice.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship and/or publication of this article.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Timing and actions involved in the Wellness+ appointment-based model’s 2 key components: medication synchronization and patient–pharmacist appointments
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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