Tuesday, 03 November 2015 07:51
Written by International Private Medical Health Insurance Magazine
Pharmacy interventions for patients starting new medications can improve adherence, lower health care utilisation and reduce overall health care costs, according to a new study released by Walgreens. The study, “Improving Medication Adherence and Healthcare Outcomes in a Commercial Population Through a Retail Pharmacy Chain,” is one of the first to quantify the total savings this type of approach to medication management can generate for patients and payers. It was presented at the Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy (AMCP) Conference in Orlando, Fla. last week.
“This data demonstrates that reaching patients when they start new medications through multiple pharmacy-led channels, including one-on-one consultations, can play an important role in driving better health outcomes,” said Harry Leider, M.D., Walgreens chief medical officer. “These interventions, along with ongoing support from pharmacy staff, translate into patients being less likely to end up in high-cost settings like the hospital or emergency room.”
