Characteristics of patients who choose to participate in a comprehensive medication review (CMR) program: Implication for program structure and processes

A CMR program was designed to enhance medication adherence, improve drug therapy cost-effectiveness, and increase healthy lifestyle choices. Comprehensive reviews of prescription, non-prescription and herbal products as well as health counseling were offered by a network of selected University-affiliated pharmacists. The program was advertised to employees, retirees and dependents of two Michigan-based companies and individuals receiving services from the network pharmacists. Descriptive statistics were reported as mean (+SD) for continuous variables and as proportions for categorical variables. Statistical analyses were done using tests for categorical data and the Student t test for continuous data. A total 67 individuals received the service. The mean age was 68.6 (+13.9) years; 59.7% were women, 91.0% were white, and 21% paid out-of-pocket for the service. The mean number of prescription medications, OTC, and the total medication used per patient were 8.4 (+4.0), 4.1 (+2.4), and 12.5 (+4.5), respectively. The mean number of total diagnosis was 5.9 (+2.3). Fifty-six percent of participants thought their health was good or excellent. Commonly reported health conditions included hypertension, diabetes, depression, anxiety and chronic pain. Statistically significant relationships were found between age groups (age °Ý 65, age < 65) and number of prescription drugs (p < 0.001); and age groups and number of diagnosis (p < 0.05). The majority of patients (55%) thought their health was improved after attending the program. These results indicate that patients perceive benefits from a CMR. They also provide insight into provider training and program content considerations.