Project Octo-Pills - A practice model engaging community pharmacists in the care of patients from a tertiary hospital

Res Social Adm Pharm. 2018 Aug;14(8):792-794. doi: 10.1016/j.sapharm.2017.10.005. Epub 2017 Oct 13.

Abstract

Even while pharmacy practice evolves to a more patient-centric mode of practice, local hospitals, due to high patient load as well as space and resource constraints, find it challenging to conduct thorough medication review and physical medication reconciliation for all patients. In light of this, optimizing the local current healthcare system to involve community pharmacists in the care of patients from public hospitals could potentially better cater to the healthcare needs of the older population. Due to easy accessibility, community pharmacies are often the first point of contact in the healthcare system. Project Octo-Pills aims to engage community pharmacists in the collaborative care of patients from a tertiary hospital, providing patients with quality medication reconciliation and review services from a more convenient location within their neighborhood. This paper describes the model for this pilot initiative.

Keywords: Community pharmacies; Drug related problems; Medication reconciliation; Medication review; Older population.

MeSH terms

  • Community Pharmacy Services / organization & administration*
  • Drug Interactions
  • Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions
  • Health Services Accessibility
  • Humans
  • Inappropriate Prescribing
  • Intersectoral Collaboration
  • Medication Reconciliation*
  • Pharmacists / organization & administration*
  • Pilot Projects
  • Singapore
  • Tertiary Care Centers / organization & administration*