Comprehensive Medication Review Completion in Medically Underserved Areas and Populations

Abstract

Purpose. Pharmacists provide comprehensive medication reviews (CMRs) to address provider shortages in medically underserved rural areas/populations (MUA/P). Currently, there are no studies regarding the proportions of CMRs completed directly with patients (here called, beneficiaries) from MUA/Ps themselves, or with others such as caregivers or primary care providers. Methods. This retrospective study analyzed adults in 2018 who received a CMR from a telehealth pharmacist. Chi-square tests compared differences in the proportion of CMRs completed with beneficiaries versus others. Multivariable logistic regression determined predictors of CMRs completed with beneficiaries. Findings. Of 19,655 participants, most were female (68%) and had Spanish preferred language (43%). The following had a greater likelihood of CMR completion with beneficiaries: Age 65– 74 years; non-rural residents; mental health prescription. These variables had less likelihood of CMR completion with beneficiaries: Rural areas; men; and presence of medication nonadherence. Conclusion. The expansion of pharmacist-delivered CMRs occurred successfully in MUA/Ps. Further work is warranted to investigate the longitudinal effect on health markers.