RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Lewisham Integrated Medicines Optimisation Service: delivering a system-wide coordinated care model to support patients in the management of medicines to retain independence in their own home
JF European Journal of Hospital Pharmacy
JO Eur J Hosp Pharm
FD British Medical Journal Publishing Group
SP 98
OP 101
DO 10.1136/ejhpharm-2014-000565
VO 22
IS 2
A1 Lai, Kit
A1 Howes, Katherine
A1 Butterworth, Cleo
A1 Salter, Mike
YR 2015
UL http://ejhp.bmj.com/content/22/2/98.abstract
AB Background and objective There is limited published data on coordinated care models focusing on addressing suboptimal medicines use, which not only leads to poor patient outcomes but also represents an unprecedented economic challenge. This paper describes the key components of a system-wide coordinated care model adopted by, and integral to, the Lewisham Integrated Medicines Optimisation Service (LIMOS). Methods and results LIMOS consists of specialist pharmacy team members who rotate geographically between primary and secondary care organisations, accepting referrals from health and social care professionals within both settings. LIMOS provide a formal pathway for the referral of patients with medicines-related problems for assessment, support and follow-up to review access, adherence and clinical issues. An integrated and deliverable pharmaceutical care plan is developed and agreed with the patient and all involved in their care. Regular follow-up, by either phone or further visits to the patient's home, is provided after initial review to ensure interventions continue to meet individual needs. Outcome measures are being collated for service evaluation. Enablers underpinning successful service delivery include the ability to share information and refer across traditional boundaries to ensure that patient-centred care is delivered together with the implementation of a joint health and social care medicines policy. Conclusions An approach addressing an identified gap in meeting the medicine support needs of the local population has been described. The essential components underpinning LIMOS should be explored by other health and social care organisations considering the establishment of a new, or development of an existing, medicines optimisation model.