Medication and health problems and recommendations from MTM services provided by third-year pharmacy students in community pharmacies

Objective: To determine the number and type of medication and health-related problems (MHRPs) identified and medication and health-related recommendations (MHRRs) provided by third-year pharmacy students in medication therapy management (MTM) course for patients in community pharmacies. Methods: This was a retrospective review of provision of MTM services delivered by third-year pharmacy students enrolled in a required MTM course. MTM services were provided in community pharmacies for adult patients. A data collection form was created to document MHRPs, acceptance rates, number and type of MTM interventions, MHRRs, and patient demographic and clinical characteristics. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used. Results: A total of 274 patients received MTM services. Overall, students identified 1370 MHRPs (five per patient) and made 1004 recommendations (3.7/patient). Out of these recommendations, 16.8% were accepted by either patients or their health care providers. Conclusions: Pharmacy students enrolled in a mandatory MTM course identified a substantial number of MHRPs and made recommendations to address the majority of them. Although acceptance rates were low, additional focus and efforts on follow-up could lead to improved patient outcomes.