Our Medicines Support ‘policy’ is one of patient-centred care

A message from Marc Donovan, Chief Pharmacist:

With an ageing UK population that has increasingly complex health and social care support needs, our pharmacy teams in all four countries will be involved in helping patients who are having difficulties in managing their medicines and taking or using them as prescribed. In all cases, Boots ‘policy’ in this regard is to deliver compassionate, person-centred care to each individual in order to achieve improved patient outcomes and fewer adverse incidents involving medication.

In recent weeks, publicity has resulted from an apparent miscommunication of certain Medicines Support activities across our stores in England and Wales, especially regarding multi-compartment compliance aids (MCCAs), such as Medisure. For the avoidance of doubt, I can confirm that Boots has not discontinued the provision of its Medisure service, and it remains available for existing (and new) patients whose needs are deemed to be best served by this option. Research shows that MCCAs may help some patients to manage their medicines and maintain independent living. However, they are not the most appropriate intervention for all patients. Research evidence and professional and policy guidance indicate that an MCCA should not be the default option for patients who need help with taking their medicines. For this reason, Boots has developed a suite of Medicines Support resources, including a dedicated tool to assist pharmacy teams in assessing individual patient needs.

Early insights from the recent Medicines Support activities we have undertaken across stores in England and Wales have highlighted three key areas that are relevant for focus by all our pharmacy teams in the UK:

Review of medication – this is important for all patients who receive prescribed medicines, but it is critical for those who are experiencing difficulties in taking their medication as prescribed. This could involve a conversation with the prescriber about reducing the number of medicines prescribed and/or changing to a medicine that requires a simpler dosing schedule, which may improve adherence without the need for any additional intervention.

Review of Medicines Support suitability – it is necessary to check that the patient is confident in how to use any agreed medicines support solution(s) appropriately. Remember that a patient’s medicines support needs may change after a transfer of care to another care setting (e.g. discharged from hospital to home).

Clear communication – to ensure that all parties (e.g. patient, family member, carer) are given accurate and timely information regarding any changes to medicines supplies; this is especially important when a patient's medicines support is being aided by a social care provider.