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Why Do a Home Medicines Review

A Home Medicines Review is a consumer-focused collaborative service used to assist the quality use of medicines.  The HMR involves a GP consultation to generate the referral, a pharmacist interview with the patient (preferably in the patient's home), a clinical assessment by the pharmacist and a written report back to the GP. 

Many physical and cognitive factors impact on the likelihood of a person gaining maximum benefit from their medicines:  hearing, sight, dexterity, confusion, multiple medicines, multiple prescribers, and complementary therapies.  A Home Medicines Review can help patients manage their medicines better.

Know your patient, know their medicines

An HMR will provide you with comprehensive, up-to-date information about the medicines, complementary products, over-the-counter medicines, devices and other prescriptions being used by  your patient. 

Your patient will receive assistance with medications, aids and devices to improve compliance, and early detection and management of medicine-related problems.

GPs are able to participate in the Home Medicines Review program designed to improve the quality use of medicines by patients in the community.

A Home Medicines Review (HMR) is a Government funded, consumer-focused, collaborative service involving both GPs and community pharmacists.

The process (Medicare Item 900) involves two consultations for the GP; one to identify potential patients and arrange the procedure, and a second consultation after the pharmacist’s visit and report to discuss the findings and implement any action. It also requires the GP and Pharmacist to discuss the clinical report, where appropriate.  A copy of the Medication Management Plan is provided to the patient and the community pharmacy.

GP Champions

The Australian General Practice Network provides information and support for GPs, including the GP Peer Support program which provides training by peers in relation to HMRs.  Further information is available at http://www.agpn.com.au/programs/quality-use-of-medicines-qum/home-medicines-review-hmr/hmr-gp-peer-support

The objective of the GP Peer Support program is to provide HMR training for GPs by their peers, to ensure that HMR works for the patient, GP and pharmacist.

A key advantage of this project is that GPs are being trained by their peers, who understand their interests and concerns and can communicate the value of HMR, from a general practice perspective