Analysis of drug-related problems in the home medication review practice by the master of pharmacy students

Abstract

Background: Master’s students are required to perform community service (CS), so a strategy is needed to merge CS into a course and make it a learning method that can be sustainably evaluated. Objective: This study aimed to analyse patients’ problems in using, storing, and disposing of drugs through home medication review (HMR) by master’s students of pharmacy. Subjective self-assessment assesses students’ performance in fulfilling the relevant competencies. Method: This cross-sectional study, conducted for four months, involved 225 patients living near the students’ residences. Semi-structured interviews collected data on subject characteristics and how the patients/family members managed drugs at home. Result: Nine master’s students practised HMR to achieve the learning outcomes of the pharmaceutical care course. The most commonly identified drug-related problems (DRPs) were inappropriate timing or dosing interval (41.2%) and medication nonadherence (25%). Some patients (31.6%) stored drugs without adherence to the provisions, and 70.2% disposed of drugs directly in the trash can. Meanwhile, 88.9% of students strongly agreed that HMR could improve their ability to gather patient data and information. Conclusion: HMR is an excellent patient-oriented practice for master’s students to strengthen and refine their awareness of community needs regarding drug use and management by patients at home.