The theme for the conference was ‘Realise More' which is a key message formulated to show Clicks' dedication to building pharmacy - in South Africa-to the benefit - of all stakeholders.
The Conference had renowned international guest speaker, Dr Lawrence M Brown, Associate Professor and Director at the UT Centre for Medication Therapy Management (MTM), Health Outcomes and Policy Research Division at the University of Tennessee, College of Pharmacy, as keynote speaker to address the delegates on the latest - MTM trends in international - pharmacy practice.
MTM is designed to enhance patients understanding of appropriate drug use, increase adherence to medication therapy, improve detection of adverse drug events, and result in increased collaboration and communication between pharmacist and other health care providers.
The process begins with a chat with your pharmacist; the appointment will be approximately ten to twenty minutes. In order to make the most of this time you could be asked to fill out a questionnaire beforehand, listing all the medicines you are taking (including non-prescription and health supplements) and any problems you may be experiencing. The outcome of the consultation will be an agreed care plan that ensures you get the most out of your medicines. This service is designed for you to obtain maximum benefit from the medicines prescribed by your doctor. When it comes to your health, you should have a network of support. Your care plan and a history of your biometric readings will be available for you to take back to your doctor at your next appointment.
Anyone who is taking more than one medicine or who suffers from a chronic long term condition should take advantage of this service.
The benefits of MTM to the consumer are multiple and include a) economic benefits due to fewer medications prescribed and needed, b) improved health as a direct result of an integrated health plan that is targeted at each specific health issue, and c) reduced risk of adverse reactions to drugs prescribed and potentially hospitalisation - in essence an overall improvement to health and wellbeing.
The benefits to the pharmacist include a further integration into the health team of patient, physician and pharmacist (as well as other specialists), improved relationships with all members of each patient's health team, and improvement in their patient's overall health.
This is in essence the core model for MTM but can also serve as a framework upon which to expand and include many other programmes such as health and wellness, disease management, osteoporosis and more.
MTM has been implemented globally in USA, UK, Australia, and other countries around the world with much success, and will soon be available in South Africa at Clicks pharmacies around the country. Clicks has already started trialing the system at a few of their pharmacies and will commence the full roll-out plan in 2009.
For more information on MTM or the conference or to find your nearest Clicks Pharmacy, visit www.clicks.co.za or call 0860 CLICKS (254 257).
