An intervention to develop repeat prescribing in community pharmacy

Background: Lack of review of patients' medications in repeat prescribing is common. This and other problems in repeat prescribing need to be addressed. Community pharmacists could be more proactive in the review of chronic medications. Objective: The purpose of this study was to test the feasibility and effects of pharmacists' interventions in repeat prescribing. Methods: The normal repeat prescribing process used at Kuopio University Pharmacy and in Kuopio Health Services was developed by an intervention which included a pharmacist's interview and the annual medication data of the patient that were both transferred to the prescribing physician. Results: Physicians in the intervention group identified and solved patients' drug-related problems better than was the case in the comparison group with normal repeat prescribing. Over half the patients receiving repeat prescriptions had at least one drug-related problem. The physicians used more information sources to support repeat prescribing in the intervention system. Conclusions: Community pharmacists are able to improve the quality of physician's repeat prescribing by providing vital information.