In-home medication reviews for war veterans: early experience in Australia.

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the initial impact of in-home medication reviews for war veterans by accredited pharmacists. Method: Medication use, health service use, and corresponding costs for 92 veterans and war widow(er)s were compared between a 'before intervention' period and 'after intervention' period via prescription database analysis. Inappropriate medication use according to Beers' criteria was also identified. Results: The intervention led to a higher number of medications initiated and ceased than medications continued. There was a statistically insignificant increase in the number of medications (12.6 to 13.9), and the mean health service cost ($1818.66 to $2123.26). There was an insignificant increase in the use of inappropriate medication according to Beers' criteria. Conclusion: This medication review service introduced the concept of medication reviews to the Australian domiciliary setting. In-home medication reviews are now widely available to any Australian at risk of medication misadventure.