Evaluating the impact of collecting patient medical histories using a standardized intake form in a community pharmacy setting

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of collecting patient medical histories using a standardized intake form on: (1) pharmacists' ability to identify drug-related problems (DRPs) and (2) number of interventions identified in a community pharmacy setting. Secondary outcomes include evaluation of: (1) patients' perceptions of providing detailed medical information to community pharmacists and (2) the impact of using a standardized intake form on pharmacy workload. Methods: Although many pharmacies utilize intake forms to collect patient histories, limited literature exists on whether these forms are beneficial in helping identify significant DRPs. This research will evaluate whether use of a standardized intake form helps pharmacists identify and intervene on significant DRPs in the community pharmacy setting. This descriptive exploratory study will include all consenting adults who present to the pharmacy drop-off window from December 2014 to March 2015 at a single grocery store-based community pharmacy. Patients will be asked to complete an intake form to collect demographic information, social history, and medical history including: tobacco use, drug allergies, vaccination status, medical conditions, medication list, medication use, and physician information. After performing a drug utilization review (DUR) using the patient's current drug therapy record, the pharmacist will document additional DRPs identified through review of the intake form. The patient information will be reviewed manually by the pharmacist and entered into the computer system for electronic DUR. All DRPs identified during the study will be classified based on type and frequency, and whether the DRP was identified by manual or electronic review of the patient information. Patient perceptions will be assessed using a self-administered survey provided during the visit and the time spent entering data will be documented to evaluate the impact on pharmacy workload. All data will be analyzed using descriptive statistics.