ASCP DISCUSSES MTMS IN LONG-TERM CARE

The American Society of Consultant Pharmacists(ASCP) recently addressed medication therapy managementservices (MTMS) in long-term care. MTMS programsare expected to (1) optimize therapeutic outcomesthrough improved medication use; (2) reduce therisk of adverse events, including adverse drug interactions;(3) be conducted by a pharmacist or other qualifiedhealth care provider; and (4) differentiate between servicesin ambulatory and institutional settings.

In its policy statement, ASCP highlighted the followingpoints:

• ASCP advocates that Part D sponsors provide flexibility in the MTMSoffered to patients of long-term care facilities and that these servicesmirror the unique differences in these residents and settings
• The MTMS program should mainly focus on optimizing therapeuticoutcomes and reducing adverse drug events for the beneficiary, andsecondarily focus on reductions of drug costs when necessary
• Pharmacists who provide MTMS to long-term care facility residentsshould have expertise in geriatric drug therapy
• MTMS recommendations received by the administrator, prescriber,pharmacy provider, or caregiver/resident are best reconciled by thefacility's consultant pharmacist