How Medication Therapy Management (MTM) Drives Healthcare Success
- SARMLife
- Nov 15, 2024
- 5 min read
Updated: Jul 19
According to the World Health Organization, medication-related errors affect 1 in every 30 patients.
Medication-related errors are a serious problem in healthcare. Medication therapy management has emerged as a vital strategy for addressing this issue across the healthcare system, particularly through the efforts of pharmacists.
It is a comprehensive medication-use approach involving a pharmacist working with patients to optimize their medication therapy.
When patients agree to medication therapy management (MTM), they receive services that range from medication reviews to action plans and medication counseling. Effective medication therapy management helps the patient understand the ‘why’ of the medications they are being prescribed and the right way to use them.
Studies have shown that when patients fully understand their medication regimen, they are more likely to stick with it, which increases adherence.
What is Medication Therapy Management (MTM)?
Medication therapy management (MTM) involves optimizing medication use and improving patients’ health outcomes.
It includes a thorough review of all a patient’s prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, and dietary supplements, during which a pharmacist determines the appropriateness of the drugs, looks for possible issues such as interactions or side effects, and creates a plan to address them.
MTM is beneficial for patients with complex medical conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, and chronic pain.
It is also helpful for patients who take multiple medications or have difficulty understanding their medication instructions.
Services Described as Medication Therapy Management (MTM)
Here is a list of services described as MTM:
Medication Therapy Reviews.
This includes a thorough evaluation of a patient’s prescription medication to spot possible issues like drug interactions, side effects, or improper dosage.
Pharmacotherapy Consults.
These are in-depth consultations with healthcare providers to discuss complex medication therapy issues and optimize treatment plans.
Disease Management Coach (Support).
Pharmacists educate and support patients with chronic conditions, helping them manage their health conditions and medications effectively.
Pharmacogenomic Applications.
Pharmacogenomics involves understanding how an individual’s genetic makeup influences their response to medications. Pharmacists use pharmacogenomics to tailor medication regimens to a person’s genetic data, thereby maximizing the therapeutic effect.
Immunizations.
This service involves administering vaccines to protect patients from infectious diseases.
Health, Wellness, and Public Health.
This includes promoting overall health and well-being through education, counseling, and community outreach.
Medication Safety Surveillance.
This involves monitoring for medication safety issues, such as adverse drug reactions and drug shortages, and taking steps to prevent future problems.
How Medication Therapy Management Enhances Healthcare Success
Here are some benefits of medication therapy management associated with ensuring the success of medical interventions:
Improved Quality of Patient Care and Outcomes.
MTM empowers patients to take an active role in their healthcare journey.
Patients feel more in charge of their health when they understand their treatment options. With MTM, pharmacists enhance patients’ understanding of their medications by providing a thorough medication overview and offering personalized counseling.
Reduced Healthcare Costs.
MTM can also help reduce healthcare costs. By preventing medication-related problems, such as hospitalizations and emergency room visits, MTMs lead to significant cost savings for both patients and healthcare systems.
Studies have shown that MTM reduces healthcare costs by reducing unnecessary medication use, improving medication adherence, and preventing adverse drug events.¹
Lower Hospitalization Rates.
Medication therapy management involves optimizing medications to achieve maximum effectiveness. When done correctly, it reduces the rate of medication-related errors like drug-drug interactions and other adverse drug reactions.
Drug-related complications can be addressed before they escalate, and when this happens, it ultimately reduces the rate of readmissions and hospitalizations.
Increased Patient Satisfaction.
One key benefit of MTM is increased patient satisfaction. Patients who feel informed and supported are more likely to be satisfied with their care. MTM services, such as medication reviews and counseling, allow patients to express their most pressing concerns and questions regarding their medications.
This personalized approach helps patients feel more confident in their medication regimen and reduces the likelihood of medication errors.
Increased Medication Adherence.
Medication adherence is critical to achieving optimal health outcomes. MTM significantly improves medication adherence by addressing common barriers, such as forgetfulness, complex dosing schedules, and side effects. Pharmacists can provide tailored advice and strategies to help patients stay on track with their medications. For example, they may recommend using pill organizers, setting medication reminders, or adjusting dosing schedules.
Personalized Care.
The entire medication therapy management is based on individualized care. MTM offers personalized care by considering a patient’s needs, preferences, and health conditions.
By considering factors such as age, medical history, and lifestyle, pharmacists optimize medication therapy to maximize benefits and minimize risks.
This personalized approach ensures patients receive the most appropriate medications at the correct dose and duration.
Medication Therapy Management Challenges
Despite the benefits of medication therapy management, here are some challenges that are encountered in practice:
Time Constraints.
Pharmacists constantly face high demands during working hours. From dispensing medications to filling prescriptions and providing over-the-counter advice to patients, finding time for medication therapy management can be challenging.
However, the key is to find balance amid the chaotic daily routine.
Technological Changes.
The rapid evolution of technology makes it challenging for pharmacists to keep up with the latest advancements in MTM tools and software. Therefore, pharmacists may require training and support to utilize these tools effectively.
Staffing Limitations.
A shortage of pharmacists and other healthcare professionals limits the availability of MTM services. This can lead to increased workload for existing staff, potentially compromising the quality of MTM.
Limited Coverage.
Many insurance plans do not adequately cover MTM services, limiting access for patients who need them most. This can create financial barriers and hinder the adoption of MTM in routine practice.
Workflow Challenges.
Coordinating MTM activities with other pharmacy services and communicating with clinicians and patients is a complex process. Streamlining workflows and improving communication can help address these challenges.
Conclusion
Medication therapy management (MTM) is a powerful tool or strategy that significantly enhances healthcare success. By addressing medication-related issues, MTM empowers patients to take control of their health and improve their overall well-being.
Remember, health is a valuable asset. Pharmacists work to improve patients' quality of life and reduce healthcare costs by prioritizing medication adherence, minimizing side effects, and optimizing treatment plans.
If patients appear to be struggling with managing their medications, but you lack the time to provide one-on-one individualized care, then consider seeking the services of a pharmacist or other healthcare professional who specializes in MTM. A dedicated healthcare provider can work with you to develop a personalized medication plan that meets your unique needs.
As pharmacists, we have a unique opportunity to significantly impact patient health and well-being. By embracing medication therapy management (MTM), we can elevate our role from simply dispensing medications to providing comprehensive care.
References
de Oliveira DR, Brummel AR, Miller DB. "Medication Therapy Management: 10 Years of Experience in a Large Integrated Health Care System." J Manag Care Spec Pharm. 2020 Sep;26(9):1057-1066. https://doi:10.18553/jmcp.2020.
DocStation. "Top Benefits and Challenges in Medication Therapy Management." Docstation.co, 4 May 2023, docstation.co/mtm-outcomes/.
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