Table 1 GP comments about HMR benefits

Education on the need of medication

“So again advantages for patients, I think it’s fairly straight forward that the patients become aware of every medication they are taking.” (GP3)

Poly-pharmacy reduction

“Ever since I started using HMRs, I realised instead of having multi-drug therapy, we can cut it down to four. From say eight, we can cut it down to six, four and that’s fantastic because patient compliance became much better and our drug interaction became less and patients wellness became much better.” (GP6)

Preventing interactions between potentially harmful combination of medicines

“Ensuring no dangerous drug interactions is potentially being missed.” (GP10)

Education on medication administration

“Well better education of the patient in terms of how they should be utilising their medications.” (GP20)

Preventing confusion with generic medication

“What we want to do is to confirm that at home that the patient is taking the regimen we believe they are so that there is no accidental confusion with the variety of generics medications which are doubling up on doses.” (GP8)

Reassurance mechanism

“I think it enhances the patient’s engagement with the health system and they feel like somebody cares which is good and also I think it enhances the patient’s feeling of responsibility of self-care.” (GP11)

Education on side effects of medicines

“Just makes the patient more knowledgeable and to look out for any side effects.” (GP13)

Optimising cost

“It also optimises the cost for the patient.” (GP19)

Reconfirms current complementary, OTC and other medication

“It brings to the fore other issues like OTC medication which is a reality of what we live in. People can get all sorts of medication, some not very good while some are beneficial like complementary medication, naturopathic medications and so when you conduct a Home Medicines Review; it brings those things to the fore.” (GP19)

Preventing interactions between prescribed and complementary medicines

”Trying to make sure patients are not taking herbal or other complementary medicines that’s going to interact with what they are taking.” (GP5)

Reassurance mechanism

“I can also feel a bit more comfortable that with the support of a pharmacist reviewing what’s happened at home that what I’ve heard the pharmacist has identified; we are all on the same page.” (GP1)

Education on side effects associated with current medication and suggests relevant monitoring tests for patients

“The feedback I get is a learning curve for me because there’s a lot of new knowledge gained from the accredited pharmacist looking at side effects or monitoring.” (GP3)

Improving dosage knowledge in patients with chronic renal disease

“I have had feedback particularly with medicines associated with people with chronic renal disease as to doses and that’s some good stuff.” (GP8)