The term “Med Check” is an informal name for a formal process known in healthcare as a Comprehensive Medication Review (CMR). This review is often part of a broader Medication Therapy Management (MTM) service. This structured consultation is a component of preventative healthcare, designed to ensure that a person’s entire regimen of drugs and supplements is safe and appropriate for their current health status. A medication review is a proactive measure intended to optimize a treatment plan and prevent potential complications. This process helps coordinate care, especially for individuals who see multiple specialists, and is a routine step toward greater patient safety.
Defining the Medication Review
A Comprehensive Medication Review is a systematic evaluation of all medications a patient is currently taking to identify and resolve medication-related problems. This process includes prescription drugs, over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins, herbal remedies, and dietary supplements. The goal is to create a complete and accurate picture of a patient’s regimen to assess its effectiveness and safety.
The formal review is typically conducted by a primary care physician, a specialist, or a clinical pharmacist. Pharmacists often perform a detailed assessment of drug therapy to pinpoint issues like drug interactions or unnecessary therapies. The service concludes with a personalized record of medications and a document outlining any changes required to improve the regimen.
Why a Med Check is Essential
The primary purpose of a medication review is to manage the risks associated with complex drug regimens and enhance patient safety. A significant concern addressed is polypharmacy, defined as taking five or more prescription drugs daily. Polypharmacy greatly increases the likelihood of adverse drug events, which account for a substantial percentage of hospital admissions.
The review is designed to detect harmful drug interactions, which can occur between two prescription drugs or between a drug and a common supplement. These interactions can lead to severe issues like falls, cognitive impairment, or functional decline, particularly in older adults. A thorough check also identifies instances of duplicate therapy or detects medications that are no longer indicated for a current condition. Finally, the review ensures that current dosages remain appropriate, as a person’s metabolism and health status change over time.
The Med Check Process: Preparation and Discussion
Preparing for a medication review appointment involves steps that significantly improve the session’s outcome. Patients should gather all their medication containers, including prescription bottles, blister packs, and containers for over-the-counter products, vitamins, and supplements. Having the physical items or a detailed list ensures the healthcare provider can verify the exact drug name, dosage, and frequency.
It is also helpful to make a list of any questions, concerns, or side effects experienced since the last review. During the appointment, the healthcare provider will review each medication to confirm its purpose and assess whether it is being taken correctly. The discussion also covers adherence, ensuring the patient is consistently taking the medication as directed, which is necessary for treatment effectiveness.
When and How Often to Schedule a Review
For individuals managing multiple chronic health conditions, a complete medication review should be conducted at least once a year as a routine preventative measure. Some guidelines suggest a review every six months for patients taking four or more medications due to the increased risk of complications.
Beyond the routine schedule, several specific events should trigger an immediate review. A common trigger is a discharge from the hospital, which requires reconciliation between old and new prescriptions. A review is also warranted when a new chronic medication is started, when a major change in health status occurs, or when a patient begins seeing a new specialist.