New Directions for the Brown Bag Program, Identified from the UK’s Experience of Advanced Pharmacist Services / 医薬品情報学

ABSTRACT

<b>Objective: </b>The Brown Bag program is a drug use review service conducted by community pharmacists.  To improve this program for promoting appropriate drug use, we studied the Medicine Use Review (MUR) program introduced in the UK in 2005, which is similar to the Brown Bag program.<br><b>Methods: </b>First, we obtained data through an internet-based search on MUR, which included data on the skills and accreditation required by pharmacists for conducting this program, the conditions required in pharmacies, the target patient groups, and financial reimbursement of pharmacists/pharmacies for these services.  Subsequently, we visited professional pharmaceutical organizations, a university, and a pharmacy in the UK to conduct interviews involving a predetermined questionnaire, with a total of 6 interviewees.<br><b>Results: </b>The MUR is a medication review program provided free of cost to patients mainly with chronic conditions.  It aims to identify potential safety concerns and improve medication adherence.  In addition to knowledge regarding pharmacotherapy, pharmacists require advanced communication skills for evaluating the use of medications and for providing appropriate consultations in face-to-face sessions. Providing an environment that protects patient privacy is also important.  After the MUR was introduced, the number of services has increased every year and good practices in this regard have increased.<br><b>Conclusion: </b>Information regarding patient selection, check sheet items (e.g., drug names, mode of drug use, reasons for use, and side effects), and feedback procedures was obtained from the MUR program.  The Brown Bag program should be improved to apply this activity to promote appropriate medication use and enhance risk communication service.