Conducting a MedsCheck review is a vital process for healthcare professionals to ensure that patients are on the right medication plan. The Phox software streamlines this process, making it easier for pharmacists and other healthcare providers to efficiently review a patient's medication regimen. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to use Phox for a MedsCheck review:
1. Start by Searching for Your Patient:
- Access Patient Profile: Begin by clicking on the search area at the top of the Phox interface. This is your gateway to locating the patient's information.
- Enter Identifying Information: Type the patient's name or any other identifying details into the search bar to initiate the search.
- Confirm Patient Selection: From the search results, select the desired patient. You'll know you're on the right profile when you see the patient's name displayed, confirming you are viewing their file.
2. Initiate the MedsCheck Review:
- Find the MedsCheck Button: Look under the patient's profile section for the MedsCheck button and click on it to start the review. The system will automatically log the date and time when the review began.
3. Determine If the Patient Is Diabetic:
- Assess Diabetic Status: Respond to the query regarding the patient's diabetic condition. Your answer determines whether the diabetes-focused section of the review will be needed.
- Review Medications for Clues: If you're uncertain about the patient's diabetic status, review their medication list for any treatments commonly associated with diabetes management.
4. Select the Type of MedsCheck:
- Choose MedsCheck Type: From a dropdown menu, select the specific MedsCheck review you're conducting. Make sure to confirm if it’s an annual review and note the location of the service.
5. Confirm Clinical Needs:
- Annual Review Confirmation: In the clinical needs section, confirm that you are conducting an annual review. The system will verify if the patient is taking three or more medications.
- Note Specific Needs: You can also mention if there are multiple conditions, compliance issues, or other factors that justify the need for the review.
6. Review Patient Information:
- Verify Preloaded Details: Phox pre-populates the pharmacy, pharmacist, and patient information, including allergies and lifestyle factors. Confirm or update these details as necessary.
- Lifestyle and Habits: Document the patient's smoking and alcohol consumption habits. Offer lifestyle recommendations or suggest cessation programs if applicable, utilizing dropdown menus or adding custom notes.
7. Select and Assess Medications:
- Medication Overview: Phox will display a list of medications, including the name, strength, and SIG (instructions).
- Assess Each Medication: Confirm the purpose of each medication and identify any adherence issues. It’s also important to document any feedback from the patient regarding their regimen and your assessment to ensure their health and safety.
8. Develop a Care Plan
-Address Therapeutic Issues: Begin by evaluating the patient's medication regimen to identify any potential therapeutic issues. This may include ineffective medications, unnecessary drug use, or the presence of untreated conditions.
-Suggest Alternative Therapies: If you identify any concerns with the current medication regimen, consider suggesting alternative therapies. This could involve recommending different medications with fewer side effects or proposing non-pharmacological treatments where appropriate.
-Document Drug Interactions: Be vigilant in documenting any drug interactions that could potentially harm the patient. This documentation should include how these interactions can be managed or avoided.
- Outline the Overall Care Plan: The care plan should summarize the therapeutic goals, proposed changes to the medication regimen, and any monitoring requirements. If frequent dispensing is necessary, utilize the "requires frequent dispensing" button to document these needs clearly.
9. Review and Summarize
-Review Discussions: Summarize discussions around side effects, adherence to medication, and any personal goals the patient has regarding their health.
- Detail Steps for Goal Achievement: Outline specific steps the patient can take to achieve their health goals. This may include adherence strategies such as setting reminders, using compliance packaging, or scheduling follow-up appointments to reassess medication efficacy and side effects.
10. Complete the Checklist
- Marking All Relevant Items: Verify that all necessary items on the checklist are marked. If certain items do not apply (e.g., medications removed from home), note these exceptions.
- Document Complex Regimens: For patients with complex medication regimens or those facing difficulties in managing their medications, make detailed notes. This information is crucial for providing targeted support.
11. Obtain Patient Acknowledgment
- Review the MedsCheck with the Patient: Discuss the findings and recommendations from the medication review. This promotes patient understanding and engagement in their care plan.
- Obtain Consent: Secure the patient’s acknowledgment and signature (electronic or verbal, as supported by Phox) to confirm they understand the services provided and agree to any care transitions.
12. Submission and Documentation
- Generate the PDF Document: A PDF document, following the ministry template, will be generated. This document includes patient and pharmacy information, medication details, and signed consent forms.
- Include Additional Documentation: Ensure the document contains a blister pack grid for staff use, a frequent dispensing notification form, and a letter to the physician for medication supply review and approval.
By following these steps, healthcare professionals can leverage Phox to conduct thorough and efficient MedsCheck reviews, ensuring patients receive the most appropriate and effective medication therapy. This process not only enhances patient care but also streamlines the review process for the provider.