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Impact of Medication Review by General Practitioners andPatient Peer Education
Author(s) -
Bolton Patrick GM,
Parker Sharon M
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
journal of pharmacy practice and research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.222
H-Index - 22
eISSN - 2055-2335
pISSN - 1445-937X
DOI - 10.1002/jppr20043418
Subject(s) - medicine , peer review , global positioning system , family medicine , peer education , medical education , peer group , health education , nursing , public health , psychology , telecommunications , developmental psychology , political science , computer science , law
Aim: To assess the combined and independent impact, of two Quality Use of Medicines initiatives‐medication review by general practitioners (GPs) and patient peer education. Method: 27 GPs recruited 185 patients aged < 65 years and taking five or more medications. Patients were randomised to receive a medication review, peer education, both or neither. Peer educators were recruited and trained to educate and empower patients to obtain the information they need from their GPs. GPs attended an educational workshop on medication review for older patients. Results: No significant difference was found for medication review by GPs or patient peer education, or for the interaction between the two, according to the two outcome measures: SF‐36 and medication count. Conclusion: Despite the limitations of the study, particularly limited statistical power, the results raise questions about the value of medication review by GPs for the elderly. Greater engagement between peer educators and patients may be required if peer educators are to have a positive effect on health outcomes.