Main conclusions
- There is ample evidence that pharmacists’ interventions have a positive economic impact
- There is a positive effect on drug consumption
- Pharmacists are able to identify drug-related problems
- Doctors are largely in agreement with the recommendations from pharmacists
- There is evidence that the effect on the health and well-being of patients can be seen in clinical parameters, but not in terms of mortality, hospitalisations and contacts with the health care system, nor in the life quality of patients
- Few studies evaluate the evidence for satisfaction; effect on knowledge, attitudes and behaviour; or effect on drug-related problems
- There is reinforced evidence that medication reviews at nursing homes by a team consisting of a pharmacist, nursing home manager, geriatric psychiatrist and general practitioner can bring about a significant reduction in drug costs and total costs for the health care system.
Full summary including references at the end of the summary