A report on a focus group discussion on the local implementation of Medicines Use Reviews (MURS)

Hilton, A; Edmondson, H; Featherstone, VA

Abstract

Introduction: The Hull and East Riding Pharmacy Research Network
(HERPRN) is a pharmacy research network in England,
providing support and research training enabling community
pharmacists and their staff to undertake practice-based
research. The research focus is on quality improvement in the
framework of the new pharmacy contract especially service
evaluation, audit, service user experience and training needs.
Undertaking medicines use reviews (MURs) is an advanced
service provided by community pharmacists as part of the
pharmacy contractual framework. The aim of the service is to
achieve patient adherence in medicine taking.
Objectives: To gain feedback from an exploratory discussion with local
community pharmacists about their experiences of undertaking
MURs retrospectively during a one-year period. To generate
further research questions on MUR provision.
Research method: As part of an educational meeting hosted by HERPRN, a
purposive sample of pharmacists representing multiples, independent and locum pharmacists was convened for a focus
group to discuss MURs. The focus group was moderated by a
non-pharmacist independent qualitative researcher as well as
being co-moderated by the presenting author.
Preliminary findings: • Pharmacists would welcome clarification about the extent of
their clinical input and responsibilities following an MUR.
• Redesigning the form would make it more user friendly.
• Logistically, pharmacists experienced difficulty in maintaining
normal pharmacy services and providing an MUR service.
• Pharmacists felt that inadequate information was given to
general practitioners and other health professionals about
MURs, which they felt had impacted on the quality of
communication and follow-up on action plans.
• People who would benefit from MURs (e.g. the housebound)
are not easily provided for within the present system.
Conclusion: Local pharmacists believe that further research into MUR
provision will be of benefit. Pharmacists’ and prescribers’
attitudes and experiences should be further explored.
Acknowledgements: Commissioned and funded by the Hull and East Riding
Pharmacy Research Network (HERPRN).

Citation

Hilton, A., Edmondson, H., & Featherstone, V. A report on a focus group discussion on the local implementation of Medicines Use Reviews (MURS). Presented at Health Services Research & Pharmacy Practice Conference, School of Pharmacy, Keele University

• Presentation Conference Type: Speech
• Conference Name: Health Services Research & Pharmacy Practice Conference
• Conference Location: School of Pharmacy, Keele University
• End Date: Apr 3, 2007
• Online Publication Date: Feb 18, 2010
• Publication Date: Apr 3, 2007
• Deposit Date: Aug 17, 2010
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1211/096176707781607143
• Publisher URL: https://doi.org/10.1211/096176707781607143
• Related Public URLs: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/20427174; http://pharmacyresearchuk.org/training-and-events/health-services-research-pharmacy-practice/past-conference/
• Additional Information: Access Information : The published version of this poster abstract can be accessed using the link above.; Event Type : Conference; Funders : Hull and East Riding Pharmacy Research Network (HERPRN)