The study, undertaken by Australian researchers and published in the internationally reputable Research in Social and Administrative Pharmacy journal, concluded that the available evidence suggests clinical medication reviews are beneficial in improving quality use of medications and consumer health outcomes.
National President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia, Joe Demarte, said the study provided important evidence underpinning the value of medication reviews.
"This review is landmark in that it provides an overview of the research to date and describes the clinical, humanistic, economic and qualitative benefits of medication reviews," he said.
"It shows that medication reviews are evidenced-based and beneficial to the public and the health system.
"But it also identified opportunities for improvement – for example there are underserved populations who would benefit from the service, including post hospital discharge patients, indigenous and culturally and linguistically diverse people, and younger patients with chronic diseases."
Demarte said: "The research findings provided a good opportunity to review the current administrative changes imposed in the 5CPA, namely the cap on services and time interval between HMRs. With proven value, the PSA will certainly be strongly advocating that in the 6CPA, patients who would benefit from a medication review should be able to access one."