Pharmacists’ and Pharmacy Students’ Ability to Identify Drug-related Problems Using TIMER (Tool to Improve Medications in the Elderly via Review)

Authors

Sarah Snyder Lee, Kansas University Medical Center
Ann K. Schwemm, University of Michigan Health System
Jeffrey Reist, University of Iowa College of Pharmacy
Matthew Cantrell, University of Iowa College of Pharmacy
Michael Andreski, University of Iowa College of Pharmacy
William R. Doucette, University of Iowa College of Pharmacy
Elizabeth A. Chrischilles, University of Iowa College of Public Health
Karen B. Farris, University of Iowa College of Pharmacy

Date of this Version

2009

Comments

Published in American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education 2009; 73 (3) Article 52.

Abstract

Objective. Determine the effectiveness of TIMER (Tool to Improve Medications in the Elderly via Review) in helping pharmacists and pharmacy students identify drug-related problems during patient medication reviews.
Methods. In a randomized, controlled study design, geriatric patient cases were sent to 136 pharmacists and 108 third-year pharmacy students who were asked to identify drug related-problems (DRPs) with and without using TIMER.
Results. Pharmacists identified more tool-related DRPs using TIMER (p 5 0.027). Pharmacy students identified more tool-related DRPs using TIMER in the first case (p 5 0.02), but not in the second.
Conclusion. TIMER increased the number of DRPs identified by practicing pharmacists and pharmacy students during medication reviews of hypothetical patient cases.