NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
SAN FERNANDO, Calif. (Nov. 07, 2018)—Partners in Care Foundation (Partners) today announced significant improvements to its popular HomeMeds program. Introducing the improvements was Sandy Atkins, VP of Strategic Initiatives for the California-based nonprofit.
“It has been over 10 years since the national launch of HomeMeds,” said Sandy Atkins, Partners VP of Strategic Initiatives. “In that time, it has become an invaluable tool for community-based organizations focused on their clients’ health and well-being.”
Used by over 50 agencies across 20 states, HomeMeds is an evidence-based medication safety intervention built around a powerful risk-screening software tool. The program has the highest level of recognition awarded by the U.S. Administration for Community Living. At the program’s core is an inventory of the many medications and supplements found in the home and a conversation about how the person understands and takes their medications. It is especially valuable for individuals dealing with multiple chronic conditions, where numerous medications are taken daily.
According to Atkins, pharmacists, providers and family members routinely talk about how helpful HomeMeds has been in identifying and resolving potential medication-related problems. Depending upon the population, the HomeMeds tool typically uncovers medication-related problems in roughly 50-60% of the individuals screened.
“Drug interactions, non-adherence to instructions, and inappropriate medication dosages can all result in a wide variety of medical problems,” said Atkins. “They can cause falls, dizziness, confusion and other dangerous and distressing adverse effects. These issues drive avoidable provider visits, emergency room use, and hospital admissions. Ultimately, they contribute to the growing expense of the healthcare system.”
Depending upon the population, the HomeMeds tool typically uncovers medication-related problems in roughly 50-60% of the individuals screened.
Yaneya Hall, PharmD, the national HomeMeds pharmacist leader, commented, “As pharmacists, we need to make sure that the right medication is given to the right patient at the right time. When multiple doctors prescribe medications for the same patient, it can result in severe side effects. HomeMeds lets us identify these patients and intervene. At the end of the review, patients receive a complete medication list that they can take to their doctors to prevent future medication-related problems. It’s a win-win for everyone.”
Upgrades and improvements to the HomeMeds’ software component have resulted in an interface that is simpler to use and incorporate several tools that enhance the program’s functionality and efficiency.
“Our users have driven the changes,” explained Amy Adams, HomeMeds director. “Beta testers we’ve asked for feedback have found the upgrades to be significant benefits.” Enhancements include:
Dr. Hall enthusiastically recommends the upgrades to HomeMeds, “With version 2.0, the process of adding medications, providers and pharmacies is more efficient. This saves time during the data entry process. The review by pharmacist is also more efficient and it is easier to keep track of recommendations. It facilitates the communication between pharmacist and healthcare providers.”
As a patient management tool, the HomeMeds software is now even easier to use and it is easier to aggregate data and manage the intervention. This makes the tool more valuable to staff in community-based organizations relying on it to identify potential hazards for their patients and clients.
For more information on HomeMeds or to request a demonstration, please contact:
Sandy Atkins, VP, Strategic Initiatives
Amy Adams, HomeMeds Director
Telephone: (818) 837-3775
Email: homemeds@picf.org
About Partners in Care Foundation
Since 1997, Partners in Care Foundation, a nationally recognized nonprofit organization, has served communities by providing preventative support and social services to adults with complex health issues. Partners is a family of healthcare innovators collaborating with a wide array of health plans, hospitals and physician networks, community based organizations, and governmental agencies. Based in the Greater Los Angeles area, Partners is accredited by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA). Partners is the largest organization of its kind in California. For more information, visit www.picf.org.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Daylyn W. Presley, MS, IMC
Communications Manager
818-837-3775 x131
dpresley@picf.org
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Learn more by visiting our HomeMeds web page.
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