reports

The Ontario MedsCheck Diabetes pharmacist medication review service: a descriptive analysis of service recipients between 2010-2014 using administrative claims data

Canadian Association for Population Therapeutics Conference, November 2015, Toronto, ON, Canada.

A MedsCheck Diabetes (MCD) consultation is a pharmacist-led medication review service funded by the Ontario government for people with diabetes. Pharmacists are remunerated $75 for an annual review (limit 1 per year) and $25 for follow-up assessments. We sought to describe the demographic and clinical characteristics of MCD service recipients. This cohort study leverages linked administrative claims data from September 13, 2010 (inception) to March 31, 2014, including the Ontario Drug Benefit program data where MCD services are recorded using a Product Identification Number (PIN). Descriptive statistics were calculated for recipient characteristics and stratified by age and sex. The MCD service was provided to 406,694 Ontarians (45% seniors, 54% male) since inception. Over 95% of MCD services delivered were annual reviews versus follow up assessments. 2011-12 was the highest service delivery year (126,538 recipients) since the service began with a very slight decline overall in subsequent years, more prominent amongst those 66 years and older. Nineteen percent of recipients were identified as immigrants. Seven percent of recipients had experienced a hospitalization or emergency department visit 30 days before MCD. In the year prior to MCD, recipients 66 years and older received an average of 10 prescription drugs and 9% had high medication costs ($4000+). In under four years, approximately 25% of Ontarians living with diabetes have received an MCD. Few recipients received a follow up assessment. Initial uptake of MCD service was rapid, however, the number of persons receiving service over time is decreasing, especially among older Ontarians.