A. Develop a written proposal

Identify a problem or issue related to practice, policy, population, or education that aligns with organizational priorities that you seek to solve.

Note: You may need to meet with the organization/practice setting, your manager, and/or supervisor to help choose a current problem or issue.

a. Explain the problem or issue, including why it is applicable to the area of practice you chose and the healthcare environment.

2. Discuss your investigation of the problem or issue.

Proposal: Addressing Medication Adherence among Older Adults in a Primary Care Setting

1. Problem/Issue:

Non-adherence to medication is a prevalent problem among older adults, which can lead to poor health outcomes, higher healthcare costs, and increased hospitalization rates. Medication non-adherence can be caused by several factors, including forgetfulness, complexity of medication regimens, cost of medications, and adverse effects. This problem is particularly applicable to primary care settings, where older adults frequently receive treatment and care for chronic conditions. Non-adherence to medication is also a concern for the healthcare environment as a whole, as it contributes to preventable hospitalizations and increased healthcare costs.

2. Investigation of the Problem/Issue:

According to a study by the National Council on Patient Information and Education (NCPIE), medication non-adherence costs the healthcare system over $300 billion per year. Additionally, medication non-adherence is associated with poor health outcomes, including increased hospitalization rates, disease progression, and increased mortality. The evidence shows that non-adherence is a significant problem among older adults, and primary care providers have a crucial role to play in addressing this problem.

3. Analysis of the State of the Situation:

Several factors contribute to non-adherence to medication among older adults, including forgetfulness, complexity of medication regimens, cost of medications, and adverse effects. Studies have shown that medication non-adherence is also associated with a lack of patient education and counseling by healthcare providers. Primary care providers may not have adequate time or resources to educate their patients on medication adherence adequately. As a result, older adults may lack the knowledge and skills necessary to adhere to their medication regimens effectively.

4. Proposed Solution or Innovation:

To address the problem of medication non-adherence among older adults, we propose implementing a pharmacist-led medication management program in primary care settings. The program will include medication reconciliation, patient education, and counseling on medication adherence. The pharmacist will work with the primary care provider to identify patients at high risk for non-adherence and develop individualized medication management plans. The pharmacist will also provide ongoing support to patients to monitor their medication adherence and address any issues that arise.

5. Resources to Implement the Solution or Innovation:

The cost of implementing the pharmacist-led medication management program will depend on the size of the primary care practice and the number of patients enrolled in the program. However, the cost of the program will be offset by the potential savings associated with improved medication adherence, such as reduced hospitalization rates and healthcare costs. A cost-benefit analysis will be conducted to assess the potential cost savings of the program.

6. Timeline for Implementation:

The implementation of the pharmacist-led medication management program will be completed in three stages. The first stage will involve a needs assessment to identify patients at high risk for non-adherence. The second stage will involve the development of the medication management plans for these patients. The final stage will involve the implementation of the program and the ongoing support and monitoring of patients.

7. Key Stakeholders and Partners:

The key stakeholders for the implementation of the pharmacist-led medication management program include primary care providers, pharmacists, older adults, and their families or caregivers. Partnerships with local pharmacies and healthcare systems can also be developed to ensure the program’s success. Collaboration with insurance providers may also be necessary to ensure the program’s coverage and reimbursement. The involvement of these stakeholders and partners is critical to the success of the program and improving medication adherence among older adults in primary care settings.