UH Hilo pharmacy students partner with HMSA to provide medication therapy management
The student consultants benefit through the applied learning experience, using the knowledge and skills learned in class to directly help patients.
Students at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo pharmacy college are providing personalized medication reviews to qualified individuals through a new agreement with health insurer Hawaiʻi Medical Service Association (HMSA).
The Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy team conducts comprehensive reviews of a person’s medications to ensure that they are safe, effective, and appropriate for the individual’s health needs. The review process is referred to as Medication Therapy Management (MTM).
“MTM is one of the services that pharmacists are trained and licensed to offer with their specialized expertise related to medication,” says Camlyn Masuda, an associate professor of pharmacy practice at the college and supervisor of the MTM program. “These reviews can result in improved health outcomes, as well as enhanced communication between patients and their health care team.”
In addition to prescription medications, each review includes over-the-counter drugs, herbal therapies, vitamins, and dietary supplements. A resulting medication action plan, which includes recommended changes and reminders, is provided and reviewed with each individual. Pertinent medication recommendations are forwarded to the person’s doctor or health care specialist.
Applied learning experience
Pharmacy students apply and are interviewed for the paid MTM consultant positions. The hired students benefit through the applied learning experience, using the knowledge and skills learned in class to directly help patients.
“Working in the MTM program has given me valuable insight into the complexity of launching and maintaining a new health care service program,” says Charlotte Powell, a third year pharmacy student. “The MTM program has offered me a rare opportunity to apply communication and clinical skills, as well as learn about the many moving parts involved to make a health care program run smoothly.”
Eligibility for HMSA members
HMSA Federal Plan 87 members are eligible for the MTM program and can schedule a medication review. The pharmacy college will be contacting eligible members, but members may also schedule an appointment by calling 808-210-3120.
There is no added cost for the medication review; it is a benefit for HMSA Federal Plan 87 members and participation is voluntary. For additional information, email hmsamtm@ucera.org.
–See news release from the college.
