The programme refers to the term "adherence" as the extent to which the patient's behaviour matches agreed recommendations from the prescriber. This term has been chosen carefully to ensure it correctly conveys the commitment from the patient to take a medicine resulting from a prescribing decision in which they had at least some involvement.
- How can I register my interest?
- Contracted community pharmacists may apply to participate in the programme. If you would like to get involved or receive more information please contact us.
- What is the programme about?
- Making the Most of your Medicines is a pharmacy adherence based programme entirely funded by AstraZeneca. It aims to assist pharmacists to help their patients make the most from certain AstraZeneca medicines. The programme focuses on patients who have a prescription or are already taking the following AstraZeneca medicines: Symbicort®, CRESTOR®, Nexium®, and Armidex®.
- Will I benefit from participating in the programme?
- The programme is about focusing the knowledge and skills of the community pharmacist to address barriers that patients face in taking medicines using motivational interviewing techniques. Community pharmacists will benefit through the training provided, strengthening their skills to support patients in making the most of their medicines. Community pharmacists will be paid for delivering the service.
- Will I receive training?
- All participating community pharmacists will take part in training sessions covering the tools used to deliver the programme and enhancing consultation skills to address the patients’ beliefs and preconceptions about the use of their medicines. The training is delivered by the National Prescribing Centre plus (NPC+).
- How often do I need to follow up with my patients?
The community pharmacist will undertake three brief consultations with consenting patients over a three to four month period with patients taking certain AstraZeneca medicines, to investigate the patients' medicines taking behaviour. The patient will then be followed up by the pharmacist at regular intervals throughout the first 12 months.
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How do I get involved?
AstraZeneca is now inviting community pharmacies to join the Making the Most of your Medicines programme. Any community pharmacist may apply to participate in the programme. If you would like to get involved or receive more information please contact us.
