The Home Medicines Review (HMR) was introduced into the Medical Benefits Scheme in October 2001 to increase the appropriate use of medications and reduce the incidence of 'Medication Misadventures', thereby assisting in improving patient health outcomes.
 
The HMR is a consumer-focused, structured and collaborative health care service provided in the community setting to optimise consumer understanding and  quality use of medicines.  It involves the consumer, their general practitioner, their pharmacy, and other relevant members of the health care team.
 
If medicines aren’t used properly, or if the wrong ones are used together (including vitamins and complementary medicines), the results can be serious.  Consumers who take more than five medicines a day, are confused or worried about their medicines, sometimes forget to take their medicines, see more than one GP or specialist, or have recently been in hospital, could benefit from a Home Medicines Review.
 
The GP generates a referral to the local pharmacy.  A pharmacist conducts an interview, preferably in the consumer’s own home, and then writes a report back to the GP, who then discusses any recommendations with the consumer and may make appropriate changes to their medication regime.
 
Often the pharmacist may pick up on things in the home that the GP is not aware of, but should know about.   For example, the patient may not be taking their medications properly, they may not be stored appropriately, or there may be over-the-counter medicines that should not be taken with the prescribed medicines.   The pharmacist may also find that the patient is confused about their medications or forgets to take them.
 
The GP and pharmacist work together to help the patient to get the most positive health outcomes possible.

The Divisions receives funds through the Pharmacy Guild to support the implementation of Medication Management Reviews.