The Evolving Role of Pharmacists in Home Medication Review: A Scoping Review
Article Sidebar
Main Article Content
Abstract
Introduction: Irrational and inappropriate medication use remains a major global challenge. Home Medication Review (HMR) is a patient-centred service in which pharmacists conduct structured medication assessments in patients’ homes to identify drug-related problems (DRPs), improve adherence, and optimise medication use. This scoping review aimed to map the evolving role of pharmacists in HMR, examine its impact on patient outcomes and quality of life, and identify barriers to pharmacist-led HMR implementation across different healthcare systems. Methods: A scoping review was conducted using the Arksey and O’Malley framework and reported in accordance with the PRISMA-ScR checklist. Databases including Scopus, CINAHL, PubMed, and Embase were searched for English-language original research studies published between 2015 and 2025. Studies involving pharmacists conducting HMR in patient’s homes were included. Results: Out of 719 retrieved articles, 12 studies met the inclusion criteria. Most studies were conducted in Australia, followed by Malaysia and other countries. Pharmacist-led HMR was consistently associated with improved medication adherence, identification and resolution of DRPs, and improved patient outcomes and quality of life. Pharmacist’s roles evolved from medication reconciliation and adherence assessment to comprehensive medication reviews, medicines optimisation, and multidisciplinary collaboration. Key barriers included patient-related factors, limited physicians support, system-level challenges, resource constraints, and workload pressures. Conclusion: Pharmacist-led HMR improves medication use, patient outcomes, and quality of life, with an increasingly advanced clinical role over time. Further large-scale research and strengthened implementation strategies are needed, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, to support wider adoption of pharmacist-led HMR services.
Article Details
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Journal of Pharmacy at https://journals.iium.edu.my/ktn/index.php/jp is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
References
Abbott, R. A., Moore, D. A., Rogers, M., et al. (2020). Effectiveness of pharmacist home visits for individuals at risk of medication-related problems: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. BMC health services research, 20(1), 39. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-019-4728-3
Abu Fadaleh, S. M., Charrois, T. L., Makhinova, T., et al. (2022). The effect of home medication review in community-dwelling older adults: a systematic review. Journal of Public Health, 30(8), 1857-1872. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10389-020-01447-0
ACSQHC. (2021). The Fourth Australian Atlas of Healthcare Variation 2021: Medicines use in older people. Retrieved 20-08-2025 from https://www.safetyandquality.gov.au/our-work/healthcare-variation/fourth-atlas-2021/medicines-use-older-people
Al-Qudah, R. A., Bulatova, N. R., Obeidat, N. M., et al. (2018). Impact of home medication management review on medication adherence among Jordanian patients. Journal of Pharmaceutical Health Services Research, 9(3), 227-235. https://doi.org/10.1111/jphs.12243
Alalawneh, M., Berardi, A., Nuaimi, N., et al. (2022). Improving Syrian refugees' knowledge of medications and adherence following a randomized control trial assessing the effect of a medication management review service. PLoS One, 17(10), e0276304. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0276304
Anika A, M. H., Pooitha, Roshni Mohanan, Ateendra Jha, Ananya Bhattacharjee. (2020). A Qualitative Study to Assess the Need of Home Medication Review to Improve the Quality of Life in General Population in a District Head Quarters. International Journal of Health Sciences and Research, 10(12).
Arksey, H., & O'malley, L. (2005). Scoping studies: towards a methodological framework. International journal of social research methodology, 8(1), 19-32. https://doi.org/10.1080/1364557032000119616
Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care (DOHAC). (2023). Home Medicines Review. Retrieved 05-07-2026 from
https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/home-medicines-review
Castelino, R. L., Bajorek, B. V., & Chen, T. F. (2010). Retrospective evaluation of home medicines review by pharmacists in older Australian patients using the medication appropriateness index. Annals of Pharmacotherapy, 44(12), 1922-1929. https://doi.org/10.1345/aph.1P373
Chandrasekhar, D., Joseph, E., Ghaffoor, F. A., et al. (2019). Role of pharmacist led home medication review in community setting and the preparation of medication list. Clinical Epidemiology and Global Health, 7(1), 66-70. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cegh.2018.01.002
Chen, E. Y., Wang, K. N., Sluggett, J. K., et al. (2019). Process, impact and outcomes of medication review in Australian residential aged care facilities: A systematic review. Australasian Journal on Ageing, 38, 9-25. https://doi.org/10.1111/ajag.12676
Chen, T. F. (2016). Pharmacist-led home medicines review and residential medication management review: the Australian model. Drugs & aging, 33(3), 199-204. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40266-016-0357-2
Craske, M., Hardeman, W., Steel, N., et al. (2024). Pharmacist-led medication reviews: A scoping review of systematic reviews. PLoS One, 19(9), e0309729. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0309729
Craske, M. E., Hardeman, W., Steel, N., et al. (2024). Components of pharmacist-led medication reviews and their relationship to outcomes: a systematic review and narrative synthesis. BMJ Qual Saf, 33(12), 808-822. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjqs-2024-017283
Du, W., Gnjidic, D., Pearson, S.-A., et al. (2019). Patterns of high-risk prescribing and other factors in relation to receipt of a home medicines review: a prospective cohort investigation among adults aged 45 years and over in Australia. BMJ Open, 9(2), e027305. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2018-027305
Elfituri, A. A., & Sherif, F. M. (2020). Evolving pharmacy profession around the globe towards an improved health care. Iberoamerican Journal of Medicine, 2(3), 140-141. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.3770372
Feng, M. (2023). The Evolution and Impact of Pharmacy: An Detailed Overview. Journal of Basic and Clinical Pharmacy, 14(5), 307.
Francis, J., & Abraham, S. (2014). Clinical pharmacists: Bridging the gap between patients and physicians. Saudi Pharmaceutical Journal, 22(6), 600-602. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsps.2014.02.011
Gavazova, E., Staynova, R., & Grekova-Kafalova, D. (2024). Managing polypharmacy through medication review tools–pros and cons. Folia Medica, 66(2), 161-170. https://doi.org/10.3897/folmed.66.e117783
Gudi, S. K., Kashyap, A., Chhabra, M., et al. (2019). Impact of pharmacist-led home medicines review services on drug-related problems among the elderly population: a systematic review. Epidemiology and health, 41, e2019020. https://doi.org/10.4178/epih.e2019020
Jokanovic, N., Tan, E. C., van den Bosch, D., et al. (2016). Clinical medication review in Australia: a systematic review. Research in Social and Administrative Pharmacy, 12(3), 384-418.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sapharm.2015.06.007
Kassim, M. S. A., & Pei, S. P. (2023). Systematic review of pharmacist-led home medication reviews to improve adherence to antidiabetic medications among adult type 2 diabetes patients. Malaysian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 21(2), 29-45. https://doi.org/10.21315/mjps2023.21.2.3
Khanam, B. (2021). The Role of the Pharmacist in Patient Care (Book Review). J Nurs Midwifery Res, 1(1), 1-18.
Lexow, M., Wernecke, K., Sultzer, R., et al. (2022). Determine the impact of a structured pharmacist-led medication review - a controlled intervention study to optimise medication safety for residents in long-term care facilities. BMC Geriatr, 22(1), 307. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12877-022-03025-3
Liou, W. S., Huang, S. M., Lee, W. H., et al. (2021). The effects of a pharmacist-led medication review in a nursing home: A randomized controlled trial. Medicine (Baltimore), 100(48), e28023. https://doi.org/10.1097/md.0000000000028023
Marcum, Z. A., Jiang, S., Bacci, J. L., et al. (2021). Pharmacist-led interventions to improve medication adherence in older adults: A meta-analysis. J Am Geriatr Soc, 69(11), 3301-3311. https://doi.org/10.1111/jgs.17373
McCormick, P., Chennells, R., Coleman, B., et al. (2020). The outcome of domiciliary medication reviews and their impact: a systematic review. International Journal of Pharmacy Practice, 28(5), 417-427. https://doi.org/10.1111/ijpp.12649
Munn, Z., Peters, M. D. J., Stern, C., Tufanaru, C., McArthur, A., & Aromataris, E. (2018). Systematic review or scoping review? Guidance for authors when choosing between a systematic or scoping review approach. BMC Medical Research Methodology, 18(1), 143. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12874-018-0611-x
Nabergoj Makovec, U., Kos, M., & Pisk, N. (2018). Community pharmacists’ perspectives on implementation of Medicines Use Review in Slovenia. International Journal of Clinical Pharmacy, 40(5), 1180-1188.
Nguyen, M., Beier, M. T., Louden, D. N., et al. (2023). The Effect of Pharmacist-Initiated Deprescribing Interventions in Older People: A Narrative Review of Randomized Controlled Trials. Sr Care Pharm, 38(12), 506-523. https://doi.org/10.4140/TCP.n.2023.506
Ocampo, C. C., Garcia-Cardenas, V., Martinez-Martinez, F., et al. (2015). Implementation of medication review with follow-up in a Spanish community pharmacy and its achieved outcomes. International Journal of Clinical Pharmacy, 37(5), 931-940.
Ofori-Asenso, R., & Agyeman, A. A. (2016). Irrational Use of Medicines-A Summary of Key Concepts. Pharmacy (Basel), 4(4).
https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmacy4040035
Papastergiou, J., Luen, M., Tencaliuc, S., et al. (2019). Medication management issues identified during home medication reviews for ambulatory community pharmacy patients. Can Pharm J (Ott), 152(5), 334-342.
https://doi.org/10.1177/1715163519861420
Patounas, M., Lau, E. T., Chan, V., et al. (2021). Home medicines reviews: a national survey of Australian accredited pharmacists' health service time investment. Pharm Pract (Granada), 19(3), 2376.
https://doi.org/10.18549/PharmPract.2021.3.2376
Poudel, A., Lau, E. T., Deldot, M., et al. (2019). Pharmacist role in vaccination: Evidence and challenges. Vaccine, 37(40), 5939-5945.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vaccine.2019.08.060
Rockville (MD): Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, US. Department of Health and Human Services. (2024). The Pharmacist's Role in Medication Safety.
https://psnet.ahrq.gov/primer/pharmacists-role-medication-safety
Rosli, M. R., Neoh, C. F., Wu, D. B., et al. (2021). Evaluation of home medication review for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus by community pharmacists: a randomised controlled trial. Pharm Pract (Granada), 19(3), 2397. https://doi.org/10.18549/PharmPract.2021.3.2397
Salom-Garrigues, C., Aragonès, E., Giralt, M., et al. (2024). Evaluation of a pharmacist-led intervention to reduce drug-related problems in patients included in a home healthcare program: study protocol for a pragmatic randomized clinical trial. BMC Geriatr, 24(1), 170. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12877-024-04763-2
Sarwar, M. R., McDonald, V. M., Abramson, M. J., et al. (2025). Credentialed pharmacist-led home medicines reviews targeting treatable traits and their impact on health outcomes in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a pre- and post-intervention study. International Journal of Clinical Pharmacy, 47(1), 157-165. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11096-024-01819-6
Satish, S., Ashika, M., & Ramakrishna Shabaraya, A. (2023). A Community Based Study To Assess The Effectiveness Of Home Medication Review Based On Their Knowledge About Disease And Drugs In Hypertensive Geriatric Patients Of Dakshina Kannada. IJPS, 1(1). https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.10138421
Seth, S., Lukose, L., Tesfaye, W. H., et al. (2025). Impact of Home Medicines Review on medication regimen complexity. Journal of Pharmacy Practice and Research, 55(2), 102-109. https://doi.org/10.1002/jppr.1945
Silviana, M., Mafruhah, O. R., & Ningrum, V. D. A. (2024). The Practice of Home Medication Review (HMR) by Community Pharmacists: a Scoping Review. Jurnal Pharmascience, 11(2), 239-257.
Sluggett, J. K., Caughey, G. E., Air, T., et al. (2024). Health outcomes following provision of Home Medicines Reviews for older people receiving aged care services at home. Res Social Adm Pharm, 20(11), 1064-1069.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sapharm.2024.08.004
Sluggett, J. K., Caughey, G. E., Air, T., et al. (2022). Provision of a comprehensive medicines review is associated with lower mortality risk for residents of aged care facilities: a retrospective cohort study. Age Ageing, 51(7). https://doi.org/10.1093/ageing/afac149
Sluggett, J. K., Collier, L. R., Bartholomaeus, J. D., et al. (2021). National Trends and Policy Impacts on Provision of Home Medicines Reviews and Residential Medication Management Reviews in Older Australians, 2009-2019. Int J Environ Res Public Health, 18(18). https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18189898
Smith, M. (2023). The Evolution and Importance of Pharmacy in Modern Healthcare. Pharmaceutical Regulatory Affairs, 12(6).
https://doi.org/10.37421/2167-7689.2023.12.386
Sundus, A., Sellappans, R., & Pin, T. M. (2024). Informing policy makers in developing countries: Practices and limitations of geriatric home medication review in Malaysia-A qualitative inquiry. Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Medicine, 17(1), 21-29. https://doi.org/10.4103/apjtm.apjtm_614_23
Tan, Y. M., Chong, C. P., & Cheah, Y. C. (2019). Impact of hospital pharmacist-led home medication review program for people with schizophrenia: A prospective study from Malaysia. Journal of Applied Pharmaceutical Science, 9(7), 034-041.
https://doi.org/10.7324/JAPS.2019.90705
Tricco, A. C., Lillie, E., Zarin, W., et al. (2018). PRISMA extension for scoping reviews (PRISMA-ScR): checklist and explanation. Annals of internal medicine, 169(7), 467-473.
https://doi.org/10.7326/m18-0850
UniSA. (2025). Apply PCC. Retrieved 22-08-2025 from https://guides.library.unisa.edu.au/ScopingReviews/ApplyPCC