Domiciliary medication review (ReMeDo): development, reliability and acceptability of a tool for community pharmacists

Abstract

Abstract Objectives Polymedication and medication hoarding in patients’ homes may increase the risk of drug-related problems (DRPs). Community pharmacists can prevent DRPs through medication reconciliation and review. This study aims to (1) develop a tool for community pharmacists to perform domiciliary medication review (ReMeDo) and (2) assess the interrater and test–retest reliability and acceptability of the tool. Methods The ReMeDo tool was first developed 6 years before this study to perform medication review during pharmacist home visits. A literature review was performed to update the content of the existing tool. Ten pharmacy students participated in the assessment of the interrater and test–retest reliability using three vignettes based on former ReMeDo patients. Test–retest reliability coefficients were calculated for the entire tool and each segment. Global and individual interrater reliability coefficients were also computed. Acceptability was assessed through a satisfaction survey. Key findings The ReMeDo tool was structured to guide the collection of information before, during and after the pharmacist home visit. The global kappa coefficients for interrater and test–retest reliability were 0.70 (95% confidence interval (CI), 0.67 to 0.73) and 0.71 (95% CI, 0.68 to 0.74), respectively. The test–retest reliability coefficients for each segment and the interrater reliability coefficients for participants were higher than 0.60 (except for one participant), demonstrating a moderate to substantial level of agreement. The tool was deemed acceptable by participants. Conclusions The ReMeDo tool proved to be reliable and acceptable for use by community pharmacists to perform medication review in patients’ homes.