MURs are an advanced service within the NHS community pharmacy contract. They involve a face-to-face consultation between a pharmacist and patient to discuss their prescribed and non-prescribed medicines.
What is the purpose of an MUR?
An MUR involves carrying out a structured review of a patients medicine to help them understand why they are taking a medicine, how they should take it and to talk through any side effects they may be experiencing.
The review should help patients to:
- understand their therapy
- identify any problems or side effects they are experiencing
-
find possible solutions to any problems
Who should have an MUR?
An MUR is ideal for patients on multiple medicines, particularly those receiving medicines for long term conditions.
Changes to the MUR service in 2011/12
For 2011/12 the PSNC and Department of Health have identified national MUR target groups. 75% of all MURs undertaken by each pharmacy in a year should be with patients:
- Taking high risk medicines.
- Recently discharged from hospital who had changes made to their medicine while they were in hospital.
- Patients with respiratory disease.
PSNC - More information on changes to the MUR service
Why offer MURs?
- Develop customer loyalty - the advice and support you provide to a patient will help to build a really strong customer relationship.
- Create an additional revenue stream for your pharmacy - current payment is £28 per MUR.
- If you carry out the maximum 400 MURs per year, you could earn up to £11,200 per year from MURs.
- Help to improve patient health outcomes and the cost effectiveness of prescribed medicines.
-
Cross-sell an MUR with other services - blood pressure testing, cholesterol testing, diabetes screening and diabetes continuous care.
How do I start?
1. You must be accredited to provide MURs - the PSNC website has more information about MUR accreditation.
2. Download the Medicine Use Review SOP - it covers in detail how to carry out an MUR.
3. Talk to your local GPs and PCTs:
Tell them you intend to offer MURs.
Ask how they want to receive patient MUR forms.
Ask if there are any patient groups they want you to target.
4. Promote the service using posters and leaflets - available via online ordering with Tolputt Keeton.
Remember the local marketing fund can help with advertising costs.
5. Encourage your counter staff to talk to customers and recommend the service.
6. Document any recommendations you have made to resolve medicine use issues.
7. The patient should receive a copy of their MUR form - a copy should also be send to their GP within 7 days any changes have been proposed and within 1 month if no action is required.
