What is defined as a systematic evaluation of a patient's medication regimen?

A Comprehensive Medication Review (CMR) is defined as a systematic evaluation of a patient's medication regimen. This process involves a detailed assessment of all medications a patient is taking, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, herbal supplements, and any potential discrepancies or issues. The goal is to ensure that medications are being used effectively, to identify any potential drug interactions, and to confirm that the therapy is aligned with the patient's health goals.

During a CMR, healthcare professionals gather information about the patient's health status, medication history, and therapy effectiveness, which helps to develop an individualized medication action plan. This is critical in Medication Therapy Management (MTM) as it promotes safe and effective medication use, ultimately leading to improved patient outcomes.

In contrast, medication reconciliation focuses primarily on ensuring that a patient’s medication lists are accurate and complete across transitions of care. Pharmacotherapy assessment is a broader term that can include evaluating the appropriateness of medications but is not as specific as a comprehensive review. Patient medication education, while important in managing medications, does not entail the systematic evaluation process that defines a CMR.