CombiConsult bridges the gap between pharmacist and GP

In addition to her role as a researcher at the SIR Institute for Pharmacy Practice and Policy, pharmacist Valerie Mevis worked as one of the first providers of pharmacotherapy healthcare in general practice. Her experience of patient care was instrumental in her PhD research into CombiConsult, a new pharmacotherapy intervention, where pharmacist consultation is linked to consultation with a practice nurse or GP.

Almost twenty years ago, the so-called HARM study caused a stir: it showed that 2.4% of all hospital admissions and 5.6% of acute admissions were linked to the use of medications and that almost half of these admissions could have been avoided. These findings led to the POINT study, which demonstrated the effectiveness of a model of professional collaboration with a pharmacist acting as a pharmacotherapy care provider in general practice. The aim was to prevent medication-related health problems and subsequent hospitalizations.

In this project, nine pharmacists – supported by additional training – went to work in general practice. Valerie Mejvis was one of these pharmacists. “Just see what you can do,” was the task open to her. Working closer to healthcare, with a focus on the patient, turned out to suit her well. “My mother was a pharmacy assistant. I was brought up with the idea that the patient comes first and that you listen to them carefully