Concordance Support Packaging Increasing In Pharmacies

Sales for its renowned PlusPak™ have increased by a massive 50% in 2005/6 over 2004/5. This equates to more than 3.7 million packs - 71,154 packages per week - being distributed in the UK. Demand within nursing homes has also added to MTS's success this year using 30% more 28-day dose packs.

PlusPak™ is a specifically designed packaging system to support a concordance service for vulnerable patients, particularly the elderly or disabled, who manage multiple medications in a domestic environment. MTS provides other manual (heat and cold-sealed) and automated blister pack systems for pharmacies which supply nursing homes.

Managing director of MTS, Peter Williams explains: "There is no doubt that an increasing number of pharmacists are recognising the benefits of concordance support service, particularly for vulnerable patients. This is despite the fact that the new contract has meant pharmacists are often not paid sufficiently to satisfy the growing need for providing this additional service.

"We've also seen added pressure on nursing homes due to poor inspection performance in medicine administration and an increase in medication errors. Many are choosing, rightly, to work closer with their pharmacy supplier and benefit from better support.

"However, I fear we are not keeping up with the growing need of the thousands, if not millions, of people in the UK who are not taking their medication properly. It costs the NHS a massive £5bn per year (according to a recent report on BBC Radio 4) in wasted medication. So while we're seeing a healthy increase in the provision of a pharmacy-managed concordance service which is encouraging, there is still more to be done."

MTS is currently distributing an information pack and video CD to UK pharmacies, hospitals, PCTs, MPs and other influencers which, using real-life patient case-studies, helps illustrate the true benefit concordance support can have on a vulnerable patient's well-being.

"Though there is some initial outlay to be made purchasing and assembling the packs, there are massive economic benefits to be realised in supporting patients who struggle with their medicines. If more focus can be given to improving the safe administration of medication, not only would there be major reductions in wastage, but unnecessary trips to the hospital and even long term care admissions would reduce, saving the NHS £millions. We are also just starting some research into the development of new pack designs following feedback from users, as we're keen to satisfy special individual needs better," added Peter.

"Now community pharmacists are starting to see the benefits of mechanisation and automation, together with the requirements/opportunities presented by the new contract, there is increasing need and opportunity for the professional role to be widened beyond the 'mechanical' dispensing process. It is disappointing however, that there has still been no official study into the true value of a concordance service, but as sales this year have shown, the demand is increasing which also hopefully means patient care is improving. However, there is still a fair way to go."

To receive one of the MTS concordance support information pack if you have not already, please call 0870 766 1462, or e-mail enquiries@mts-mt.com