SDSU Pharmacy Students to Provide Free Medication Reviews at Brookings Health System

SDSU student pharmacists belonging to the American Pharmacists Association Academy of Student Pharmacists (APhA-ASP) will provide free medication reviews at Brookings Health System’s hospital. Reviews will be held in hospital conference room D on Nov. 6, Nov. 19, Dec. 4 and Dec. 17 from 9 to 11 a.m. each day.

“Our goal is to first answer whatever questions you have about your medications,” said SDSU Assistant Professor of Pharmacy Practice Alex Middendorf, Pharm. D. “These are the most important to you and thus most important to us.”

Research indicates when people understand their medications they make better health decisions and take greater ownership in their personal health. According to IMS Health, a company that specializes in health care intelligence and insights, only 15-20% of prescriptions are taken as prescribed and refilled on-time.

Medication reviews especially benefit people who take multiple medications and help patients understand their prescriptions to get the most benefit with the fewest side effects, including what they are taking, why they should take them, and when to take them.

“With this review, we also discuss over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements,” said Middendorf. “These are not always on the radar screen for patients and other health care professionals, but can cause severe drug interactions and lead to hospitalization, too.”

The one-on-one consultations also benefit the student pharmacists.

“Students are able to apply their clinical knowledge by identifying potential problems, and communicating those effectively with patients,” said APhA-ASP’s Transitions of Care Coordinator Courtney Donnelli, a third year pharmacy student.

No appointment is necessary to receive a medication review. Patients are asked to bring all medications they are currently taking, including prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, vitamins and natural health products.

About Brookings Health System

Brookings Health System, located in Brookings, South Dakota, includes a 49-bed hospital, the 79-bed The Neighborhoods at Brookview nursing home, Brookhaven Estates senior living apartments, Yorkshire Eye Clinic, Arlington Medical Center, White Medical Clinic and Volga Medical Clinic. It is a non-profit, city-owned facility that offers the community a full range of inpatient, outpatient, surgical and extended care services. The emergency room is staffed 24 hours a day and provides around the clock patient needs ranging from minor injuries to life threatening crises. For more information about the services offered at Brookings Health System, please call (605) 696-9000 or visit us on the Web at brookingshealth.org.