Page 16 - P4304.1-V111_PS Magazine - July 25
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DRUM Review Checklist & Staff Script
Patient Name: Date:
Reviewer Name:
Question Yes / No Notes / Concerns / Referrals
The DRUM Review as a conversation Do you understand what each of your medicines
is for?
Do you take them as directed on the labels?
A DRUM should feel like a helpful conversation,
not an interrogation. Use your existing Are your medications effective for your
proforma as a guide, and treat it as a symptoms?
conversation script. Example questions might Do any of your medicines cause side effects?
include:
Question DRUMs are an opportunity, not a Do you have difficulty opening containers or
using devices (e.g. inhalers)?
Do you understand what each of your burden Have you stopped taking any medicines? Should
medications is for? Let’s reframe DRUMs as a relationship- these be removed from your repeat list?
Do you take your medications as directed? building exercise, not a compliance headache. Do you use any compliance aids (e.g. dosette
Are your medications effective for your • Train your dispensers to lead the box)? Do you need one?
symptoms? conversations with confidence. Do you have any other questions or concerns
Do you experience side effects? • Empower your team to raise concerns and about your medicines?
Do you have difficulty using your medication refer when needed. Would you like a referral to a GP, nurse, or
pharmacist?
or packaging? • Engage your patients with open-ended
Have you stopped taking any medications questions, empathy, and follow-up. Optional Service Questions (Customer Feedback)
recently? • Script your process, but allow for real Question Yes / No Notes
You could even add a couple of customer human connection. Are you happy with the service from our
service/feedback questions: Final thoughts dispensary?
• Are you happy with the service you receive DRUMs have been overlooked as a clinical Would you like to share any suggestions or
from the dispensary? formality for too long. In reality, they’re one of concerns about our service?
• If not, how could we improve it? the few structured, funded opportunities we
These two additions turn the DRUM into a have to connect meaningfully with dispensing “Hello, [Patient Name], I’m calling/meeting you During the review:
dual-purpose tool: improving medication patients. today for your annual medicine use review. - Be warm and supportive, not rushed.
safety and strengthening patient loyalty. Dispenser-led DRUMs are not just achievable— It’s part of the service we offer to help ensure - Use everyday language: “Have you noticed
they’re essential. They demonstrate your your medicines are working well for you and any side effects?” instead of “Do you
commitment to quality, retain patient loyalty, that you’re not experiencing any problems.
and fulfil DSQS requirements all in one go. This isn’t a clinical check, but more of a experience adverse drug reactions?”
Let’s commit to making every DRUM in 2025 practical review. It should take about 10–15 - Note anything unusual or concerning and
a valuable conversation that supports patient minutes. flag it for follow-up.
care and strengthens your practice. Closing the review:
Is now a good time to go through it together?” “Thank you for your time today. I’ll record our
If YES → Proceed with the checklist above. conversation in your notes, and if anything
If NO → needs to be followed up with the pharmacist or
“No problem—when would be a good time for GP, I’ll make sure that happens.
us to call you back or speak in person next And just to ask—are you happy with the
time you’re collecting your medication?” service from our dispensary? We’re always
looking to improve and would hate to lose you
to another pharmacy.”
