Health Care Ministry

Report after BBMR [Success!]

Holy Trinity has approved a new Health Ministry and our first project was a Brown Bag Medication Review (BBMR).  Northwest Parish Nurse Ministries and several local faith communities will be offering the BBMR on Saturday, April 12, 2008 at the Tuality Health Education Center in Hillsboro.  This event entails one-on-one medication review, education and consultation with a registered nurse and a registered pharmacist.  Representatives of AARP (American Association of Retired Persons) and SHIBA (Senior Health Insurance Benefit Assistance) will also be present for assistance as needed.

Research indicates that over half of the prescription medications dispensed in the United States are taken incorrectly.  Incorrect medication use is associated with 1/6 of all hospital admissions, ¼ of all nursing home admissions, ¼ of all malpractice suits, ½ of all therapeutic failures, and 2½ million medical emergencies each year.  Estimates show that the successful provision of medication education could save 120,000 lives and $45.6 billion each year in the United States (*Am J Health-Syst Pharm – Vol 59, Mar 2002).

Goals of the BBMR include providing solutions to medication-related problems, and demonstrating the value of a consistent pharmacist-patient relationship. There is evidence that appropriate drug use is primarily determined by the quality of practitioner-patient communication.

We are reaching out to leaders in our parish, such as you, who might be aware of parishioners who could benefit from the BBMR.  The majority of the nurses and health ministers volunteering for this event are from Holy Trinity. Therefore, you are welcome to encourage family members and friends to participate also.  Anyone interested could call me to set up an appointment time.

Prior to the appointment, a participant packet will be given out, including a participant consent form/waiver.  The entire appointment should last about 1½ - 2 hours.  During the BBMR, a nurse will interview individual participants about their health history and the packet information filled in by the participant. Participants will be asked if they are experiencing any problems or barriers in taking their medications. Then a pharmacist will check their prescription and non-prescription medicines for potential problems, offer tips for safe and effective medication use, and answer any questions they may have. Any vitamins, herbal medications, ointments, lotions, and occasional over-the-counter medications should also be included in their brown bag for the review.  As a result of their medication review, they may be advised to follow-up with their doctor/ health care provider.  

Lastly, a nurse will ask for the participant’s evaluation of the benefits of the BBMR.  Northwest Parish Nurse Ministries will be given data collected during the BBMR, such as general types and numbers of medication problems identified.  For example, identified problems may include adverse drug interactions, inappropriate dosages, missing drug therapy, duplications, and contraindications.  This group data will be used to help evaluate the benefits and effectiveness of the BBMR program for possible use by faith communities throughout the United States.  No participant names or personal identifiers will be published in any reports or journals.  Participants will also be asked if a nurse may telephone them in 3 months and again in 6 months to see how they are doing and to complete a follow-up survey on the effectiveness of the BBMR program. 

                Debra Gray, RN, MSN, CLNC

                 Holy Trinity Health Ministry

Saturday: 5:30 pm
Sunday: 8:00 am, 9:30 am, 11:15 am
T, Th, Fr: 8:15 main the chapel
W: 8:45 am school mass in the church

Holy Days: 9:00 am, 7:00 pm

Reconciliation
saturday: 4-5 pm