A first of its kind program created here in Northeast Ohio is giving pharmacists something many of them struggle to find – time.
Pharmacists say it is extra time that can help improve the quality of care for patients.
Every week, ten pharmacists with The Centers for Families and Children crisscross Cleveland checking in on patients, like Brian Fox.
Over the years, like many patients, Fox has struggled with consistency.
"I forget to take them and then when I take them I increase, I overdose on them," said Fox.
Twice a month, Pharmacist Lauren Miller stops by Fox’s Parma home to make sure he is on track.
Miller not only answers questions about medications and makes sure Fox is taking them, she also monitors his overall health.
At a visit Wednesday, Miller wanted to know if Fox was smoking less and avoiding sweets to keep his Diabetes in check.
Unlike a traditional pharmacy, Miller says this program gives her the time to get to know her patients.
"You have 400 prescriptions in the queue and you have 30 minutes to fill them all," said Miller. "We're able to go into the home, build relationships, build trust and help them with these things that are challenging every day," said Miller.
Fox’s mom, Peggy, says she has noticed a huge difference in her son’s approach to health.
"He takes his medicine more regular, he takes his readings like he's supposed to," said Peggy Fox.
Right now, the ten pharmacists visit up to 80 homes a week. Their clients are underserved patients who typically rely on Medicare or Medicaid.
