What is a Comprehensive Medication Review (CMR)?

A Comprehensive Medication Review (CMR) is a systematic process designed to gather and assess a patient's medication information in order to identify medication-related problems. This involves reviewing all medications that a patient is taking, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and any dietary supplements. The goal of a CMR is to ensure the patient's medications are appropriate, effective, and safe, and to identify any potential drug interactions, duplications, or non-adherence issues.

Conducting a CMR allows healthcare professionals to engage in meaningful discussions with patients about their medication regimens, optimizing therapy and enhancing patient outcomes. It is an essential part of medication therapy management and can help address concerns such as side effects, therapeutic effectiveness, and adherence issues. This thorough approach goes beyond merely summarizing medication histories or looking at specific products, as it is focused on the overall management of a patient's medication therapy in a holistic manner.