Improving Efficiency in Patient Access to Medication Assistance Programs.

Abstract

Goal: The purpose of this study was to enhance access to medication assistance programs (MAPs), which are crucial for providing free medications to patients who cannot afford them. These programs are particularly beneficial for the management of chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart failure, and cancer, for which medication adherence is vital for positive patient outcomes, and cost is a common barrier.

Methods: This quality improvement project aimed at optimizing the MAP enrollment process. Interventions included the development of frequently asked questions documents, standardized templates for documentation, establishment of MAP technician office spaces, and standardization of patient referrals. A Mann-Whitney U test and a chi-square test were used to summarize the data in this study.

Principal findings: The project resulted in a 56% increase in new patient enrollments (p  < .01) and a 33% increase in medications provided, with a significant reduction in the average time from patient referral to application approval.

Practical applications: The project improved patient access to MAPs, optimized pharmacy technician resources, and significantly reduced processing times, an important factor in preventing treatment delays and improving patient care. Future plans include expanding the new enrollment process to annual reenrollments, formally establishing the MAP technician within departments, and considering additional pharmacy technician support in response to increasing demand for MAPs.