2025 年 51 巻 7 号 p. 443-452
A risk management plan (RMP) is essential for evaluating and minimizing the risks associated with pharmaceuticals throughout their lifecycle. However, previous research has indicated that its adoption in community pharmacies is limited. In the fiscal year 2024 revision of the medical service fee, “Specific Drug Management and Guidance Fee 3 (Category I)” was newly established. This fee is reimbursable when a patient handbook related to the RMP is provided to a patient who is prescribed a medication covered by the RMP for the first time. This study investigated RMP utilization in community pharmacies following the establishment of Specific Drug Management and Guidance Fee 3 (Category I). A questionnaire survey was conducted among pharmacists-in-charge at 626 community pharmacies in Iwate Prefecture from December 2024 to January 2025. A total of 138 pharmacists (22％) responded, and their responses were analyzed. More than half of the respondents reported increased RMP understanding and utilization following the establishment of Specific Drug Management and Guidance Fee 3 (Category I). The most common RMP application was the utilization of patient handbooks for medication counseling, identifying risks when initiating the handling of new drugs, and evaluating adverse effects. To further enhance RMP utilization, respondents emphasized the importance of providing concrete examples, integrating RMP information into electronic medication records, and conducting training sessions. In conclusion, the establishment of Specific Drug Management and Guidance Fee 3 (Category I) promoted RMP utilization in community pharmacies.
