Assisting Patients in Managing Medications and Prescriptions
Our innovative Prescription Navigator program was established in 2014 by Julie Nadel. The program assists patients in managing medications and prescriptions.
Sansum Clinic is leading the way in Santa Barbara County with a Prescription Navigator program. This is a pharmacist-led medication therapy management program that ensures the safe, effective, and appropriate use of medications by Sansum Clinic patients. The Clinic joins the prestigious list of healthcare systems that have seen the benefit and have developed medication therapy management programs, such as UCLA, Cedars Sinai, Kaisers, John Hopkins and USC.
Our Prescription Navigator is well trained in the therapeutic uses and effects of drugs and can help ensure appropriate medication use, reduce medication-related problems, enhance patient education and compliance with medication regimens and ultimately improve health outcomes.
Physicians refer patients to the Prescription Navigator for one-on-one office visits or telephone consultations, and patients can also self-refer to the program through the Brown Bag Medication Review Program.
Brown Bag Medication Review
Patients who take multiple medications or have any medication concerns may benefit from an appointment with the Prescription Navigator to:
- Review all medications to ensure patients understand what has been prescribed and why
- Look for adjustments that may increase the effectiveness of the therapy
- Screen for potential interactions or side effects
- Assure that the medication list is up-to-date
- Answer medication questions and discuss the risks and benefits of one’s medications with a health professional
Coordination of Care and Transitions of Care
Sansum Clinic’s electronic medical records give the Prescription Navigator the information needed to assist patients with therapy through access to provider notes, lab work, and by communicating with our providers about any concerns or recommendations. Additionally, our Prescription Navigator works with patients upon their discharge from the hospital to review and reconcile home and discharge medications to prevent duplication of medications, medication errors and to ensure that the patient understands the importance of being compliant with the medication regimen.
Families and Caregivers
The Prescription Navigator often works with caregivers of family members to give them a better understanding of medications they might help administer, and to guide them with setting up pill boxes for proper adherence to medication therapy.
Patient Satisfaction
In a recent patient satisfaction survey, 96% of patients were satisfied with the care from our Prescription Navigator and believe the program is very helpful.
Expert Care
Rania Shenoda, PharmD, Prescription Navigator joined Sansum Clinic as our first Prescription Navigator in 2014. She earned her undergraduate degree in Psychobiology from the University of California, Los Angeles and her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Southern California.
To make an appointment with the Prescription Navigator please call (805) 898-3075.