CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — Kerr Health, a subsidiary of Kerr Drug, has partnered with Family Health Network in a program aimed at fostering pharmacist-led medication therapy management (MTM.)

Family Health Network said Tuesday that plans call for Kerr Health to deploy the network’s Connected for Life platform to an initial group of patients who need frequent interaction with a pharmacist to help them with MTM.

The idea is that by promoting interaction with pharmacists via online communication, patients will get more out of their prescription drug regimens and, in turn, see improved clinical outcomes and overall health as well as lower health care costs, the health care technology solution provider said.

"Connected for Life is an innovative tool that directly addresses our desire to have greater pharmacist engagement with patients to reduce medication nonadherence. This technology will allow our pharmacists to provide face-to-face consults to patients in remote locations, as well as monitor patient health status and medication use collaboratively with the patients’ other health care providers," Rebecca Chater, executive vice president at Kerr Health, said in a statement. "This is consistent with the mission of Kerr Health and a necessary area of focus in the ongoing effort to improve clinical and economic outcomes associated with medication use."

Kerr Health will leverage Family Health Network’s technology to enable pharmacists to engage patients in their homes via video visits and other communications features within the Connected for Life platform. A core focus will be reducing medication nonadherence.

"Due to their extensive knowledge of medications, pharmacists are crucial in the patient-centered model of health care delivery," stated Harry Bailes, chief executive officer of Family Health Network. "As community pharmacists take on more responsibility for patients’ well-being, there is an enhanced opportunity for communication and collaboration between physicians, pharmacists and patients. At Family Health Network, we are developing solutions to facilitate this vital communication."

Kerr Pharmacists will work closely with participating doctors and other members of the care team, according to Family Health Network. With positive results, the program will be extended to other locations and patient segments within Kerr.