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FARM Notes: A systematic Review

Article  in  Pharma Times · July 2019

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s. Vedha Pal Jeyamani Asha K Rajan

Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. Medical University SRM Institute of Medical Science
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 Article
Article

FARM Notes: A systematic Review

S.Vedhapal Jeyamani*, Asha K Rajan
Department of Pharmacy Practice, Jaya college of Pharmacy, Chennai, India

INTRODUCTION
Pharmaceutical care including pharmaceutical care plan
process (CORE, PRIME and FARM/SOAP) is a systematic method for
recording the pharmacist’s examination of patient pharmacotherapy
and subsequent modification of medication related problems.
With the prospering of problem oriented medical records
there are several evaluation/ documentation systems suggested
for healthcare professionals, physicians, nurses, practitioners,
physician associates and other health care practitioners who are
habituated to write progress notes using subjective, objective,
assessment, plan (SOAP notes) format. Historically pharmacist
did not have a corresponding standard approach to the evaluation Assessment
and documentation of patient’s pharmacotherapy applicable in all It contains pharmacist evaluation of the present situation. It
pharmacy practice settings. should delineate the thought process that led to the conclusion
on problem whether it did or did not exist and active intervention
After documentation of the initial pharmaceutical care plan
either was or was not necessary. The severity or urgency of the
patient data or drug regimens are included in subsequent FARM
problem should be indicated by stating whether the interventions
notes only if a change occurs that is relevant to the therapeutic
should be made immediately or within one day, one week or longer.
issue being addressed in the note. When the patient returns
Therapeutic endpoint or outcome stated may be short term goals
to the pharmacy or is readmitted to the health system facility,
or long term goals.
the pharmacist uses the patient profile PWDT and FARM notes
maintained in patient pharmacy chart as the basis for ongoing Resolution
pharmacist patient interactions.
It highlights the actions proposed to resolve drug related problem
Thus a FARM note is an alternative approach to documenting based upon preceding analysis. Common recommendations include
drug-related problems and plan which is a pharmacist equivalent non-pharmacologic therapy like dietary modifications or assisting
of a physician progress note in a systematized approach. It actually devices. Pharmacologic therapy must mention a specific drug, dose,
includes provisions for identification and assessment of actual or route, schedule and duration of therapy. Rationale for selecting a
potential medication related problems, description of a therapeutic particular therapy should be clearly depicted. Alternative therapy
plan and appropriate follow-up monitoring of problems. in case of emergency switching-off of drugs must be enlightened.
Patient counseling provided must be elaborated. In case of any
F – Findings – patient specific information
withholding of information from the patient, the reason behind it
A – Assessment – evaluation of findings (e.g) severity duration must be clearly insisted.
R – Resolution (including prevention) - rationale for the intervention
should be mentioned Monitoring
M – Monitoring (and follow up) – assess efficacy, safety and A plan for follow-up monitoring of the patient must be
outcome of the intervention documented and adequately implemented which includes
questioning the patient, gathering laboratory data, performing
Documentation of pharmaceutical care is integral to the
ongoing physical assessments necessary to determine effect of
continuity of care demonstration of clinician competence,
the plan.
communication among health care providers, evidence of health
contributions to patient care and reinforcement of professional
services.

Findings
It generally includes a summary of the pertinent information
obtained after collection and through assessment of patient
information. The medical information included in the note should
include both subjective and objective findings, which indicates
On the whole whether it is a FARM or SOAP note followed
drug-related problems.
by medical professionals identifies each and every drug
This enables more in framework, optimal data analysis and related problem an states the pharmacists findings observed,
retrieval capabilities. an assessment of the findings, resolution of the problem

*E-mail: swetha21112000@gmail.com

Pharma Times - Vol. 51 - No. 07 - July 2019 23

based upon the analysis, parameters and timing of follow-up
monitoring. The data should be provided in a standardized and
logical system.
Conclusion: FARM Notes are an important tool for Pharm D
students and clinical pharmacists to access the patient’s record in
a glance for efficient pharmaceutical care. They serve as a useful
tool for maintaining a permanent record of medication and drug
therapy rationale
Pharma Times - Vol. 51 - No. 07 - July 2019 24
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REFERENCES
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