Professional Practice Gaps in Medication Therapy Management Services among Pharmacists in Bayelsa State, South South Nigeria

Background: Medication therapy management (MTM) services represent an advanced dimension of pharmacy practice that involves comprehensive medication review, patient education, and coordination with prescribers. As pharmacy practice evolves in Nigeria, understanding the gaps between current practice and MTM service delivery is essential. This study assessed professional practice gaps in MTM services among pharmacists in Bayelsa State. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 95 registered pharmacists practising in Bayelsa State. A validated questionnaire examined current MTM activities, knowledge of MTM components, barriers to service delivery, and perceived professional competence. Scores were benchmarked against a defined MTM service standard. Results: Fewer than 20 percent of respondents provided any structured MTM-equivalent service. Knowledge of comprehensive medication review procedures was adequate in 38 percent. Major barriers included high patient loads (65%), absence of private consultation spaces (57%), and lack of institutional recognition of MTM as a billable service (71%). Academic training in MTM concepts was reported as insufficient by 60 percent. Conclusion: Significant MTM service delivery gaps exist among Bayelsa pharmacists. Curriculum reform in pharmacy training programmes and professional advocacy for MTM service integration in healthcare policy are required. Keywords: medication therapy management, pharmacy practice, Bayelsa, professional gaps, pharmaceutical care