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Problematic polypharmacy is the term used when many medicines are prescribed inappropriately, which can cause adverse side effects, potentially leading to hospitalisation and reducing a patient’s quality of life. As more people live longer with multiple long-term health conditions, the number of medicines they take often increases. This can create a significant burden for the person trying to manage multiple medicine at the same time, and in some cases, it can cause harm.

The Health Innovation Network’s polypharmacy programme focuses on improving patient outcomes by using Structured Medication Reviews (SMRs) to ensure patients get the best use out of their medicines. The review is a conversation between a patient and their clinician about their medication to ensure what they are taking is still the most appropriate for them. SMRs are also an opportunity for the patient to raise any concerns they have, discuss any side effects and talk about their health goals and talk about what  they want from their medicines. It is important clinicians establish early in the review that while they bring clinical expertise, the patient brings expertise of themselves which is particularly valuable. The polypharmacy programme has been instrumental in supporting frontline primary care staff to improve medication management across our region by increasing the uptake and use of the resources available through the programme.

We have created a series of resources available to support health and care professionals when addressing this issue as well as for patients to ensure they feel empowered to ask questions and fully understand the medication they are using.

Find out more about the programme, stay updated on the latest events, and watch the videos and recordings of past masterclasses on our website.