Improving patient safety by tackling polypharmacy
Problematic polypharmacy is when many medicines are prescribed inappropriately , which can cause side effects , potentially leading to hospitalisation and reducing a patient ’ s quality of life . The Health Innovation Network ’ s polypharmacy programme focuses on improving patient outcomes by optimising structured medication reviews within primary care . We have been instrumental in supporting frontline staff to improve medication management across our region by increasing the uptake and use of the resources available through the programme . More than 160 clinicians have undertaken the training available through this initiative to enhance their knowledge and skills . We have also helped to create a polypharmacy community of practice bringing together
20 Transforming Lives Through Innovation over 80 stakeholders from multiple cohort groups including patients , academia , primary and secondary care . The community of practice helps health and care professionals to feel more confident in supporting patients to engage more in their own care , and stop unnecessary medication . We have also hosted two polypharmacy masterclasses which were attended by more than 170 clinicians .
Our Medicines Safety Improvement Programme reduces the harm caused by opioids prescribed for persistent and chronic non-cancer pain . We are streamlining approaches and messaging across both these programmes to ensure maximum benefit and value is provided to system colleagues and patients .
“ I think the importance of polypharmacy for patients , especially for patients from South
Asian backgrounds , is integral . Harm from taking too many medicines , particularly following a care transition such as hospital discharge , can be a patient safety concern .”
Nazreen But , patient and carer