access the resources and training material available through this programme. Over three years, we have reached 1,500 clinicians through a combination of masterclasses, clinical training sessions, polypharmacy action learning sets and foundation courses, data training and a Community of Practice.
The masterclasses and clinical training sessions were developed with ICB stakeholders to support local priorities. We facilitated a community of practice that to date has met eight times with representation from ICBs, PCNs, secondary care, primary care, academia and patients.
We created a video to show patients what they can expect from an SMR and encourage them to articulate their needs, preferences and circumstances as part of a shared decisionmaking process. Another video was developed to support the education of clinical teams who are less experienced or new to conducting medication reviews in general practice. The videos have been well received with approximately 1,500 views in total to date.
The polypharmacy programme closely aligns with the government’ s three shifts, including moving from sickness to prevention by reducing the risks of problematic polypharmacy as well as from hospital to community by encouraging shared decisionmaking within SMRs and reducing the risk of adverse drug reactions.
“
“
The whole premise of this work has been to empower patients and clinicians to have better shared-decision-making conversations around medicines to make sure they are working well for people and improving their outcomes. This work also reduces potentially inappropriate or unwanted medicines benefiting the environment by reducing medicines waste.”
Heather Smith FFRPS FRPharmS, Consultant Pharmacist: Older People
West Yorkshire ICB
For me, the key was being invited to be involved, having the opportunity to share my experiences, connect with others, and have a voice in shaping ideas and opinions. It’ s important to share and to consider the bigger picture. I found the experience insightful and engaging. What you have accomplished is truly commendable, impactful, and will make a real difference.”
Patient on a Polypharmacy focus group
44 Transforming Lives Through Innovation