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Medication Optimisation
What is Medication Optimisation?
Examples of how to use the golf term Albatross
- Regular structured medication reviews for patients on multiple medications, particularly those with long-term conditions
- Shared decision-making with patients to ensure they understand and are involved in their medication plans
- Effective communication between healthcare professionals across the primary care network
- Use of clinical decision support systems and tools to identify potential issues
- Implementation of deprescribing protocols to reduce inappropriate polypharmacy
Examples of how to use the golf term Albatross
- The pharmacist conducted a medication optimisation review for the elderly patient taking seven different medications.
- Our PCN has implemented a medication optimisation programme that has reduced adverse drug reactions by 30%.
- Medication optimisation is a key focus area in our efforts to improve care for patients with complex long-term conditions.
What does Medication Optimisation mean?
Medication Optimisation is a patient-centred approach to prescribing that ensures individuals receive the right medicines at the right doses at the right time. It involves systematic reviews of medications to maximise benefits, minimise risks, reduce waste, and ensure the NHS gets best value from its medicines budget. The process focuses on understanding patient experiences and preferences while using evidence-based clinical decision-making.
How does Medication Optimisation benefit patients in Primary Care Networks?
In Primary Care Networks, Medication Optimisation provides numerous benefits to patients including reduced adverse drug reactions, improved medication adherence, and better management of long-term conditions. It helps prevent hospital admissions related to medication errors or interactions, ensures treatments align with the latest clinical evidence, and promotes shared decision-making. Patients often report greater satisfaction with their care when they understand and are involved in decisions about their medications.
Who is responsible for Medication Optimisation in Primary Care Networks?
Medication Optimisation in Primary Care Networks is a collaborative effort involving multiple healthcare professionals. Clinical pharmacists often lead the process, working alongside GPs, practice nurses, community pharmacists, and other specialists. PCNs typically have dedicated pharmacy teams who conduct structured medication reviews, provide prescribing advice, and support practices with prescribing audits. Patients themselves are also key participants in the process, sharing their experiences and preferences regarding their medications.
What are the key components of a Medication Optimisation review?
A comprehensive Medication Optimisation review includes several key components: assessment of current medications including prescribed, over-the-counter and supplements; evaluation of adherence; identification of adverse effects or interactions; consideration of the patient's understanding and concerns; review of monitoring requirements; assessment of whether medications remain necessary and effective; and development of a plan that aligns with the patient's goals and preferences. The review is documented and communicated to all relevant healthcare providers.
How does Medication Optimisation relate to the NHS Long Term Plan?
Medication Optimisation is integral to the NHS Long Term Plan, which specifically highlights its importance in improving care and efficiency. The plan allocated funding for clinical pharmacists and pharmacy technicians in PCNs to deliver structured medication reviews. It supports key NHS priorities including better management of long-term conditions, reduced health inequalities, prevention of avoidable hospital admissions, and more efficient use of NHS resources. The NHS Long Term Plan targets reviews for priority groups including care home residents, those with complex needs, and patients on multiple medications.
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