Polypharmacy, or the use of multiple medications simultaneously, is a growing concern, especially among older people. Nearly one-third of people aged over 65 years of age in the UK take five or more medications daily. This is because people are living longer and often have multiple chronic illnesses that require medication.
The Risks of Polypharmacy
When people take many medications, there’s a risk that some may not be necessary or might even be harmful. This can lead to:
- A heavy burden of managing multiple medications daily, which is time-consuming and stressful for patients.
- Difficulty in sticking to complex medication routines, especially for people with low health literacy or poor English language skills.
- Increased chances of adverse drug reactions and interactions, leading to potential harm and is severe cases to hospital admission.
Given these risks, optimizing medication use is crucial, especially for those with multiple health issues.
Medication Reviews (MRs)
One way to address the problems of polypharmacy is through medication reviews. This process involves a detailed assessment of a patient’s medications to ensure they are appropriate, safe, and effective. However, studies show mixed results on their effectiveness. While they may improve medication-related outcomes, they don’t always significantly impact overall health or quality of life.
The Rise of Structured Medication Reviews (SMRs)
Recognising the limitations of traditional medication reviews, structured medication reviews (SMRs) have been introduced. SMRs offer a more comprehensive approach, focusing on:
- Tailoring medication plans to the individual needs, preferences, and circumstances of the patient.
- Including patients and their families in decision-making about their medications.
- Often involving a multidisciplinary team for complex cases to ensure a thorough review.
The Impact of COVID-19 and Technology
The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the use of technology in healthcare, including remote care options like phone, video, or online consultations. This shift aims to provide convenient, rapid access to healthcare and could improve the delivery of medication reviews. However, it’s still unclear how effective remote SMRs are compared to in-person reviews.
The Need for Further Research
While SMRs show promise, more research is needed to understand:
- How well SMRs work for different patient populations, especially those in primary care.
- The impact of remote delivery of SMRs on patient outcomes.
- How SMRs can best be implemented to improve health outcomes for those with complex medical needs.
Conclusion
Structured Medication Reviews represent a significant advance in managing polypharmacy, aiming to tailor medication plans to individual needs and involving patients in the process. However, ongoing research and adaptation, especially with the rise of remote healthcare, are necessary to maximise their benefits and ensure they meet the needs of diverse patient populations in the UK and elsewhere.
Structured medication reviews for adults with multimorbidity and polypharmacy in primary care: a systematic review protocol. https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/14/5/e082825.full