Medication Reviews

So, why are Medication Reviews so important?

We appreciate that it can be difficult to take time out for such a review but it is an important for your longer term health.

It has been estimated that among patients age 65 or older, between 30 – 40% face potential over treatment; use of “counteracting” medications; inadequate dosing regimens and unwanted side effects.

A large proportion of patients are prescribed many medications, typically by different clinicians. Patients may also have purchased over-the-counter medications or natural health products which may affect prescribed medications.

Undertaking a review, usually annually, of your medications helps us to ensure that your:

• Condition(s) are managed as effectively as possible.
• Medication is safe, appropriate, effective and used is in line with current guidance
• Medications are monitored including a review of Blood tests where appropriate
• Concerns or questions you may have about your medication can be discussed with you

The review may result in medications being stopped, inappropriate medications replaced and medication doses reduced or simplified.

• Some medications will not require a formal review and if that is the case we will tell you.
• Some medications will be discussed and reviewed as part of an annual review for that condition for example Asthma, Avoiding the need for another appointment.
• Some patients are under the care of a specialist and they will review and manage your medication with you directly.

However there are times when a formal medication review with you in person is required. These reviews usually take 15-20 minutes and will be undertaken by our in house Pharmacists, either face to face or over the telephone, depending on your circumstances.

If you are invited we would also ask that prior to the appointment that you complete a Questionnaire regarding your medication. This is available online via the SystmOnline App, or a copy can be collected in person from the surgery. If you complete the manual questionnaire please return to us a week before your review.

Patients with multiple long term conditions may also need further reviews with a specialist Practice Nurse.

Appointments* can be booked online via the SystmOnline application, or you can contact the surgery and book in person, whichever you prefer.

* If you have any Special requirements e.g. Housebound, we will make appropriate arrangements with you in order to undertake your review, please let us know.

If I'm invited but don't attend, what happens?

OK so we don't have a naughty step but it is important to understand what will happen if your medication isn't reviewed when requested.

As mentioned above certain medications won’t necessarily require a formal review appointment, so when it does need to be formal there is a good reason for this. If a formal review is required we follow our Overdue Medication Review Procedure:

• When we identify you as Overdue and in need of a formal review we will let you know by SMS, Email or letter
• We will give you plenty of time to book your review appointment and will offer you various options to do this as easily as possible
• We will contact you periodically, using differing methods and at differing times, if we have not heard from you
• Ultimately if your Medication review remains overdue after 3 months we will look to reduce the quantities of your prescribed medications and this restriction will stay in place until the review is completed

Please note that until your Review Appointment is completed we will follow our overdue review process.

We can only emphasise just how important these reviews are for you, but please be advised that your decisions may impact on your medication quantities, however WE WILL NEVER STOP your medications.