Medicines Optimisation session

Question 1

Outline a few things that should be checked during a medication review

Answer 1

• Appropriate and effective for the patient’s conditions?
• Any unmet need?
• Any significant drug reactions?
• Cost-effectiveness of drugs
• Is patient compliant? Experiencing any side effects?
• Any additional over the counter or complimentary medicines?
• Have all possible lifestyle / non-medical interventions been trialled first?

Question 2

Outline the difference between the following in a medication review:
- Prescription review
- Treatment review
- Clinical medication review

Answer 2

Prescription review: technical review of the list of medications

Treatment review: review of medicines with the full medical notes

Clinical medication review: face to face review of medicines with the patient, including the condition

Question 3

How often should the following people have their medication reviewed
- People over the age of 75
- Taking > 4 medications?

Answer 3

Over the age of 75: at least once annually
Taking > 4 medications: at least 6 monthly