Patient experiences and perceptions of medication review
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Patient experiences and perceptions of medication review in general practice
IRAS ID
241603
Contact name
Deborah McCahon
Contact email
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 11 months, 31 days
Research summary
Polypharmacy (the use of multiple medicines in one individual) is widespread and important for the effective treatment of disease. For many people polypharmacy is appropriate, resulting in improved health and quality of life. Polypharmacy can, however, cause problems such as side effects, reduced quality of life or too many medicines being a burden to take. The organisation NICE, who provide national guidance and advice to the health service, recommend carrying out regular “medicines reviews” to try and reduce medicine related problems and improve the quality and safety of prescribing. NICE also recommend that medicines review involve the patient and a healthcare professional in detailed discussion of the medicines used and lead to an agreement about ongoing treatment. Most medicines reviews are carried out by a GP or a pharmacist based in general practice, as this is where most long-term health conditions are managed.
This research study aims to improve understanding of patient experiences and views of medicines review and the factors which influence patient preparedness for and involvement in discussion and decision making around use of their medicines during such reviews in general practice.
We will interview up to 25 people who have had a medicines review carried out by a GP or pharmacist during a recent appointment at their GP practice. People who are being prescribed four or more repeat prescription medicines for two or more long-term conditions and who have a recent review of their medicines recorded in their medical notes will be identified by their practice and invited to take part. Seven practices across Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire will be involved in this study.
The findings from this research will provide valuable information which will help us to improve the ways we currently carry out medicines reviews.REC name
West of Scotland REC 3
REC reference
18/WS/0027
Date of REC Opinion
9 Feb 2018
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion