Introduction
If you are taking certain medicines or too many medicines then we would like to invite you to arrange a structured medication review with our clinical pharmacist. Taking multiple medications can lead to a host of problems including but not limited to side effects, drug interactions and sometimes, hospital admissions. Structured medication reviews can help to minimise these problems.
Clinical Pharmacists are highly qualified experts in medicines and can help people in a range of ways. This includes carrying out structured medication reviews for patients with ongoing health problems and improving safety, outcomes and value through a person-centred approach.
You can expect the structured medication review to last approximately 30 minutes and you have the choice of doing it via telephone or in-person. During the review, you will be given a chance to highlight your views on your medicines, address any concerns, and be fully involved in all decisions. A blood test and other necessary checks might be needed before the structured medication review. We will inform you if this is required.
Please watch the following video for more information: https://vimeo.com/865562137
Why are we doing this?
We are doing this to make sure that your medicines are the right ones for you.
- The purpose of the review is not to save money.
- Also it is not to check if you are taking your medicines.
- No medicines will be altered without agreement between you and the pharmacist or GP.
What will happen at the review?
You will have a face-to-face appointment or telephone call with the practice pharmacist. They will check your medicines are working - and not causing side effects. It is also a chance for you to tell us how you are getting on with your medicines - and to ask questions and find out more about them.
What happens next?
We will contact you to make an appointment to speak with the practice pharmacist at the practice or over the telephone. If someone helps you with your medicines, it may be helpful for them to be with you when you speak to the practice pharmacist.
- The pharmacist will explain what your medicines are for.
- They will check if any changes to your medicines are needed.
- There will also be a chance to have your questions answered.
Questions to think about before the appointment that you may wish to ask
- Why am I taking these medicines and how do I know they are helping me?
- Why do I need to take so many medicines and do I still need all my medicines?
- What side effects do they cause?
- What help is available for me to:
- Remember taking my medicines
- Swallow my medicines
- Open containers and taken medicines
- Remind me to take my medicines
- Keep sufficient quantities with so that I don't run out of my medicines
More information about structured Medication Review is available in other language please use relevant links below
Structured Medication Review English
Learn about Patient's Experience
Me and My Medicines - Carol's Story