Benefits of medicines optimisation for older people living with frailty
Why you should read this article
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To learn about the benefits of medicines optimisation in older people living with multimorbidity and frailty
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To understand how the multidisciplinary team can work together to optimise a patient’s medicines and reduce polypharmacy
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To familiarise yourself with a seven-step process for reviewing a patient’s medicines
Medicines optimisation involves ensuring that medicines are administered safely and effectively. In the UK, an ageing population and an increasing prevalence of polypharmacy mean that interprofessional medicines reviews and medicines optimisation are vital. This article uses a case study of an older person living with frailty to provide a critical analysis of the medicines optimisation process in optimising health outcomes. The case study focuses on the medicines prescribed, the issues that can arise such as polypharmacy, and the benefits of a medicines-optimisation approach.