Treat the Person, Save the Planet, Key Note, European Society of Clinical Pharmacists, Warsaw, Poland
2024
Description |
Invited by the European Society of Clinical Pharmacists:
Inappropriate polypharmacy and adherence impact adversely on both population health and quality of life and health system burden and costs. The EU-funded SIMPATHY project identified recommendations to manage polypharmacy in Europe, building on implementation of a Scottish programme addressing inappropriate prescribing and prevent medication-related harm. iSIMPATHY (implementing Stimulating innovation in the Management of Polypharmacy and Adherence Through the Years) sought to implement these SIMPATHY findings in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Ireland. The approach centred around patient partnership, “what matters to me” and shared decision making in medicines reviews using the 7-Step approach.
The project demonstrated the feasibility of embedding a standardised approach to medicines review in Northern Ireland and Ireland and scaling up the Scottish work. Application of change management methodology and shared decision making as part of a person centred approach to pharmacist-led medicines use review delivery in multiple healthcare settings, with multidisciplinary team (MDT) collaboration, ensured the most sustainable use of medicines in both cost and environmental impact.
The project increased workforce capacity capability through training healthcare professionals is available that is accredited for all healthcare professional by the Royal College of Physicians UK.
iSIMPATHY was welcomed by patients and MDT colleagues and demonstrated economic dominance across care settings and three jurisdictions.
•6,481 patients engaged in reviews in primary care, secondary care, outpatient clinics and care homes.
•An average of 11 interventions were made per patient, with 82% classified as clinically significant and 4% potentially preventing major organ failure or similar. 94% of interventions were accepted.
•Average number of medications reduced from 12 to 11 and 92% of reviews resulted in more appropriate medication use.
•Patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) indicated improved understanding, adherence and reduced adverse effects.
•Economic evaluation identified a positive return on investment as well as a reduction in carbon footprint of both admissions and wastage of medicines.
The iSIMPATHY approach is transferable and the evidence produced supports robust policy development. Barriers such as competing priorities and workforce capacity must be addressed which can effectively be done through the change management tools.
Patient awareness and empowerment to be active participants in the review is crucial. |
Research Areas |
Health and wellbeing |