Patient views about polypharmacy medication review clinics run by clinical pharmacists in GP practices

Abstract

Background Polypharmacy can decrease medication adherence and increase the incidence of adverse drug reactions and drug–drug interactions, resulting in falls, hospitalisations and other complications especially in the elderly. Medication-related problems of polypharmacy can be prevented through patient-centred medication reviews but research in this area has been completed largely without examining patients’ viewpoints. Objective The aim was to investigate patient views about a clinical pharmacist-led patient-centred polypharmacy medication review service completed within 17 English GP practices with those ≥ 75 years of age and prescribed ≥ 15 medications, during 415 consultations. Method A patient feedback questionnaire was constructed and face validated with two pharmacists then posted by a Clinical Commissioning Group pharmacist to all patients who had taken part in the service. Data from returned questionnaires were analysed using descriptive statistics and qualitative patient comments were analysed using thematic analysis. Results Of the 166 patients (40% response rate) who returned a feedback questionnaire 83% found the service helpful. Medication-related concerns of 94% who had a concern beforehand were addressed, and 80% understood their medicines better after the review. Patients appreciated pharmacists’ personal approach, advice and explanation. Conclusion Patients expressed broadly positive views about polypharmacy reviews by clinical pharmacists within GP practices.