Reference

DL(2015)04

Name

Polypharmacy guidance for the safe and effective use of multiple medicines to manage long term conditions

Categories

Scottish Government DL (CEL, HDL, MEL)

Organization

Scottish Government Health and Social Care Directorates

Keywords

NHS SCOTLAND PHARMACEUTICAL SERVICES PRESCRIPTIONS DRUG THERAPY CHRONIC DISEASE OLDER PEOPLE SAFETY

Description

The care of patients with co-morbidity (more than one long term condition) is now one of the greatest challenges faced by the NHS. Central to this is the fact that many patients will be advised to take multiple medicines and it is often the case that each medicine is being prescribed for a single condition. Each additional medicine increases further the complexity of their care and the resulting polypharmacy can develop elements that are either appropriate or inappropriate. The key health care aim for the clinician and individual patient remains to ensure the continuing safe and effective use of the totality of the patient’s multiple medicines. The Polypharmacy Guidance 2015 builds on, and refines the previous guidance from 2012.

Contact Name

Alpana Mair

Contact Email

Contact Address

Acting Chief Pharmaceutical Officer Scottish Government Health Directorates St Andrews House Regent Road Edinburgh EH1 3DG

Contact Phone

Created

2015-04-15 00:00:00

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