HIN: The mechanics of tackling overprescribing and problematic polypharmacy

Structured Medication Reviews (SMRs) are the best-tested, NICE-approved intervention to reduce problematic polypharmacy, especially in older people. However, uptake is very variable across the country.

Based on three years of learning from the Health Innovation Network Polypharmacy Programme and shaped by expert clinicians and patients, a new manual has been launched to help ICBs, PCNs and GP practices think about how to organise systems and primary care teams to reduce overprescribing and problematic polypharmacy and, in particular, make best use of SMRs and deploy this important intervention.

The mechanics of tackling overprescribing and problematic polypharmacy