Polypharmacy – CPPE Focal Point

On completion of all aspects of this learning programme you should be able to:

• explain the terminology associated with polypharmacy and what it means for patients and the healthcare team
• identify the causes and consequences of polypharmacy, in particular in relation to older people and the wider NHS
• describe how polypharmacy fits with the medicines optimisation agenda
• identify how you could use decision-making tools and strategies to support your practice
• use effective communication and consultation skills to undertake patient-centred discussions
• develop your own approach, relevant to your area of practice, to support patients on multiple medicines
• identify the common medicines that cause problematic polypharmacy and patient hospital admissions
• prioritise, in conjunction with the patient, what interventions to make by taking a holistic approach to optimising patient care.