Structured Medication Reviews

What does a Clinical Pharmacist do in a GP practice?               

 

Clinical Pharmacists are essential members of the healthcare team in a GP practice. Their role encompasses several critical functions that contribute significantly to patient care and the overall healthcare system. Let's break down their responsibilities in more detail:

Medication Expertise

Clinical Pharmacists are experts in pharmacology and therapeutics, ensuring that medications are chosen based on the latest evidence and best practices. Their deep understanding of drug mechanisms, interactions, and side effects enables them to help tailor your medication to your needs.

Collaboration with Healthcare Teams

By working collaboratively with GPs, nurses, and other healthcare professionals, Clinical Pharmacists ensure integrated care. This teamwork approach helps in formulating comprehensive care plans, discussing complex cases, and providing a holistic approach to your health. We will always work with you to manage your medication.

Answering Medication Queries

Clinical Pharmacists serve as a reliable resource for both patients and healthcare staff. They answer a wide range of medication-related questions, from proper administration techniques to understanding drug interactions and contraindications.

Ensuring Safe Medication Use

Safety is paramount in medication management. Clinical Pharmacists play a crucial role in minimising risks by ensuring proper prescribing practices, monitoring for potential adverse effects, and implementing strategies to prevent medication errors.

Conducting Medication Reviews

Through structured medication reviews, Clinical Pharmacists will work with you to make sure that your medications are right for you. The review helps in identifying issues such as polypharmacy, drug interactions, and adherence problems and we will make sure that your medication is right for you. We will ask you to come into the practice for a face to face appointment where you will have the opportunity to ask questions of the Clinician. 

Patient Education

Ensuring that you understand the why you are prescribed the medications is vital for ensuring proper use and adherence. Clinical Pharmacists also provide detailed instructions on how to take medications, discuss potential side effects, and empower you with knowledge to manage their conditions effectively.

Prescribing and Adjusting Medications

Our Clinical Pharmacists can prescribe medications, enabling them to initiate or adjust medications based on clinical guidelines and patient needs.

Impact on Healthcare

Clinical Pharmacists significantly enhance the quality of care within GP practices by ensuring that medication therapy is safe, effective, and patient-centered. Their expertise reduces the incidence of medication-related problems, improves patient outcomes, and contributes to the efficient functioning of the healthcare system.

A Structured Medication Review (SMR) is a crucial aspect of patient care, aiming to optimise medication use and enhance patient outcomes. During an SMR, a Clinical Pharmacist will engage with you to ensure that your medication regimen is effective, safe, and tailored to your needs. Here’s what you can expect:

Confidential Discussion

·         Private and Confidential: The SMR is a private conversation between you and a Clinical Pharmacist or another qualified healthcare professional. Confidentiality is maintained throughout the process to ensure your comfort and trust.

Goals of the Review

·         Appropriate Medication Use: The primary aim is to ensure that you are prescribed the most suitable medicines for your condition.

·         Maximizing Benefits: The review seeks to help you derive the maximum benefit from your medications.

Health Assessments and Tests

·         Necessary Tests: Certain tests, such as blood pressure checks or blood tests, may be required to assess the efficacy of your medication.

·         Remote Review Adjustments: For remote reviews, while physical checks cannot be performed, efforts will be made to arrange necessary tests at a convenient location.

Patient Interaction

·         Medication Management: You will be asked about your experiences managing your medications. This includes how you take them, any challenges you face, and adherence to the prescribed regimen.

·         Problem Reporting: It is important to inform the healthcare professional about any issues you encounter with your medications, such as side effects or difficulties in administration.

Open Communication

·         Questions and Concerns: You will have the opportunity to ask questions and discuss any concerns regarding your medications.

·         Patient Agreement: Any proposed changes to your medication regimen will be discussed with you, and your consent will be sought before implementing any changes.

Documentation

·         Medical Records: A detailed record of the review will be documented in your medical notes to ensure continuity of care and reference for future consultations.

Key Considerations During the SMR

·         Medication Appropriateness: Assessing whether the current medications are the best choice based on your health status and any new medical evidence.

·         Effectiveness: Evaluating if the medications are achieving the desired outcomes.

·         Safety: Monitoring for adverse effects and potential drug interactions.

·         Adherence: Ensuring you can and are taking the medications as prescribed.

·         Patient Preferences: Considering what is important to you in your treatment, including lifestyle factors and personal preferences.

By actively participating in an SMR, you play a vital role in managing your health. The collaborative effort between you and the Clinical Pharmacist aims to enhance your treatment efficacy, safety, and overall quality of life.

 

How can I get the most from my appointment with my Clinical Pharmacist?

Think about how you use your medicines, what works well for you and what doesn’t. Think about what questions you may have about your medicines.

Always be honest with your Clinical Pharmacist, they aren’t there to judge you, just to ensure you get your best from the medicines we give you.

Make a list of all medication that you take.

This includes:

·         Any medicines that are prescribed for you.

·         Any medicines that you buy over the counter from the chemist or supermarket or other stores e.g. herbal medicines, vitamins etc.

·         Any medicines that you no longer take. 

 

Make a list of questions that you may want to ask about your medicines.

Some questions that you may wish to consider:

·         Why is it important to take this medicine(s)?

·         When and how to take the medicine(s)?

·         How long is the medicine(s) to be taken for?

·         How do I know the medicine is working?

·         What should I do if I have problems with the medicine?

·         Are there any medicines or food that I should avoid taking whilst on these medicine(s)?

·         What will happen if I miss a dose of the medicine or stop taking it?

·         A summary of the meeting will be documented in your medical record.

·         Any tests or referrals to other health care professionals if required will be agreed and acted upon.

·         Depending on the changes made you may have a follow up appointment with the Clinical Pharmacist. If you have any concerns