• Integrated Health Partners

Medicines Management

“IHP’s performance management tools mean I can see my progress and know where to focus my efforts for greatest impact”
Pharmacist

Medication is the most common form of therapeutic intervention in the UK and represents about10-15% of NHS spend (~£10-15bn in 2008/9). Despite much work in this area, studies show that up to 50% of medicines are not taken as prescribed and adverse reactions to medicines are implicated in 5-17% of hospital admissions. For these reasons, medicines management features high on our agenda. With local pharmacists, we conduct detailed medication reviews including at home and at nursing homes and work with pharmacists to develop and institutionalise more cost-effective prescribing and to ensure medicines are taken appropriately to maximise their therapeutic effect.

Over the last year, we have conducted over 3000 medication reviews including in homes and care homes. Where appropriate, and in close collaboration of their GPs, medication changes have been made, out of date medications removed and patients advised on dose administration. Given also that huge waste in medication exists, we have been working closely with our lead GPs and pharmacists to adjust prescribing habits and to identify patients who have high potential for waste.

Despite the presence of ScriptSwitch, we were still able to drive the cost of medication down in a way that benefitted patients.

© Integrated Health Partners Limited 2010