Impact of polypharmacy across care settings

There is an association between polypharmacy and death across a range of settings including the community and hospital.⁵⁴ Limited evidence suggests that excessive polypharmacy may have less impact on mortality risk in institutional populations compared with those living in their own home.

People living in care homes are often frail and have been identified as a priority population for medication reviews due to the increased risk of harm. The sections below set out review recommendations taking a person-centred approach. In each of the sections of the guide, evidence has been gathered using the methodology outlined in Methods for deriving evidence-based guidance and considered judgement process followed to produce the strength of the recommendations. Good practice points and consensus recommendations assist by providing short statements of practical advice which may not have an evidence base but are seen as essential to good clinical practice.