Medication reviews for those with polypharmacy and/or high-risk medicines across different care settings
Polypharmacy guidance: Appropriate prescribing making medicines safe, effective and sustainable 2026-2029
The recommendations below are based on four systematic reviews (SR) of acceptable quality, and realistic review.55,56,57,58 The list below sets out the recommendations on reviewing the evidence, and a considered judgment process.
Recommendations for undertaking medication reviews for those with polypharmacy and/or high-risk medicines across different care settings
1a - Strong recommendation
1a - Strong recommendationA structured medication review by pharmacists in primary care should be conducted at least annually.
1b - Strong recommendation
Pharmacists should consider home visits for house bound individuals to reduce the potential for accumulation of medicines by people living at home.
1c - Good practice point
1c - Good practice pointIn addition to pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, other healthcare professionals and social care staff can support the reduction of accumulation of medicines (drugs found that were either out of date, duplicated or no longer necessary).
2 - Conditional recommendation
Home visits by pharmacists or GPs for house bound individuals may be effective in adjusting treatment plans and improving medication safety.
3 - Strong recommendation
A structured medication review by pharmacists in primary care should be conducted at least annually.
4 - Strong recommendation
A structured medication review by pharmacists in primary care should be conducted at least annually.