If you have been contacted by the Practice for a Structured Medication Review with our Clinical Pharmacist Mr Mubarak Sarodia, please read the following information before attending for your appointment.
Why do I need to have a medication review?
The purpose of the structured medication review is to help you get the best from your medication and it normally takes about 20 minutes. At the review, your clinical pharmacist, who is working in your GP practice as part of the wider Primary Care Network, will check that your medicines are working for you and that you are not having any problems with them. We will look at any interactions and make sure combinations of medicines are safe. You will have the opportunity to ask any questions you may have about your medicines. If any changes need to be made to your medication, your agreement will be sought before changes are made.
Can I change the appointment?
Yes, please let the practice know as soon as possible if you are unable to attend. We may be able to change the date and time of the appointment. We can also discuss doing the review over the phone, on a video call or at your home, this might be necessary if you have difficulty getting around or will find it difficult to bring your medicines to the practice.
What do I need to have with me?
It can help to have all your medicines with you for the review. This includes tablets, capsules, liquids, creams, ointments, and inhalers and includes prescribed medication, as well as, any herbal medicines, medicines that you buy over the counter from the chemist or supermarket and medication you no longer take. If you take a lot of medicines or they are in large containers, we can still do the review or may be able to come to your home for the review.
Preparing for your Structured Medication Review
What is a Structured Medication Review?
- A Structured Medication Review is a private, confidential discussion between you and a clinical pharmacist or another suitably qualified healthcare professional to discuss your medicines.
- The aim of the medication review is to check that you are prescribed the most appropriate medicines and that you get the best out of those medicines.
- Some tests may need to be carried out to determine whether your medicine is working (e.g. blood pressure checks) – Physical checks will not be possible if carrying out the review remotely but alternative arrangements will be made.
- Monitoring may also be necessary if you are taking certain medication, such as, blood tests.
- You will be asked how you are getting on with your medicines, so please inform your healthcare professional of any problems you may be experiencing with your medicines.
- You will have the opportunity to ask any questions you may have about your medicines.
- If any changes need to be made to your medication, your agreement will be sought before changes are made.
- A record of the review will be documented in your medical notes.
How you can help the clinical pharmacist:
It is often easier to discuss medication with it available at the consultation. If you feel you already have a good understanding of your medication, then you can bring a list of medication that you take instead. This will include:
- 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?
After the medication review:
- Your regular GP will be informed of any medication changes agreed by you at the meeting.
- 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.
It may not be possible to discuss all the issues surrounding your medications within one appointment and a follow-up appointment may be required.
