
Communities with older adults at high risk of deterioration were identified, and pharmacy teams assessed patients to prioritise home visits, remote consultations or in person appointments.
Advanced pharmacists carried out comprehensive geriatric assessments in patients' homes.
Pharmacy teams also undertook polypharmacy reviews with patients who were identified as needing support. In total, 72 patients were reviewed with a median age of 85 years. They were assessed and a Clinical Frailty Score was determined for each patient to give an indication of their level of risk.
As a result of the polypharmacy reviews undertaken, 90 medications were stopped, 40 started, 5 increased and 52 doses reduced; with an overall cost saving of over £100 per patient per year.
Medication reviews also resulted in a 31% reduction of the overall anticholinergic burden, , reducing the risk of unintended impairment in patients affected.
Positive feedback was received from patients and the model has now been adopted by other GP practices in Lanarkshire.
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