Focal points

Focal points The National Service Framework for Older People calls for regular medication review for all patients over the age of 75 Studies have shown that pharmacists take more accurate admission medication histories than do junior medical staff, but few studies have evaluated pharmacist‐mediated medication review An ethnographic study was used to develop structured protocols for medication review and history taking, which were evaluated by a pharmacist on two acute medical wards The study found that a structured medication review by a pharmacist results in more appropriate prescribing, including discontinuing drugs no longer required or contraindicated, avoiding adverse drug reactions and tailoring therapy to patient's needs

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Sarah Tulip reviews the key issues in the medicines management of patients with hypertension.