Conducting a medication review in older adults

Abstract

Once prescribers have initiated medication regimens, there can be a reluctance to review and discontinue them. Over the past two decades in the UK, the percentage of individuals aged 65 and above on polypharmacy (five or more medications) has risen from 12–49% ( Gao et al, 2018 ). Medication can harm as well as heal, and the need for medication reviews grows as our population ages. This article is one of a series, written by a consultant nurse and a pharmacist, and aims to help readers further develop their skills in medication management.