Medicines Safety
Overview
The Medicines Safety Improvement Programme addresses the most important causes of severe harm associated with medicines most of which has been known about for years but continue to challenge the health and care systems in England.
The objective of the Medicines Safety Improvement Programme is to help patients get the maximum benefit from their medicines and reduce waste with an overarching aim to reduce medication related harm in health and social care, focusing on high-risk drugs, situations and vulnerable patients.
Each area of work intends to make medicines safety part of routine practice, ensure medicines use is as safe as possible and understand the patients’ experience.
Areas of expertise
- Safe administration of medicines in care homes.
- Reduce inappropriate high dose opiate prescriptions for non-cancer pain
- Reduce inappropriate polypharmacy.
- Ensure safer use of anti-coagulants.
Reducing psychotropic medicines for people with a learning disability
The challenge
Compared to the general population, people with learning disabilities have significantly higher prescription rates for psychotropic medicines (antipsychotics and antidepressants). Psychotropic medications increase the risk of side effects which can affect quality of life.
People with learning disabilities are more likely to be prescribed psychotropic medicines, such as antipsychotics and antidepressants, than the general population. These medications can increase the risk of side effects and impact quality of life.
Solution
We are working with south London Integrated Care Boards to understand local prescribing patterns and identify opportunities for improvement. This includes analysing data, developing action plans, and supporting the south east London STOMP (Stopping Over Medication of People with a Learning Disability and Autistic People) pilot.
We have also worked with GP practices and wider stakeholders to deliver training and share learning, as well as engaging with people with lived experience to develop accessible materials and support informed decision-making.
Projects
Latest