What is a medication review?

The aim of a medication review, often called a Structured Medication Review (SMR) is to check you have been prescribed the most appropriate medications for your health conditions, making sure your treatment is effective, safe and tolerated, without affecting your daily routine.

You will be asked how you are getting on with your medication and if you are experiencing any particular side effects. You will have the opportunity to ask any questions you may have about your medications.

Annual blood test monitoring may be requested to check your general health. You may be asked for your blood pressure readings to determine whether the medication you have been prescribed is working for you.

You may also be asked for your health parameters such as weight, alcohol intake and smoking status. If any changes need to be made to your medication, your agreement will be sought before changes are made. This includes looking at any medications that are no longer required or appropriate for you.

SMRs have benefits to patients taking multiple medications, including having a better understanding of the medications they take, less risk of harm from medications (e.g. side effects, hospitalisation or addiction) and better value for local health systems (e.g. reduced medication wastage). A record of the review will be documented in your medical notes.

What you can do to prepare for your SMR

Your review may be over the telephone, however, it can also be booked in person.

• Mark the date and time of your appointment and who you are going to talk to in your diary or calendar
• Make a list of all the medication that you take
• Make a note of any medicines you no longer take
• Any medicines you buy over the counter from the chemist or other stores e.g. painkillers, vitamins etc

You may want to make a list of questions you have about your medicines, such as:

• Why is it important to take the medication?
• How do I know the medication is working?
• When and how to take the medication?
• What should I do if I have problems with the medication?
• Are there any other types of medicines or food that I should avoid taking whilst on the medication I am on?
• What will happen if I miss a dose of the medicine or stop taking it?

What happens after my SMR?

• A follow-up appointment may be required and this will be discussed with you at the time
• The Pharmacist may need to discuss certain aspects of medication with your GP and come back to you at a later date
• You may be referred to other services or professionals e.g. a Social Prescriber or attend the local hospital
• All changes to your medication and discussions will be documented in your notes
• This review will be repeated annually, so we can be sure that your medications are working and you're on the correct doses
• You can also request a review of your medications with the practice Pharmacist, using the following link I'd like to see the clinical pharmacist