The polypharmacy challenge: time for a new script?

Polypharmacy is here to stay and the issue is how can this be managed efficiently and safely. Enhanced prescribing modules would be helpfu. For example on the repeat prescribing screen listing simple drug indications to directions of use would be helpful.¹ Secondly a new module listing adverse drug events with dates and type of prescription side effect should be easily seen which which be useful in complex prescribing for conditions such as hypertension and diabetes. In fact this was my most effective way to 'deprescribe' in everyday practice ie simply by listing drug side effects as provided by the patients themselves or adding known issues e.g. Bendoflumethazide in patients with gout. Often the symptoms described by patients seemed bizarre but an audit of listed adverse effects in my practice showed that most were known and reported side effects. My plea here is for research teams not to forget the prescribing software that has made this polypharmacy possible in the first place!

 

1. Clinical Indications. www.clinicalindications.com.