We are all patients at some time in our lives. As we grow older, we are more likely to develop health problems which need long term, and perhaps multiple, medications. As a patient, I want to know I’m getting the optimum effect from my medication. I don’t want to take unnecessary drugs either as that seems such a waste of public money – not to mention the environmental impact – and is, I feel, more likely to cause me additional health problems. My extended family and friends say the same. Ideally, I would want to have time with my GP or pharmacist to review what I take and why. I want to ask questions and get direct answers. I want to understand and take part in the decision making so I’m more likely to take my tablets. As a patient, appropriate polypharmacy makes sense to me and that’s why I support the aims of the SIMPATHY project.
by Dr. Katie MacLure
- Case studies were conducted in nine locations across the EU. To learn more click here