Problematic Polypharmacy – Health Secretary Initiative

The Secretary of State for Health & Social Care, Matt Hancock, has asked the Chief Pharmaceutical Officer, Keith Ridge, to lead a review of polypharmacy, looking at:

• addressing ‘problematic polypharmacy’
• creating a more efficient handover between primary and secondary care, for example ensuring GPs have the data they need and feel able to challenge and change prescribing made in hospitals
• improving management of non-reviewed repeat prescriptions – including encouraging patients to ask questions about their treatment to ensure they don’t remain stuck on repeat prescriptions which are no longer needed
• the role of digital technologies in reducing overprescribing
• the increased role for other forms of care, including social prescribing