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You can watch the recording of this webinar here

Speakers:  

  • Ciara Kirke, Clinical Lead of the National Medication Safety Programme, Work Package Lead for iSIMPATHY Project, HSE  

  • Emma Coyle, Senior Clinical Pharmacist with iSIMPATHY Project, HSE  

  • Dr. John Garvey, GP Partner, Bayview Family Practice, Bundoran and Ballyshannon, Co. Donegal 

Summary:  

The iSIMPATHY Project focuses on medicines review and the importance of appropriate polypharmacy in pharmacy settings. Polypharmacy, which is the use of multiple medications, can lead to avoidable harm and adverse drug events. The project aims to improve medication safety in polypharmacy and reduce harm through a seven-step medication review process.  

The pharmacists involved in the project provide face-to-face or phone consultations with patients and coordinate with doctors to implement recommended changes. The project has received positive feedback from patients, GPs, and community pharmacists, highlighting its value in optimising prescribing and improving patient care. The Irish team has made significant progress in completing reviews, reducing the mean number of medicines per patient, and achieving cost savings. The project seeks to integrate its practices into primary care settings and evaluate its impact for potential routine use.