Initiative enables pharmacists to offer advice to patients regularly using multiple medications

## A New Initiative to Address Polypharmacy in Latvia

In a bid to improve the health and well-being of elderly patients, a pilot project has been launched in Latvia, focusing on pharmacist consultations and medication reviews for patients with multiple chronic diseases and complex medication regimens.

The project, initiated by Dace Kikute, Pharmacist and President of the Latvian Pharmacists Association, aims to help patients who need an overview and update of their medications. According to Kikute, at least 500 patients will receive the service during the pilot project.

The service is available for patients who have at least two chronic diseases and are taking at least five prescription medicines. Some patients may even be taking 15 or more medicines every day, as mentioned by Katrīna Priede, a General Practitioner (GP).

Pharmacists involved in the project are trained to assess each patient's medication regimen, identify potential issues, and optimize therapy. If a pharmacist notices an issue with the combinations or dosages of prescribed medicines, they will point it out and urge the patient to contact their GP immediately.

The benefits of such consultations are numerous. They can help reduce adverse drug events by identifying and addressing potential drug interactions and inappropriate medications. They can also improve medication adherence through personalized counseling and support, and enhance the quality of life by ensuring that medications are used effectively and safely.

Inga Puķe, a pharmacist participating in the pilot project, mentions that patients often make mistakes when taking medicines, with the biggest mistake being not using the medicine at all, and the second biggest being not taking it as prescribed. Pharmacists' help in identifying the volume of medicines and educating patients on their use could be beneficial for GPs, according to Priede.

A newly developed digital tool is part of the project, helping pharmacists to review medicines efficiently. The tool allows pharmacists to see polypharmacy patients, make individual reviews on their use of medicines, and agree a consultation time in advance.

Patients who take several medicines daily for a long time often have questions about their composition, cost, and correct combination. A pharmacist's review of medicines can answer these questions, providing patients with a better understanding of their medication regimen and empowering them to take control of their health.

The pilot project is free of charge during the initial phase, making it accessible to a wide range of patients. If successful, it could pave the way for a nationwide implementation of pharmacist-led consultations and medication reviews, ensuring comprehensive care and optimized medication use for elderly patients in Latvia.

The healthcare industry is evolving to address complex medical conditions, such as chronic diseases and polypharmacy, in the elderly population.
The media is shedding light on innovative solutions, like the pilot project launched in Latvia, aimed at improving the health and well-being of elderly patients.
The pilot project focuses on pharmacist consultations and medication reviews for patients with multiple chronic diseases and complicated medication regimens.
Dace Kikute, Pharmacist and President of the Latvian Pharmacists Association, has initiated this project with a goal of helping patients with an overview and update of their medications.
The project aims to offer the service to at least 500 patients during the pilot phase.
The service is available for patients with two or more chronic diseases and taking at least five prescription medicines.
Some patients may be taking 15 or more medicines every day, which can lead to potential issues with drug interactions and adverse events.
Pharmacists involved in the project are trained to assess each patient's medication regimen and optimize therapy.
If a pharmacist notices an issue with the combinations or dosages of prescribed medicines, they will bring it to the patient's attention and recommend immediate contact with their GP.
The benefits of such consultations include reducing adverse drug events, improving medication adherence, and enhancing the quality of life for patients.
Inga Puķe, a participating pharmacist, mentions that patients often make mistakes when taking medicines, such as not using them at all or not taking them as prescribed.
Pharmacists' help in identifying the volume of medicines and educating patients on their use could be beneficial for GPs, according to Katrīna Priede, a General Practitioner (GP).
A newly developed digital tool is part of the project, enabling pharmacists to review medicines efficiently and schedule consultations in advance.
Patients who need answers about their medication composition, cost, and correct combination can receive them through a pharmacist's review of their medications.
The pilot project is free of charge during the initial phase, ensuring access to a wide range of patients.
If successful, the project could lead to a nationwide implementation of pharmacist-led consultations and medication reviews, ensuring comprehensive care for elderly patients in Latvia.
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Initiative enables pharmacists to offer advice to patients regularly using multiple medications