NICE: Medicines optimisation: the safe and effective use of medicines to enable the best possible outcomes (March 2015)

Summary

Getting the most from medicines for both patients and the NHS is becoming increasingly important as more people are taking more medicines. Medicines prevent, treat or manage many illnesses or conditions and are the most common intervention in healthcare. However, it has been estimated that between 30% and 50% of medicines prescribed for long-term conditions are not taken as intended.

Content

This guideline by NICE, covers safe and effective use of medicines in health and social care for people taking one or more medicines. It aims to ensure that medicines provide the greatest possible benefit to people by encouraging medicines reconciliation, medication review and the use of patient decision aids.

Who is it for?

• Healthcare professionals.
• Social care practitioners.
• Commissioners and providers
• People taking one or more medicines and their families and carers.