Abstract
Background Medication reviews are conducted worldwide to reduce medication-related problems. However, real-world patient perspectives and experiences remain underexplored. This study aimed to explore patients' perspectives and experiences regarding medication reviews and to assess differences across levels of polypharmacy. Methods A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among a panel of Dutch pharmacy visitors. Topics included perspectives and experiences regarding medication reviews. Descriptive statistics were used, and Chi-square tests were used to assess differences between levels of polypharmacy (non-polypharmacy: 1–4 medications; polypharmacy: 5–9 medications; hyperpolypharmacy: ≥10 medications). Results Among 4395 respondents (median age: 71; 43 % female), 48 % were aware of the existence of medication reviews, and 85 % deemed these important. Patients valued discussing the appropriateness, efficacy, side-effects, and risks of medication more than practical medication-related issues. These perspectives were consistent across polypharmacy levels. Overall, 1176 patients (27 %) had experienced a review (non-polypharmacy: 22 %; polypharmacy: 29 %; hyperpolypharmacy: 39 %). Of these, 92 % felt able to ask questions, and 62 % felt treatment options were sufficiently discussed. Patients reported that their review resulted in better medication understanding (68 %), increased confidence in medication usage (65 %), and fewer health issues (40 %). Patients with non-polypharmacy reported improvements in follow-up agreements (9 %) and involvement of secondary healthcare providers (11 %) less frequently than those with polypharmacy (14 %/15 %) and hyperpolypharmacy (19 %/26 %). Conclusion Most patients valued medication reviews, yet only half were aware of their existence. Generally, levels of polypharmacy hardly impacted patient perspectives. Based on patients' experiences, shared decision-making, follow-ups, and multidisciplinary approaches could be better implemented in medication reviews.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Article number | 100692 |
| Journal | Exploratory Research in Clinical and Social Pharmacy |
| Volume | 21 |
| Early online date | 2025 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | E-pub ahead of print - 2025 |
Funding
On behalf of all authors, the corresponding author states that there is no conflict of interest. The survey used in this study was funded by the Dutch Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport (reference: 201865006.028.080) and was part of a larger project for which this funding was provided.
| Funders | Funder number |
|---|---|
| Dutch Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport | 201865006.028.080 |
Keywords
- Medication review
- Patients' perspectives
- Primary care
- Polypharmacy