Medicines optimisation

The aim of the medicines optimisation programme is to help patients achieve the maximum benefit from their medicines. We work collaboratively with the other health innovation networks to develop, share and spread good practice with aligned measurement and monitoring, using a patient-centred approach to improve outcomes focused around four key pillars:

• aim to understand the the patient's experience
• evidence-based choice of medicines
• ensure medicines use is as safe as possible
• make medicines optimisation part of routine practice.

We have a long history of leading medicines optimisation programmes and developing innovative initiatives, some of which are now embedded into routine practice. These include the NHS Discharge Medicines Service, which originated from the Wessex Transfer of Care Around Medicines project, and the Opioid Prescribing Comparators dashboard created with the NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) to reduce harm from opioid prescribing for non-cancer pain.

We continue to support our regional health and care system with medicines safety through the Patient Safety Collaborative (PSC) commission, and with local priorities such as workforce education and reducing polypharmacy in older adults.