What is the NHSBSA Polypharmacy Comparator tool?
The NHSBSA Polypharmacy Comparator tool consists of measures which show ICBs, sub-ICBs, GP practices and Primary Care Networks how many patients they have on 8 or more, 10 or more, 15 or more, and 20 or more medicines.
The polypharmacy comparators also identify patients taking a combination of medicines known to increase risk of harm, such as multiple anticoagulants or medicines which, when taken together, can increase risk of cumulative anticholinergic cumulative side effects. These side effects can increase the risk of falls, confusion, constipation and other issues. See the Medicines Safety portal for more information: https://www.medicinesafety.co.uk/p/welcome.html
The purpose of the Polypharmacy Prescribing Comparator tool is to highlight variation and to support ICBs, PCNs and and GP practices in addressing their polypharmacy work in the context of their other medicine safety priorities.
In addition, the comparators can be used to evaluate the impact and effectiveness of efforts made to already to address polypharmacy.
These polypharmacy prescribing comparators have been designed to be easy to understand, easy to interpret and easy to navigate.
The polypharmacy prescribing comparators can help PCNs and primary care identify patients deemed to be at-risk who take multiple medicines and may require a structured medication review.
How to access the NHSBSA Polypharmacy Comparator tool
PCN pharmacists across England can access the polypharmacy comparators via ePACT2. To register or access ePACT2, visit here.
This short video shows you how the polypharmacy comparators work:
