GP 1 - Polypharmacy

Question 1

Define polypharmacy and concordance

Answer 1

Polypharmacy - Concurrent use of multiple medications

Concordance - A negotiated shared agreement between a patient and clinician concerning treatment regimes and outcomes. More cooperative than compliant.

Question 2

Problems with compliance

Answer 2

• Denial of problem/easy to ignore (DM, HTN)
• Costs (£9.65 per item)
• Difficulty (pill burden, sticking to timings)
• Unpleasant outcomes/side effects
• Lack of trust/apathy (dont know/care that it will work)

Question 3

Green and blue social prescribing

Answer 3

Green - Nature based community interventions - walking, gardening, growing food
Blue - Water based - Fishing, swimming, water sports centre

Question 4

What is social prescribing and what are its pros and cons

Answer 4

Holistic, non clinical and person centred approach to healthcare. Involves being referred to link worker who connects you to relevant community groups, support, services.

Pros
- improved mental and physical health
- Meet new people
- QoL
- More in control of managing own health

Cons
- Access may be limited in certain areas
- Efficiency and shared understanding of GP, link worker and patient
- Social anxiety patients may be uncomfortable, making anxiety worse