session 1 - polypharmacy

Question 1

define polypharmacy

Answer 1

• the use of multiple medications
• typically given to a patient who takes 5 or more medications

Question 2

define the term concordance and explain how it differs from the term complience.

Answer 2

• concordance means a mutual agreement and collaboration between the patient and the healthcare provider - engaging in shared decision-making
• this differs from the term compliance where the patient just goes along with whatever the healthcare provider says, doesn’t get much of a say or input and just does what is told

Question 3

suggest reasons why patients may struggle to stick to their medication regimes and give ways of overcoming this.

Answer 3

• lack of understanding or education - always explain and educate the patient what their medication is for and why they are taking it
• medication side effects - listen to patients is reporting side effects and do your best to administer them the most suitable medication to minimise side effects
• cost of medications - if there are any schemes for them to get reduced cost, then inform them of this
• forgetfulness or busy lifestyle - suggest ways to help the patient remember eg setting an alarm, marking of calander
• emotional and psychological factors - depression or mental health issue - solve this too

Question 4

define the concepts green and blue prescribing.

Answer 4

green prescribing - prescribing the patient to engage in nature-based activities to improve health and wellbeing

blue prescribing - prescribing the patient to engage in activities involving water-based environments, e.g. beaches, lakes, rivers or the ocean, again to improve physical and mental wellbeing.

Question 5

outline what is meant by social prescribing.

Answer 5

• refer patients to non-medical sources of support
• eg community services, social activities or programs
• recognises a person’s social, environmental and emotional factors
• an example would be referring someone who suffers from lonliness to a charity volunteering service to give them a purpose

Question 6

what are some cons of blue, green and social prescribing?

Answer 6

• lack of immediate relief in acute or severe medical consitions
• delayed effectiveness
• not always evidence based for specific conditions
• acess and availability issues
• patient engagement and adherance
• not suitable for everyone eg the frail

Question 7

outline some pros of green, blue and social prescribing.

Answer 7

• promotes long-term lifestyle changes
• supports mental health and reduces stress
• physical health benefits if the activity is active
• reduced healthcare costs
• reduced dependants on pharmaceuticals
• improves community wellbeing
• encourages sustainable health solutions