General practice pharmacist reviews cut medicines in hyperpolypharmacy

This real-world Irish analysis quantifies the type, significance, acceptance, and medicines-reduction impact of pharmacist-led person-centred reviews in older adults with hyperpolypharmacy, informing how geriatric pharmacists can structure general practice review services.

📅 Journal publication: Dec 2026 (online Aug 18, 2026) · Last updated: Oct 7, 2026

general practice pharmacistmedication reviewdeprescribingpolypharmacyhyperpolypharmacygeriatricsiSIMPATHYNSAIDsantithromboticsprimary carepre-post studyEadon grading Ambulatory Care / MTM

Also in Clinical Practice, Geriatrics

Background Information

Pharmacist interventions cut medication use by over 11% in general practice.

Integrating pharmacists into general practice settings can significantly reduce medication burden and improve care in patients with hyperpolypharmacy, potentially reducing medication-related harm. Pharmacists conducted 12 interventions per patient with a 95% acceptance rate. Prescription numbers were reduced by 11.2%, decreasing hyperpolypharmacy by 11.6%. This study highlights the importance of pharmacist interventions in reducing medication load and improving outcomes for older adults taking multiple medications, though long-term effects remain unclear. Pharmacist-led medicine reviews in general practice significantly reduce polypharmacy and improve patient care.

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Authors: Kirke C, Murphy K, Sahm LJ, Moriarty F, Kinahan C, O'Hagan L, Coyle EJ, Byrne S, Dalton K

Citation: Kirke C, Murphy K, Sahm LJ, et al. Characterising pharmacist interventions from person-centred medicines reviews in general practice settings. Exploratory research in clinical and social pharmacy. 2026;24:100833. doi:10.1016/j.rcsop.2026.100833

Article Links: PubMed · Journal / DOI · Free Full Text (PMC)

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Executive Summary

Study Design

Patient Population

Primary Outcomes

Secondary Outcomes & Safety Profile

Pharmacist Implications

Clinical Pearls

Limitations

Controversies & Evidence Gaps

Cost & Logistics

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