HSE project lead Ciara Kirke explains that the iSIMPATHY project is enabling the delivery of a brand new model of quality, clinical care in border counties. “For the first time in the Republic of Ireland, outside of a research setting, we are delivering comprehensive medicine reviews to people who most benefit from them. Over 1,000 patient medicines reviews have been completed,” said Ciara. “These reviews are person-centred and holistic, delivered by project pharmacists working in primary care, within GP practices, engaging directly with patients and working in collaboration with GPs. We are seeing a reduction in the risk of medication-related harm, improvements in patient quality of life, a greater understanding of medicines through patient education and considerable savings as a result of reviews. Further evaluation is under way.” The Project Pharmacists taking part in the iSIMPATHY project are Leon O’Hagan in Co Louth; Clare Kinahan in Cavan/ Monaghan; Jacqueline Treacy in Sligo/Leitrim; and Emma-Jane Coyle in Donegal. Patient James Howard from Kingscourt, Co Cavan described his experience of having a medicine review with Clare Kinahan, senior iSIMPATHY pharmacist. “When I was out walking I used to get quite dizzy and I was then taken off a couple of tablets and now I feel great again. I think it is a great thing to have a review for these things. I benefited from the review because the lady in question [Project Pharmacist] was very patient and very good at explaining it. I think everyone should have a review,” said James. Participating GP, Dr Conor Mitchell, from Ballyshannon said, “iSIMPATHY has been very helpful and I am delighted to have Emma as part of the team. Yes, it is extra work but this is the nature of the beast when it comes to polypharmacy. It is time well spent. For the more complex patients, patients with 30 plus items on their prescription, iSIMPATHY has given a starting point to approach the patient medication record of these patients, optimise prescribing and remove expired items from the patient medication record.” GP Dr Grace Kenny, from Dundalk who also took part, said, “From my point of view, project pharmacist Leon’s work and input are invaluable. His approach is patient-centred, encouraging, and empathetic. I have had only positive feedback from the patients, who are willing to either take, cut down, change, or cut out certain medication. “His suggestions of change are always backed by guidelines, which he presents in typed format, making the changes easy to understand and comply with. I know I now find myself much more aware of polypharmacy and non-compliance, and I am putting some of what Leon has suggested into practice so it's a win-win situation for both doctors and patients. And I would imagine that the cost-effectiveness of the project will be evident, very soon.”
Emma Jane Coyle, Senior iSIMPATHY pharmacist in Ballyshannon/ Bundoran, said, “Patient uptake and reported experience has been very positive so far. Patients are extremely satisfied with the level of attention and detail that is paid to their care, as are my colleagues within the practice. Addressing appropriate polypharmacy is heavily dependent on a multidisciplinary team approach. The role of the iSIMPATHY pharmacist is complementary to the care that GPs, nurses and community pharmacists already deliver in primary care. iSIMPATHY has given patients an opportunity to voice concerns relating to their medications and be involved in future planning to overcome issues. Appropriately pitched patient education has been a large part of the discussion with patients.” POLYPHARMACY TRAINING COURSE FOR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS A new online Polypharmacy training course will be available this year.The aim of the course is to prepare healthcare professionals including doctors, nurses and pharmacists to undertake comprehensive person-centred medicines reviews. More information can be found at www.iSimpathy.eu. For further information contact the iSIMPATHY HSE Project Manager: Celine Croarkin Celine.croarkin@hse.ie
The iSimpathy project is delivered across the three programme geographical regions of Northern Ireland, Scotland and the Border region of Ireland. The implementing partners are the Scottish Government (Lead Partner), the Northern Health and Social Care Trust, and HSE CHO 1 and CHO 8. The HSE project is led by the Clinical Lead for the National Medication Safety Programme in the National Quality & Patient Safety Directorate and is overseen by a representative steering committee chaired by the Head of Primary Care Services in CHO8. The EU North-South Unit supports the project, including the EU financial management responsibilities for the HSE.
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