Patients' perspectives and experiences regarding medication reviews: A cross-sectional survey study

Abstract

Background Medication reviews are conducted worldwide to reduce medication-related problems. However, real-world patient perspectives and experiences remain underexplored. This study aimed to explore patients' perspectives and experiences regarding medication reviews and to assess differences across levels of polypharmacy. Methods A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among a panel of Dutch pharmacy visitors. Topics included perspectives and experiences regarding medication reviews. Descriptive statistics were used, and Chi-square tests were used to assess differences between levels of polypharmacy (non-polypharmacy: 1–4 medications; polypharmacy: 5–9 medications; hyperpolypharmacy: ≥10 medications). Results Among 4395 respondents (median age: 71; 43 % female), 48 % were aware of the existence of medication reviews, and 85 % deemed these important. Patients valued discussing the appropriateness, efficacy, side-effects, and risks of medication more than practical medication-related issues. These perspectives were consistent across polypharmacy levels. Overall, 1176 patients (27 %) had experienced a review (non-polypharmacy: 22 %; polypharmacy: 29 %; hyperpolypharmacy: 39 %). Of these, 92 % felt able to ask questions, and 62 % felt treatment options were sufficiently discussed. Patients reported that their review resulted in better medication understanding (68 %), increased confidence in medication usage (65 %), and fewer health issues (40 %). Patients with non-polypharmacy reported improvements in follow-up agreements (9 %) and involvement of secondary healthcare providers (11 %) less frequently than those with polypharmacy (14 %/15 %) and hyperpolypharmacy (19 %/26 %). Conclusion Most patients valued medication reviews, yet only half were aware of their existence. Generally, levels of polypharmacy hardly impacted patient perspectives. Based on patients' experiences, shared decision-making, follow-ups, and multidisciplinary approaches could be better implemented in medication reviews.