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SMRs in problematic polypharmacy: antimicrobial focus

Event 12 May 2026Location Online via Webex 13:00 - 14:00
Topics: Past EventsPrimary Care

Expert pharmacists used case studies to illustrate a patient centred approach to SMRs for patients on antimicrobials.

Contents

  1. Date
  2. Location
  3. About the event
    1. Why it’s important
    2. What was covered
  5. Speakers
    1. Non-SPS speakers
    2. SPS speakers
  7. Resources
  8. Contact us
  9. Update history

Date

12 May 2026

Location

Online via Webex 13:00 - 14:00

About the event

A facilitated case-based discussion about the complexities of managing problematic polypharmacy and deprescribing in patients on antimicrobials with a specific focus on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and acne.

This webinar is part of our series on case based discussions for structured medication reviews (SMRs) in problematic polypharmacy, with each session focussing on a different condition.

Why it’s important

The National Overprescribing review highlighted that 10% of medicines prescribed in primary care may be inappropriate and those taking 10 or more medicines are 300 times more likely to have a drug related hospital admission, highlighting the importance of deprescribing.

Structured medication reviews (SMRs) improve medication adherence, reduce unnecessary prescriptions, and optimise patient outcomes. By reviewing patient experience, symptoms, and medication use, healthcare professionals can minimise risk of harm, limit side effects, and prevent poor health outcomes. This approach ensures that treatments remain appropriate and effective for better management and enhanced quality of life.

What was covered

  • Case-based discussion about undertaking an SMR in a patient on antimicrobials, focusing on COPD and acne.
  • Insight into a person-centred approach to deprescribing and optimising medicines outcomes for patients with problematic polypharmacy.
  • Discussion about the challenges that professionals commonly encounter in relation to considering deprescribing for patients who were started on antimicrobials in secondary care, have them on repeat prescriptions, or receive them regularly.

Speakers

Speakers from SPS and external organisations facilitated this event.

Non-SPS speakers

Dr Naomi Fleming

Antimicrobial Stewardship Lead (East of England), NHS England

SPS speakers

Learn more about our SPS speakers below.

Resources

All of our polypharmacy webinar recordings can be found on the SMRs in problematic polypharmacy: case based discussions webpage. Information presented in these resources is correct at time of recording. Current guidance should be followed.

Contact us

Please contact the admin team if you have any questions. 

Update history

  1. Registration block removed, changed to past event.
  1. Published