Skip to Main Content

SMRs in problematic polypharmacy: anticholinergic burden focus

Event 7 July 2026Location Online via Webex 12.30 - 2pm

Expert pharmacists will use a case study to illustrate a patient-centred approach to SMRs for patients on medicines with anticholinergic properties.

Date

7 July 2026

Location

Online via Webex 12.30 - 2pm

About the event

A facilitated case-based discussion about the complexities of managing problematic polypharmacy and deprescribing in patients on medicines with anticholinergic properties.

This is a follow on from the polypharmacy webinar series, which lays the foundations of some of the deprescribing tools available and features a generalist case study.

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 will be covered

  • Case-based discussion about undertaking an SMR in a patient on medicines with anticholinergic properties
  • 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 taking medicines with anticholinergic properties
  • If there is time, we will answer questions from the audience, with a focus on those relating to the case study

Speakers

A range of speakers from SPS and other organisations will help run this event.

Non-SPS speakers

Ðula Alićehajić-Bečić

Consultant Pharmacist: Frailty; Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh NHS Foundation Trust

Heather Smith

Consultant Pharmacist: Older People; NHS West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board

SPS speakers

Learn more about our SPS speakers below.

Registration

You can now register for this event. Once registered you will receive confirmation and a link for your diary.  

Note: Our webinars are provided for colleagues providing NHS services so please register with your NHS or work-based email address. If you don’t provide NHS services or are a charity, please contact us to clarify your interest in this webinar.  

Check your access before the event

Check that you are able to access WebEx prior to the event. 

We recommend installing the Cisco WebEx app, or, alternatively, accessing the meeting via Google Chrome. If you are still having difficulty, you may need to contact your IT department to assist you in opening the application (you’ll only have to do this once).

Joining on the day

Listen through your computer or mobile phone.
The webinar will start promptly at 12:30 but please join at least 5 minutes earlier so you don’t miss important information.

Dial in

If you experience trouble accessing the meeting from your computer, you can always dial in and listen through your phone. Once registered, please see your event invitation or contact the event admin (details below) for further information.

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 teamif you have any questions.