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SMRs in problematic polypharmacy: respiratory focus

Event 13 January 2026Location Online via Webex 13:00 - 14:00

Consultant pharmacists used a case study to illustrate a patient centred approach to SMRs for patients with respiratory conditions.

Date

13 January 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 with respiratory conditions.

This was a follow on from the polypharmacy webinar series, which laid 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 in respiratory care. By reviewing patient experience, symptoms, medication use and inhaler technique, 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 of respiratory conditions and enhanced quality of life.

What was covered

  • Case-based discussion about undertaking an SMR in a patient with polypharmacy with a focus on respiratory conditions
  • 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 deprescribing for patients with respiratory conditions

Speakers

A range of speakers for SPS and external organisations helped to facilitate this event.

Non-SPS speakers

Professor Anna Murphy

Consultant Pharmacist, Respiratory Medicine; University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust
Professor of Pharmacy Practice; De Montfort University, Leicester

SPS speakers

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. Recording removed and link to resource page added.
  1. Changed advert wording to past tense, advert to past events, removed registration blocked, added webinar recording
  1. Published