Clinicians lead work to improve safer prescribing for older people

16 Feb 26

Our Older Adult Community Mental Health Teams in Hemel Hempstead is leading important work to strengthen and improve safer prescribing for older adults living with frailty. This proactive approach is helping ensure that medicines remain appropriate, effective and aligned with what matters most to each person.

Close-up of an adult hand holding several different tablets and capsules.

Older adults with frailty are particularly vulnerable to the side effects of taking multiple long‑term medicines, including dizziness, confusion and an increased risk of falls or hospital admission.

The teams are using STOPPFrail, an evidence‑based framework designed to help clinicians review medicines for people with advanced frailty. The approach ensures that any medication someone is taking continues to reflect their current health needs, priorities and goals. It also provides a structured way to identify medicines that may no longer be necessary and could be safely reduced or stopped.

Medication reviews are tailored to each individual, and outcomes are shared with their GP. This approach ensures that prescribing reflects not only someone’s clinical needs but also what matters most to them and their family.

STOPPFrail aligns with NICE guidance and national best practice on medicines optimisation, supporting thoughtful, person‑centred decisions about prescribing.

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Clinicians lead work to improve safer prescribing for older people