As populations become older, they are more susceptible to multiple chronic diseases, which require the use of various medicines or polypharmacy. The challenges of polypharmacy are gaining traction globally, as patients on numerous medications are at increased risk of adverse clinical outcomes. Recognizing this challenge, NHS Scotland published a guideline to ensure appropriate prescribing of medicines and polypharmacy. Additionally, the EU-funded study SYMPATHY identified recommendations to improve polypharmacy and adherence to medication among the elderly. Learnings from these two programs can be used to guide the effective implementation of polypharmacy management globally and are being used to embed the work across three EU projects in the newly funded EU program iSIMPATHY.

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