Will latest guidance on realistic medicine mark a step change in prescribing?
Guidance on preventing inappropriate polypharmacy in Scotland has been updated to give greater focus on what matters to patients.
The guidance calls for NHS boards to make greater use of polypharmacy reviews for patients at every stage of treatment.
It was published as chief medical office Catherine Calderwood launched her annual report into practising realistic medicine, which urges patients to get more involved with their treatment and care options.
Patients are encouraged to ask doctors questions including the benefits and risks of proposed treatments, any alternatives, and whether they should do nothing rather than have treatment.
Further information
Scottish Government polypharmacy model of care group: Polypharmacy guidance realistic prescribing
Scottish Government: Strengthening relationships with patients