Medicines are the most widely used intervention in healthcare and are an essential component in the treatment and prevention of illness. However there is growing evidence that people do not always receive the best outcomes from their medicines. In order to mark International Day of Older Persons, a conference was arranged to showcase research and service development projects in the area of medicines optimisation.
The event was held in the Queen’s University in Belfast on 28th September 2016 and around 100 people had the opportunity to learn how Northern Ireland has recently been recognised as a 4 star reference site under the European Innovation Partnership on Active and Healthy Ageing. During the remainder of the programme, delegates learned about a range of projects being undertaken by those working in the health service, university, charities and commercial companies all of which focus on improving the health and wellbeing of our older population. The event included a large display area of around 30 posters and stands. It gave the opportunity for those with an interest in medicines optimisation to network with colleagues and to learn about one another’s work. Professor Mike Scott, Director of the Medicines Optimisation Innovation Centre, summed up the event by saying:
“it was great to see and hear about so many innovative pieces of work being undertaken to improve the use of medicines by older people and so to achieve better health outcomes”.
Cathy Harrison speaking about Medicines Optimisation Quality Framework.
