HEALTH chiefs are launching a new initiative to help guide patients on the medication they should be taking.

The £75,000 MAVIS project will see digital prescription data from GP practices across Renfrewshire and East Renfrewshire being shared with hospital doctors to help ensure patients are taking the right medication.

Data will be analysed by NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) to estimate medication adherence, persistence and initiation, as well as exploring medication histories.

Doctors will then have an instant picture of how well patients are taking their medication and will be able to support improved compliance with the drugs being prescribed.

Health bosses say that, while the majority of people take the right medication at the right time, there are occasions where patients with long-term conditions may not take their medication as prescribed.

Dr Sean MacBride-Stewart, who is leading the project for NHSGGC, said: “We believe this could make a real difference and will encourage clinicians and patients to work together to address issues relating to poor adherence.

“We expect this will help improve outcomes and optimise care, ensuring the best use of medicines.”

The project, funded by independent charity the Health Foundation, has been welcomed by Epilepsy Scotland, which said it has the potential to “drive better standards of care and save lives.”

A spokesman for Epilepsy Scotland added: “We believe the adherence work being carried out by the team at NHSGGC could significantly improve the lives of those living with epilepsy.

“It will afford clinicians the opportunity to better understand what works for individuals and find optimum treatment for their patients.”

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