Goals:
(1) eliminate unnecessary drugs
(2) reduce drug dosings per day
(3) reduce adverse effects
(4) reduce errors in adherence
(5) switch to cheaper alternatives
|
N
|
Need and indication
|
|
O
|
Open questions
|
|
T
|
Tests and monitoring
|
|
E
|
Evidence and guidelines
|
|
A
|
Adverse events
|
|
R
|
Risk reduction and prevention
|
|
S
|
Simplification and switches
|
The questions for each sample can vary depending on the patient and the underlying conditions.
Need and indications: 4 questions
Open questions: 3 questions
Tests and monitoring: 3 questions
Evidence and guidelines: 3 questions
Adverse events: 6 questions
Risk reduction and prevention: 2 questions
Simplification and switches: 4 questions
Limitations:
• The tool is more a mnemonic than a standardized questionnaire. While this allows it to be highly adaptable it use is likely to be highly variable between practitioners.
• While mnemonics are fine, access to information technology means that more specific tools can be used.
