[Lack of time is the greatest impeding factor to carrying out clinical medication reviews]

Clinical medication reviews can be useful in improving pharmacotherapy for elderly. This study aimed to investigate the view and knowledge of clinical medication reviews among primary care physicians in order to identify perceived barriers and facilitating factors. Data were collected via a questionnaire given to primary care physicians in southern Sweden. Eight out of ten of the respondents were familiar with the concept of clinical medication review, and four out of ten of these, used the method on a regular basis. Lack of time was identified as the greatest impeding factor. Although necessary for a medication review, medication reconciliation was often lacking. Regardless of the theoretical knowledge of medications which are potentially inappropriate for elderly, the respondents still perceived difficulties in decisions made for the individual patient. Further education about medication reviews should be offered to primary care physicians, irrespective of time in the profession.