In 2013, DTB described some of the challenges associated with the newly introduced and heavily promoted strategy of medicines optimisation with which the NHS attempted to “focus attention on outcomes rather than process in relation to improving quality, benefits and value for patients from their use of medicines”.1 Since then, what progress has been made in measuring and improving outcomes for patients as a result of ‘optimising’ medicines?

In England, the NHS started the process by getting greater understanding of patients' perspectives of taking medicines, with identification of five key, patient-generated themes: improving awareness of the services available to support patients in their medicines-taking; ‘enriching consultations’ to support health and care professionals to consider the patient perspective; encouraging patients to be …