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Potentially Inappropriate Medication: A Pilot Study in Institutionalized Older Adults.
- Source :
- Healthcare (2227-9032); Jul2024, Vol. 12 Issue 13, p1275, 13p
- Publication Year :
- 2024
-
Abstract
- Institutionalized older adults often face complex medication regimens, increasing their risk of adverse drug events due to polypharmacy, overprescribing, medication interactions, or the use of Potentially Inappropriate Medications (PIM). However, data on medication use and associated risks in this population remain scarce. This pilot study aimed to characterize the sociodemographic, clinical and pharmacotherapeutic profiles, and the use of PIM among institutionalized elders residing in Residential Structures for Elderly People (ERPI) in the Faro municipality, located in the Portuguese region of the Algarve. We conducted a cross-sectional study in a non-randomized sample of 96 participants (mean age: 86.6 ± 7.86 years) where trained researchers reviewed medication profiles and identified potentially inappropriate medications using the EU(7)-PIM list. Over 90% of participants exhibited polypharmacy (≥5 medications), with an average of 9.1 ± 4.15 medications per person. About 92% had potential drug interactions, including major and moderate interactions. More than 86% used at least one potentially inappropriate medication, most commonly central nervous system drugs. This pilot study demonstrates that institutionalized older adults may be at high risk of potential medication-related problems. Implementing comprehensive medication review programs and promoting adapted prescribing practices are crucial to optimize medication use and improve the well-being of this vulnerable population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Subjects :
- INAPPROPRIATE prescribing (Medicine)
CROSS-sectional method
INSTITUTIONAL care
DATA analysis
PILOT projects
KRUSKAL-Wallis Test
MEDICATION error prevention
PATIENT care
POLYPHARMACY
CENTRAL nervous system
DESCRIPTIVE statistics
MANN Whitney U Test
CHI-squared test
RESEARCH methodology
DRUG interactions
STATISTICS
DRUGS
DATA analysis software
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 22279032
- Volume :
- 12
- Issue :
- 13
- Database :
- Complementary Index
- Journal :
- Healthcare (2227-9032)
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 178691014
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare12131275