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Medication use in residential care facilities for the elderly
B R Williams1, M B Nichol, B Lowe
1Clinical Pharmacy and Clinical Gerontology, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, and Ethel Percy Andrus Gerontology Center, Los Angeles 90033, USA. bradwill@hsc.usc.edu
The Annals of Pharmacotherapy
|March 20, 1999
Summary
Residents in residential care facilities for the elderly (RCFEs) frequently use multiple medications, often without documented diagnoses. This highlights a need for improved record-keeping and medication reviews in RCFEs.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Pharmacology
- Healthcare Management
Background:
- Residential care facilities for the elderly (RCFEs) house a significant population with complex health needs.
- Medication management in RCFEs is crucial for resident safety and well-being.
- Understanding current medication use patterns is essential for identifying areas of improvement.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize medication utilization among residents of RCFEs.
- To identify common drug classes and polypharmacy prevalence.
- To assess the documentation of diagnoses supporting medication prescriptions.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional survey was conducted in licensed, private RCFEs in the Los Angeles area.
- Data were collected from 818 residents aged 60 years and older with centrally stored medications.
- Information gathered included demographics, health status, and detailed medication profiles.
Main Results:
- The average resident used five medications, with 94% taking at least one.
- Cardiovascular, central nervous system, analgesic, and diuretic drugs were most frequently used.
- Polypharmacy within therapeutic classes was common, and diagnoses supporting many prescriptions were often undocumented.
Conclusions:
- RCFE residents are medically frail and exhibit high medication use.
- Psychotropic drug use frequently lacked clear indications, suggesting symptom management over documented conditions.
- Enhanced record-keeping, regular medication reviews, and comprehensive education are vital for optimizing medication use in RCFEs.