[Adjusting medication: elderly patient's preference counts].

Area of Science:

• Geriatric Medicine
• Clinical Pharmacology
• Patient-Centered Care

Background:

• Elderly patients with multimorbidity often receive polypharmacy due to disease-specific guidelines.
• This approach can lead to adverse effects and suboptimal patient outcomes.
• A shift towards patient-oriented care is crucial for managing complex health needs.

Observation:

• A novel decision aid utilizing a visual analogue scale (VAS) facilitates patient-centered consultations.
• Patients rank generic treatment goals (life extension, independence, pain relief, symptom relief) based on personal preferences.
• This tool was applied to medication reviews for two elderly female patients.

Findings:

• The VAS tool effectively captures patient preferences for treatment goals.
• It enables a personalized approach to medication management in elderly patients.
• The decision aid supports a shift from disease-focused to patient-focused care.

Implications:

• Integrating this tool into medication reviews can optimize pharmacotherapy for elderly patients.
• It promotes shared decision-making and enhances patient well-being.
• This patient-oriented strategy addresses the challenges of multimorbidity and polypharmacy.