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Managing Polypharmacy in the 15-Minute Office Visit.
Demetra Antimisiaris1, Timothy Cutler2
1Pharmacy and Medication Management Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Louisville, 501 East Broadway, Suite 240, Louisville, KY 40202, USA; Department of Neurology, University of Louisville, 501 East Broadway, Suite 240, Louisville, KY 40202, USA; Department of Family Medicine and Geriatrics, University of Louisville, 501 East Broadway, Suite 240, Louisville, KY 40202, USA.
Primary Care
|August 12, 2017
Summary
Polypharmacy, the use of multiple medications, significantly harms older adults and challenges primary care. This article offers skills to improve medication management for elderly patients with polypharmacy.
Area of Science:
- Geriatrics
- Pharmacology
- Primary Care Medicine
Background:
- Polypharmacy is a significant contributor to adverse patient outcomes, particularly in older adults.
- It presents a substantial challenge for primary care providers managing the health of an aging population.
- The United States exhibits high rates of medication use per capita, exacerbating polypharmacy issues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an overview of essential skills for healthcare providers.
- To enhance medication use management strategies for older adults experiencing polypharmacy.
- To address the growing challenge and opportunity presented by polypharmacy in geriatric care.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on polypharmacy in older adults.
- Synthesis of best practices in medication management.
- Identification of key skills for primary care providers.
Main Results:
- Polypharmacy is a recognized syndrome of harm in the elderly.
- Effective management requires specific skills and a proactive approach.
- Improved medication management can mitigate negative patient outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Addressing polypharmacy is crucial for improving the health of older adults.
- Healthcare providers need enhanced skills to manage complex medication regimens.
- Proactive management of polypharmacy offers an opportunity to improve geriatric care and patient safety.
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