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Patient involvement is essential in identifying drug-related problems
Heini Kari1, Hanna Kortejärvi2, Marja Airaksinen1
1Clinical Pharmacy Group, Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology
|May 19, 2018
Summary
Patient involvement is crucial for identifying significant drug-related problems (DRPs) during pharmacist-led medication reviews. Without patient input, 84% of critical DRPs, such as poor therapy control, may be missed.
Area of Science:
- Geriatric Pharmacy
- Patient-Centered Care
- Medication Safety
Background:
- Polypharmacy in elderly patients increases the risk of drug-related problems (DRPs).
- Pharmacist-led medication reviews are vital for optimizing drug therapy in older adults.
- Identifying the full spectrum of DRPs requires comprehensive patient assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the critical role of patient involvement in pharmacist-led medication reviews.
- To assess the significance of patient input in identifying clinical drug-related problems (DRPs).
Main Methods:
- 161 independent, home-dwelling Finnish patients aged ≥75 years with ≥7 prescribed medicines participated.
- Pharmacist-led medication reviews included patient interviews.
- An interprofessional team (pharmacist, nurse, physician) evaluated DRP clinical significance.
- Compared DRP identification solely via medication lists versus including patient information.
Main Results:
- 84% of significant clinical DRPs required patient involvement for identification.
- Medication list review alone identified only 6% of significant DRPs.
- Medication list plus patient details identified 16% of significant DRPs.
- Common DRPs included poor therapy control (25%), nonoptimal drug use (22%), and nonadherence (12%).
Conclusions:
- Patient involvement is essential for accurate DRP identification in medication reviews.
- Critical DRPs related to therapy control, adherence, and supplement use are often missed without patient input.
- Pharmacist-led reviews benefit significantly from direct patient engagement.
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