A systematic approach to identifying and reducing medication-related problems in family practice patients

Because of the existence of multiple medical diseases and the concurrent use of multiple medications, many elderly patients present a therapeutically complex picture to clinicians. This pilot study evaluates a systematic approach to identifying and reducing medication-related problems in a population averaging five chronic medical problems and taking an average of eleven medications. The approach is unique in its use of an in-depth home medication history and a comprehensive review of therapy. In spite of close medical supervision, an average of ten potentially medication-related problems were identified among seventeen therapeutically complex patients. Recommendations to eliminate these problems were developed by pharmacists who reviewed the patient information. These recommendations were presented to the patient's physician who accepted 67% of the suggestions.