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Medication Management in Portuguese Long-Term Care Facilities: A Preliminary Cross-Sectional Study
Ana Rita Rodrigues1, Filipa Mascarenhas-Melo2,3, Victoria Bell1,2
1Laboratory of Social Pharmacy and Public Health, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal.
Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland)
|November 9, 2024
Summary
Medication management in Portuguese long-term care facilities (LTCFs) is challenging, with nurses often handling tasks, but pharmacist involvement is limited. This highlights potential gaps in medication safety and efficacy for older adults.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Healthcare Management
Background:
- Population ageing is a global concern, increasing the need for long-term care facilities (LTCFs).
- Older adults in LTCFs frequently face frailty and polypharmacy, risking adverse clinical outcomes.
- In Portugal, LTCFs provide care for individuals aged 65+, but pharmaceutical services are not mandatory.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate medication management practices in Portuguese LTCFs.
- To identify professionals responsible for medication management.
- To detect potential gaps in medication safety and efficacy.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study utilizing an electronic questionnaire.
- Data collected from 392 Portuguese LTCFs between July 20-August 2, 2023.
- Response rate of 15.4% from 2552 targeted LTCFs.
Main Results:
- Over 94% of LTCFs manage resident medications, with most using a single pharmacy.
- Individualised medication packaging is utilized by 57.84%; 97.84% conduct medication review, primarily by physicians and nurses.
- Nurses manage medication storage and preparation, but non-nursing staff, including assistants, are also involved in preparation, verification, and administration.
Conclusions:
- Medication management in Portuguese LTCFs presents significant challenges.
- The study highlights the current status of medication practices in these facilities.
- Pharmacist involvement in medication management is less prominent compared to international standards.
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