Medication Regimen Complexity and Patient-Reported Adverse Drug Events in Korean Community Pharmacies: A...

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology
• Patient Safety
• Health Services Research

Background:

• Limited evidence exists on the relationship between medication regimen complexity and patient-reported adverse drug events (ADEs).
• Understanding this association is crucial for improving patient safety and medication management in community pharmacy settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the association between medication regimen complexity and patient-reported ADEs in adults utilizing community pharmacy services.
• To identify factors influencing medication regimen complexity and predictors of ADE reporting.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 201 adults with prescription experience at Korean community pharmacies.
• Data collected included Medication Regimen Complexity Index-Korea (MRCI-K) scores, medication adherence, ADE reports, comorbidities, polypharmacy, and demographics.
• Multivariable regression models were used to assess determinants of complexity and predictors of ADE reporting.

Main Results:

• Over half (50.2%) of participants reported at least one ADE in the past month.
• Polypharmacy, comorbidities, and multidose dispensing were associated with higher regimen complexity.
• Higher MRCI-K scores and older age were linked to lower odds of reporting ADEs (OR = 0.95 and 0.98, respectively).

Conclusions:

• Increased medication regimen complexity and older age are associated with reduced reporting of adverse drug events.
• This suggests potential under-recognition of ADEs in these patient groups.
• Patient-centered strategies are essential to enhance ADE identification among individuals with complex medication regimens.