Drug-Related Problems and Polypharmacy in Nursing Home Residents: A Cross-Sectional Study

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

Julen Susperregui¹  Cristina López²  Nélida Fernández²  Juan J. García²  Raquel Díez²  Matilde Sierra²  Raquel Cadenas²  Ana M. Sahagún² 

[1] Applied Mathematics, Department of Mathematics, University of León, 24071 León, Spain;Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Institute of Biomedicine (IBIOMED), University of León, 24071 León, Spain;

关键词: drug-drug interactions;    drug-related problems;    elderly;    medication;    nursing home;    polypharmacy;   

DOI  :  10.3390/ijerph19074313

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

At present, 19.2% of the Spanish population is aged 65 or older. Polypharmacy is a frequent condition among the elderly, especially in those living in nursing homes, which is associated with adverse outcomes, such as adverse drug events or drug-drug interactions. This study aimed to assess the pattern of polypharmacy in a nursing home in Leon, one of Spain’s most ageing regions, and its relationship with different drug-related problems. A descriptive, observational, and cross-sectional study design was used; 222 residents were involved in this study. Data on drug use were collected from medical charts. Information was screened with the software CheckTheMeds, BOT PLUS and Drug-Reax. Residents were on a median of 7 medicines. Polypharmacy and inappropriate medications were present in 78.8% and 96.8% of residents, respectively. Drug-related problems were present in almost all the populations evaluated. Drug-drug interactions were very common in participants (81.1%), being severe/moderate in 24.7%. A high prevalence of polypharmacy and drug-related problems in the nursing home population assessed has been observed. A significantly higher risk of suffering drug-drug interactions was revealed for increasing polypharmacy and anticholinergic risk. A regular evaluation of drug prescribing in nursing home residents is necessary to minimize drug-related problems risk.

【 授权许可】

Unknown