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Kassis A, Moles R, Carter S. Stakeholders' perspectives and experiences of the pharmacist's role in deprescribing in ambulatory care: A qualitative meta-synthesis. Res Social Adm Pharm 2024; 20:697-712. [PMID: 38685144 DOI: 10.1016/j.sapharm.2024.04.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Deprescribing is an effective strategy to manage polypharmacy and improve patient outcomes. The notion of a potential role for pharmacists in a multidisciplinary team approach to deprescribing has been identified in quantitative and qualitative literature. However, stakeholders' perceptions of this role, and factors that may impede or facilitate the pharmacist's involvement have not been elucidated. The application in ambulatory care also requires clarification. Understanding stakeholders' views is essential to optimise involvement of the pharmacist in deprescribing and improve practice. OBJECTIVES First, to synthesize the perspectives and experiences of stakeholders (primary care providers, pharmacists, patients, and carers) regarding the role and involvement of the pharmacist in deprescribing in ambulatory care settings. Second, to identify barriers and strategies to enhancing pharmacist involvement in deprescribing. METHODS A systematic search was conducted across CINAHL, Embase, Medline, and Scopus from database inception to April 2023 for qualitative studies in English exploring the pharmacist's role in deprescribing. Data were extracted for iterative and inductive development of themes. A meta-synthesis facilitated the identification of overarching themes. Qualitative secondary analysis enabled identification of barriers and facilitators to the pharmacist's involvement in deprescribing. RESULTS From 285 articles identified, 9 studies were included which explored the views of general practitioners, specialist physicians, pharmacists, nurse practitioners, patients, carers, and general practice and clinic staff as stakeholders in deprescribing in ambulatory care. The meta-synthesis identified 4 over-arching themes: (1) therapeutic impetus and the status quo mentality, (2) role and responsibility, (3) multidisciplinary care, and (4) conflicting interests in pharmacy practice. Strategies to enhance pharmacists' involvement in deprescribing emerged from the data, and the pharmacist's role was strongly encouraged by stakeholders despite logistical and perceptual barriers identified. CONCLUSIONS Incorporation of the strategies to enhance the pharmacist's involvement in deprescribing identified in this review is encouraged to optimise patient-centred care and improve practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Kassis
- Sydney Pharmacy School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| | - Rebekah Moles
- Sydney Pharmacy School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Stephen Carter
- Sydney Pharmacy School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Crawford P, Plumb R, Burns P, Flanagan S, Parsons C. A quantitative study on the impact of a community falls pharmacist role, on medicines optimisation in older people at risk of falls. BMC Geriatr 2024; 24:604. [PMID: 39009970 PMCID: PMC11251379 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-024-05189-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The World Falls guidance includes medication review as part of its recommended multifactorial risk assessment for those at high risk of falling. Use of Falls Risk Increasing Drugs (FRIDs) along with polypharmacy and anticholinergic burden (ACB) are known to increase the risk of falls in older people. METHOD The impact of a community falls pharmacist within a hospital Trust, working as part of a multi-professional community falls prevention service, was evaluated in 92 people aged 65 years or older, by analysing data before and after pharmacist review, namely: number and type of FRIDs prescribed; anticholinergic burden score using ACBcalc®; appropriateness of medicines prescribed; bone health review using an approved too; significance of clinical intervention; cost avoidance, drug cost savings and environmental impact. RESULTS Following pharmacist review, there was a reduction in polypharmacy (mean number of medicines prescribed per patient reduced by 8%; p < 0.05) and anticholinergic burden score (average score per patient reduced by 33%; p < 0.05). Medicines appropriateness improved (Medicines Appropriateness Index score decreased by 56%; p < 0.05). There were 317 clinically significant interventions by the community falls pharmacist. One hundred and one FRIDs were deprescribed. Annual cost avoidance and drug cost savings were £40,689-£82,642 and avoidable carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from reducing inappropriate prescribing amounted to 941 kg CO2. CONCLUSION The community falls pharmacist role increases prescribing appropriateness in the older population at risk of falls, and is an effective and cost-efficient means to optimise medicines in this population, as well as having a positive impact on the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Crawford
- Medicines Optimisation Older People Pharmacy Team, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, Belfast, UK
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 7BL, UK
| | - Rick Plumb
- School of Medicine Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, and Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, Belfast, UK
| | - Paula Burns
- Medicines Optimisation Older People Pharmacy Team, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, Belfast, UK
| | - Stephen Flanagan
- Pharmacy Department, Musgrave Park Hospital, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, Belfast, UK
| | - Carole Parsons
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 7BL, UK.
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Hürlimann O, Alers D, Hauri N, Leist P, Schneider C, Bolt L, Rodondi N, Aubert CE. Barriers, facilitators and needs to deprescribe benzodiazepines and other sedatives in older adults: a mixed methods study of primary care provider perspectives. BMC Geriatr 2024; 24:396. [PMID: 38704540 PMCID: PMC11069272 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-024-05027-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Benzodiazepines and other sedative hypnotic drugs (BSHs) are frequently prescribed for sleep problems, but cause substantial adverse effects, particularly in older adults. Improving knowledge on barriers, facilitators and needs of primary care providers (PCPs) to BSH deprescribing could help reduce BSH use and thus negative effects. METHODS We conducted a mixed methods study (February-May 2023) including a survey, semi-structured interviews and focus groups with PCPs in Switzerland. We assessed barriers, facilitators and needs of PCPs to BSH deprescribing. Quantitative data were analyzed descriptively, qualitative data deductively and inductively using the Theoretical Domain Framework (TDF). Quantitative and qualitative data were integrated using meta-interferences. RESULTS The survey was completed by 126 PCPs (53% female) and 16 PCPs participated to a focus group or individual interview. The main barriers to BSH deprescribing included patient and PCP lack of knowledge on BSH effects and side effects, lack of PCP education on treatment of sleep problems and BSH deprescribing, patient lack of motivation, PCP lack of time, limited access to cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia and absence of public dialogue on BSHs. Facilitators included informing on side effects to motivate patients to discontinue BSHs and start of deprescribing during a hospitalization. Main PCP needs were practical recommendations for pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment of sleep problems and deprescribing schemes. Patient brochures were wished by 69% of PCPs. PCPs suggested the brochures to contain explanations about risks and benefits of BSHs, sleep hygiene and sleep physiology, alternative treatments, discontinuation process and tapering schemes. CONCLUSION The barriers and facilitators as well as PCP needs and opinions on patient material we identified can be used to develop PCP training and material on BSH deprescribing, which could help reduce the inappropriate use of BSHs for sleep problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Orlando Hürlimann
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Anna-Von-Krauchthal Weg 7, Bern, 3010, Switzerland
| | - Daphne Alers
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Anna-Von-Krauchthal Weg 7, Bern, 3010, Switzerland
| | - Noël Hauri
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Anna-Von-Krauchthal Weg 7, Bern, 3010, Switzerland
| | - Pascal Leist
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Anna-Von-Krauchthal Weg 7, Bern, 3010, Switzerland
| | - Claudio Schneider
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Anna-Von-Krauchthal Weg 7, Bern, 3010, Switzerland
| | - Lucy Bolt
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Anna-Von-Krauchthal Weg 7, Bern, 3010, Switzerland
- Institute of Primary Health Care (BIHAM), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Nicolas Rodondi
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Anna-Von-Krauchthal Weg 7, Bern, 3010, Switzerland
- Institute of Primary Health Care (BIHAM), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Carole E Aubert
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Anna-Von-Krauchthal Weg 7, Bern, 3010, Switzerland.
- Institute of Primary Health Care (BIHAM), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
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Visser AGR, de-Bruijn JBGP, Spaetgens B, Winkens B, Janknegt R, Schols JMGA. Unlocking Deprescribing Potential in Nursing Homes: Insights from a Focus Group Study with Healthcare Professionals. Drugs Aging 2024; 41:261-270. [PMID: 38285238 PMCID: PMC10925566 DOI: 10.1007/s40266-023-01092-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The nursing home population is characterized by multimorbidity and disabilities, which often result in extensive prescription of medication and subsequent polypharmacy. Deprescribing, a planned and supervised process of dose reduction or total cessation of medication, is a solution to combat this. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to identify barriers and enablers of deprescribing as experienced by nursing home physicians (NHPs) and collaborating pharmacists in the specific nursing home setting. METHODS This qualitative study utilized a semi-structured interview format with two focus groups consisting of a mix of NHPs and pharmacists. Directed content analysis was performed based on the Theoretical Domains Framework, a validated framework for understanding determinants of behavior change among health care professionals. RESULTS Sixteen health care professionals participated in two focus groups, including 13 NHPs and three pharmacists. The participating NHPs and pharmacists believed that deprescribing is a valuable process with enablers, such as multidisciplinary collaboration, good communication with patients and family, and involvement of the nursing staff. NHPs and pharmacists view deprescribing as a core task and feel assured in their ability to carry it out successfully. However, they also noted barriers: deprescribing is time-consuming; communication with residents, their relatives or medical specialists is difficult; and electronic patient systems often do not adequately support it. CONCLUSIONS This study provides insight into the various barriers and enablers faced by NHPs and pharmacists when deprescribing in nursing homes. Specific for this population, deprescribing barriers focus on communication (with residents and their relatives, and also with medical specialists) and resources, while knowledge and expertise are mentioned as enablers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne G R Visser
- Zuyderland Nursing Homes, Sittard, The Netherlands.
- Departments of Health Services Research and Family Medicine, Care and Public Health Research Institute (CAPHRI), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
| | - Jenny B G Poddighe de-Bruijn
- Departments of Health Services Research and Family Medicine, Care and Public Health Research Institute (CAPHRI), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Bart Spaetgens
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine, Section Geriatric Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Centre and Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Bjorn Winkens
- Department of Methodology and Statistics, Care and Public Health Research Institute (CAPHRI), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Rob Janknegt
- Zuyderland Nursing Homes, Sittard, The Netherlands
| | - Jos M G A Schols
- Departments of Health Services Research and Family Medicine, Care and Public Health Research Institute (CAPHRI), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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Romagnoli A, Zovi A, Santoleri F, Lasala R. Antidepressant deprescribing: State of the art and recommendations-A literature overview. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 2024; 80:417-433. [PMID: 38189859 DOI: 10.1007/s00228-023-03617-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In recent years, the consumption of antidepressants has arisen. However, deprescribing antidepressant therapy is very complicated. The aim of this study was to implement practical recommendations for the development of guidelines to be used for antidepressant deprescription in clinical practice. MATERIALS AND METHODS The literature search has been conducted on March 13, 2023, using Scopus and PubMed databases. The following search string has been used: "antidepressants AND (deprescribing OR deprescription)". All studies reporting a deprescribing intervention for antidepressant medication, regardless of the study design, have been included. Studies that did not report antidepressant drug deprescription interventions and non-English-language papers have been excluded. RESULTS From the literature search, a total of 230 articles have been extracted. Applying the exclusion criteria, 26 articles have been considered eligible. Most of the analyzed studies (16, 61%) have been carried out in the real world, 3 (11%) were RCTs, 5 (19%) were qualitative studies, in particular expert opinions, 1 (4%) was a literature review, and 1 (4%) was a post-trial observational follow-up of an RCT. In 8 out of 26 studies (31%), the analyzed antidepressants have been specified: 2 (8%) focused on anticholinergics, 2 (8%) on SSRIs, 3 (11%) on tricyclic antidepressants, and 1 (4%) on esketamine. Nineteen out of 26 studies (73%) did not stratify antidepressants by therapeutic class. The sample sizes analyzed in the studies ranged from a minimum of 4 patients to a maximum of 113,909, and 12 studies included geriatric age as an inclusion criterion. A patient's therapy review has been the main deprescribing intervention, and it has been identified in 14 (54%) articles. Interventions have been carried out by clinicians in 4 (15%) studies, general practitioners in 5 (19%) studies, nurses in 2 (8%) studies, pharmacists in 4 (15%) studies, multidisciplinary teams in 10 (38%) studies, and patients in 1 (4%) study. CONCLUSIONS From the literature review, it emerged that there is no clear evidence useful to support clinicians in antidepressant deprescribing interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Romagnoli
- Territorial Pharmaceutical Service, Local Health Unit Lanciano Vasto Chieti, Chieti, Italy.
| | - Andrea Zovi
- Ministry of Health, Viale Giorgio Ribotta 5, 00144, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Ruggero Lasala
- Hospital Pharmacy of Corato, Local Health Unit of Bari, Corato, Italy
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Smith MY, Gaglio B, Anatchkova M. The use of implementation science theories, models, and frameworks in implementation research for medicinal products: A scoping review. Health Res Policy Syst 2024; 22:17. [PMID: 38287407 PMCID: PMC10823700 DOI: 10.1186/s12961-024-01102-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/31/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The uptake, adoption and integration of new medicines and treatment regimens within healthcare delivery can take a decade or more. Increasingly, implementation science (IS) research is being used to bridge this gap between the availability of new therapeutic evidence and its actual application in clinical practice. Little is known, however, about the quality of IS research in this area, including the degree to which theories, models and frameworks (TMFs) are being used. The objective of this study was to conduct a scoping review of the use of TMFs in implementation research involving medicinal products. METHODS A search was conducted for English language abstracts and manuscripts describing the application of TMFs in IS studies for medicinal products. Eligible publications were those published between 1 January 1974 and 12 December 2022. All records were screened at the title and abstract stage; included full-text papers were abstracted using data extraction tables designed for the study. Study quality was appraised using the Implementation Research Development Tool. RESULTS The initial scoping search identified 2697 publications, of which 9 were ultimately eligible for inclusion in the review. Most studies were published after 2020 and varied in their objectives, design and therapeutic area. Most studies had sample sizes of fewer than 50 participants, and all focused on the post-marketing phase of drug development. The TMF most frequently used was the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR). Although most studies applied all TMF domains, TMF use was limited to instrument development and/or qualitative analysis. Quality appraisals indicated the need for engaging patients and other stakeholders in the implementation research, reporting on the cost of implementation strategies, and evaluating the unintended consequences of implementation efforts. CONCLUSIONS We found that few IS studies involving medicinal products reported using TMFs. Those that did encompassed a wide variety of therapeutic indications and medicinal products; all were in the post-marketing phase and involved limited application of the TMFs. Researchers should consider conducting IS in earlier phases of drug development and integrating the TMFs throughout the research process. More consistent and in-depth use of TMFs may help advance research in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meredith Y Smith
- Evidera, Inc., Bethesda, MD, United States of America.
- Department of Regulatory and Quality Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States of America.
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van Poelgeest E, Seppala L, Bahat G, Ilhan B, Mair A, van Marum R, Onder G, Ryg J, Fernandes MA, Cherubini A, Denkinger M, Eidam A, Egberts A, Gudmundsson A, Koçak FÖK, Soulis G, Tournoy J, Masud T, Wehling M, van der Velde N. Optimizing pharmacotherapy and deprescribing strategies in older adults living with multimorbidity and polypharmacy: EuGMS SIG on pharmacology position paper. Eur Geriatr Med 2023; 14:1195-1209. [PMID: 37812379 PMCID: PMC10754739 DOI: 10.1007/s41999-023-00872-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
Inappropriate polypharmacy is highly prevalent among older adults and presents a significant healthcare concern. Conducting medication reviews and implementing deprescribing strategies in multimorbid older adults with polypharmacy are an inherently complex and challenging task. Recognizing this, the Special Interest Group on Pharmacology of the European Geriatric Medicine Society has compiled evidence on medication review and deprescribing in older adults and has formulated recommendations to enhance appropriate prescribing practices. The current evidence supports the need for a comprehensive and widespread transformation in education, guidelines, research, advocacy, and policy to improve the management of polypharmacy in older individuals. Furthermore, incorporating deprescribing as a routine aspect of care for the ageing population is crucial. We emphasize the importance of involving geriatricians and experts in geriatric pharmacology in driving, and actively participating in this transformative process. By doing so, we can work towards achieving optimal medication use and enhancing the well-being of older adults in the generations to come.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eveline van Poelgeest
- Section of Geriatric Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
- Aging and Later Life, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Lotta Seppala
- Section of Geriatric Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Aging and Later Life, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Gülistan Bahat
- Division of Geriatrics, Department of Internal Medicine, Istanbul Medical School, Istanbul University, Capa, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Birkan Ilhan
- Division of Geriatrics, Department of Internal Medicine, Liv Hospital Vadistanbul, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Alpana Mair
- Effective Prescribing and Therapeutics, Health and Social Care Directorate, Scottish Government, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK
- Edinburgh Napier University, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Rob van Marum
- Aging and Later Life, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Elderly Care Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Graziano Onder
- Fondazione Policlinico Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Jesper Ryg
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
- Geriatric Research Unit, Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Marília Andreia Fernandes
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital Curry Cabral, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Lisboa Central, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Antonio Cherubini
- Geriatria Accettazione geriatrica e Centro di Ricerca per l'invecchiamento IRCCS INRCA, Ancona, Italy
| | - Michael Denkinger
- Agaplesion Bethesda Clinic Ulm, Institute for Geriatric Research, Ulm University, Geriatric Center Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Annette Eidam
- Center for Geriatric Medicine, Heidelberg University Hospital, AGAPLESION Bethanien Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Angelique Egberts
- Department of Hospital Pharmacy, Franciscus Gasthuis & Vlietland, Rotterdam, Schiedam, The Netherlands
| | - Aðalsteinn Gudmundsson
- Faculty of Medicine, Landspitali University Hospital, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - Fatma Özge Kayhan Koçak
- Division of Geriatrics, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - George Soulis
- Outpatient Geriatric Assessment Unit, Henry Dunant Hospital Center, Athens, Greece
- Hellenic Open University, Patras, Greece
| | - Jos Tournoy
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, KU Leuven University Hospitals Leuven Gasthuisberg Campus, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven Biomedical Sciences Group, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Tahir Masud
- Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Nottingham, UK
| | - Martin Wehling
- Clinical Pharmacology Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Nathalie van der Velde
- Section of Geriatric Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Aging and Later Life, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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King E, Bazargan M, Entsuah N, Tokumitsu SW, Wisseh C, Adinkrah EK. Potentially Inappropriate Medication Use among Underserved Older Latino Adults. J Clin Med 2023; 12:3067. [PMID: 37176508 PMCID: PMC10179006 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12093067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies identified alarming increases in medication use, polypharmacy, and the use of potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) among minority older adults with multimorbidity. However, PIM use among underserved older Latino adults is still largely unknown. The main objective of this study is to examine the prevalence of PIM use among underserved, community-dwelling older Latino adults. This study examines both the complexity of polypharmacy in this community and identifies associations between PIM and multimorbidity, polypharmacy, and access to medical care among this segment of our population. METHODS This community-based, cross-sectional study included 126 community-dwelling Latinos aged 65 years and older. The updated 2019 AGS Beers Criteria was used to identify participants using PIMs. We used multinomial logistic regression to examine the independent association of PIM with several independent variables including demographic characteristics, the number of chronic conditions, the number of prescription medications used, level of pain, and sleep difficulty. In addition, we present five cases in order to offer greater insight into PIM use among our sample. RESULTS One-third of participants had at least one use of PIM. Polypharmacy (≥5 medications) was observed in 55% of our sample. In addition, 46% took drugs to be used with caution (UWC). In total, 16% were taking between 9 and 24 medications, whereas 39% and 46% were taking 5 to 8 and 1 to 4 prescription medications, respectively. The multinomial logit regression analysis showed that (controlling for demographic variables) increased PIM use was associated with an increased number of prescription medications, number of chronic conditions, sleep difficulty, lack of access to primary care, financial strains, and poor self-rated health. DISCUSSION Both qualitative and quantitative analysis revealed recurrent themes in the missed identification of potential drug-related harm among underserved Latino older adults. Our data suggest that financial strain, lack of access to primary care, as well as an increased number of medications and co-morbidity are inter-connected. Lack of continuity of care often leads to fragmented care, putting vulnerable patients at risk of polypharmacy and drug-drug interactions as clinicians lack access to a current and complete list of medications patients are using at any given time. Therefore, improving access to health care and thereby continuity of care among older Latino adults with multimorbidity has the potential to reduce both polypharmacy and PIM use. Programs that increase access to regular care and continuity of care should be prioritized among multimorbid, undeserved, Latino older adults in an effort toward improved health equity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ebony King
- Department of Geriatrics, West Los Angeles VA Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90073, USA
- Department of Public Health, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science (CDU), Los Angeles, CA 90059, USA
| | - Mohsen Bazargan
- Department of Public Health, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science (CDU), Los Angeles, CA 90059, USA
- Department of Family Medicine, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science (CDU), Los Angeles, CA 90059, USA;
- Department of Family Medicine, University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Nana Entsuah
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy Practice, University of California Irvine (UCI), Irvine, CA 92617, USA
| | - Sayaka W. Tokumitsu
- Department of Family Medicine, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science (CDU), Los Angeles, CA 90059, USA;
| | - Cheryl Wisseh
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy Practice, University of California Irvine (UCI), Irvine, CA 92617, USA
| | - Edward K. Adinkrah
- Department of Public Health, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science (CDU), Los Angeles, CA 90059, USA
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