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Pfeuffer N, Radicke F, Leiz M, Moon K, Hoffmann W, van den Berg N. Outpatient geriatric health care in the German federal state of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania: a population-based spatial analysis of claims data. BMC Health Serv Res 2024; 24:458. [PMID: 38609972 PMCID: PMC11010346 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-024-10888-2] [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: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Due to unidentified geriatric needs, elderly patients have a higher risk for developing chronic conditions and acute medical complications. Early geriatric screenings and assessments help to identify geriatric needs. Holistic and coordinated therapeutic approaches addressing those needs maintain the independence of elderly patients and avoid adverse effects. General practitioners are important for the timely identification of geriatric needs. The aims of this study are to examine the spatial distribution of the utilization of outpatient geriatric services in the very rural Federal State of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania in the Northeast of Germany and to identify regional disparities. METHODS Geographical analysis and cartographic visualization of the spatial distribution of outpatient geriatric services of patients who are eligible to receive basic geriatric care (BGC) or specialized geriatric care (SGC) were carried out. Claims data of the Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania were analysed on the level of postcode areas for the quarter periods between 01/2014 and 04/2017. A Moran's I analysis was carried out to identify clusters of utilization rates. RESULTS Of all patients who were eligible for BGC in 2017, 58.3% (n = 129,283/221,654) received at least one BCG service. 77.2% (n = 73,442/95,171) of the patients who were eligible for SGC, received any geriatric service (BGC or SGC). 0.4% (n = 414/95,171) of the patients eligible for SGC, received SGC services. Among the postcode areas in the study region, the proportion of patients who received a basic geriatric assessment ranged from 3.4 to 86.7%. Several regions with statistically significant Clusters of utilization rates were identified. CONCLUSIONS The widely varying utilization rates and the local segregation of high and low rates indicate that the provision of outpatient geriatric care may depend to a large extent on local structures (e.g., multiprofessional, integrated networks or innovative projects or initiatives). The great overall variation in the provision of BGC services implicates that the identification of geriatric needs in GPs' practices should be more standardized. In order to reduce regional disparities in the provision of BGC and SGC services, innovative solutions and a promotion of specialized geriatric networks or healthcare providers are necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nils Pfeuffer
- Section Epidemiology of Health Care and Community Health, Institute for Community Medicine, University Medicine Greifswald, Ellernholzstr. 1-2, 17489, Greifswald, Germany.
| | - Franziska Radicke
- Section Epidemiology of Health Care and Community Health, Institute for Community Medicine, University Medicine Greifswald, Ellernholzstr. 1-2, 17489, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Maren Leiz
- Jade University of Applied Science, Ofener Straße 16, 26121, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Kilson Moon
- Section Epidemiology of Health Care and Community Health, Institute for Community Medicine, University Medicine Greifswald, Ellernholzstr. 1-2, 17489, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Hoffmann
- Section Epidemiology of Health Care and Community Health, Institute for Community Medicine, University Medicine Greifswald, Ellernholzstr. 1-2, 17489, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Neeltje van den Berg
- Section Epidemiology of Health Care and Community Health, Institute for Community Medicine, University Medicine Greifswald, Ellernholzstr. 1-2, 17489, Greifswald, Germany
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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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Zhou D, Chen Z, Tian F. Deprescribing Interventions for Older Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Am Med Dir Assoc 2023; 24:1718-1725. [PMID: 37582482 DOI: 10.1016/j.jamda.2023.07.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Revised: 07/08/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Deprescribing reduces polypharmacy in older adults. A thorough study of the effect of deprescribing interventions on clinical outcomes in older adults is presently lacking. As a result, we evaluated the impact of deprescribing on clinical outcomes in older patients. DESIGN Meta-analysis and systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library were searched from the time of creation to March 2023. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS Randomized controlled trial with participants at least 60 years old. MEASURES Mortality, falls (number of fallers), hospitalization rates, emergency department visits, medication adherence, HRQoL (health-regulated quality of life), incidence of ADR (adverse drug reactions), PIM (potentially inappropriate medication), and PPO (potentially prescription omission) were evaluated in the meta-analysis. RESULTS A total of 32 RCTs (18,670 patients) were included. Deprescribing interventions significantly reduced proportions of older adults with PIM, PPO, and the incidence of ADRs. The interventions group also improved medication compliance. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Compared to routine care, deprescribing interventions significantly improve clinical outcome indicators for older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Zhou
- Department of Pharmacy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhaoyan Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Fangyuan Tian
- Department of Pharmacy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China; Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
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Gray SL, Perera S, Soverns T, Hanlon JT. Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Interventions to Reduce Adverse Drug Reactions in Older Adults: An Update. Drugs Aging 2023; 40:965-979. [PMID: 37702981 PMCID: PMC10600043 DOI: 10.1007/s40266-023-01064-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We previously reported that interventions to optimize medication use reduced adverse drug reactions (ADRs) by 21% and serious ADRs by 36% in older adults. With new evidence, we sought to update the systematic review and meta-analysis. METHOD We searched OVID, Cochrane Library, ClinicalTrials.gov and Google Scholar from 30 April 2017-30 April 2023. Included studies had to be randomized controlled trials of older adults (mean age ≥65 years) taking medications that examined the outcome of ADRs. Two authors independently reviewed all citations, extracted relevant data, and assessed studies for potential bias. The outcomes were any and serious ADRs. We performed subgroup analyses by intervention type and setting. Random-effects models were used to combine the results from multiple studies and create summary estimates. RESULTS Six studies are new to the update, resulting in 19 total studies (15,675 participants). Interventions were pharmacist-led (10 studies), other healthcare professional-led (5 studies), technology based (3 studies), and educational (1 study). The interventions were implemented in various clinical settings, including hospitals, outpatient clinics, long-term care facilities/rehabilitation wards, and community pharmacies. In the pooled analysis, the intervention group participants were 19% less likely to experience an ADR (odds ratio [OR] 0.81, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.68-0.96) and 32% less likely to experience a serious ADR (OR 0.68, 95% CI 0.48-0.96). We also found that pharmacist-led interventions reduced the risk of any ADR by 35%, compared with 8% for other types of interventions. CONCLUSION Interventions significantly and substantially reduced the risk of ADRs and serious ADRs in older adults. Future research should examine whether effectiveness of interventions vary across health care settings to identify those most likely to benefit. Implementation of successful interventions in health care systems may improve medication safety in older patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shelly L Gray
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, University of Washington, Health Sciences Building, H-361D, Box 357630, Seattle, WA, 98195-7630, USA.
| | - Subashan Perera
- Department of Medicine (Geriatrics), School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Tim Soverns
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, University of Washington, Health Sciences Building, H-361D, Box 357630, Seattle, WA, 98195-7630, USA
| | - Joseph T Hanlon
- Department of Medicine (Geriatrics), School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, Veterans Affairs Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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Cole JA, Gonçalves-Bradley DC, Alqahtani M, Barry HE, Cadogan C, Rankin A, Patterson SM, Kerse N, Cardwell CR, Ryan C, Hughes C. Interventions to improve the appropriate use of polypharmacy for older people. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2023; 10:CD008165. [PMID: 37818791 PMCID: PMC10565901 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd008165.pub5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Inappropriate polypharmacy is a particular concern in older people and is associated with negative health outcomes. Choosing the best interventions to improve appropriate polypharmacy is a priority, so that many medicines may be used to achieve better clinical outcomes for patients. This is the third update of this Cochrane Review. OBJECTIVES To assess the effects of interventions, alone or in combination, in improving the appropriate use of polypharmacy and reducing medication-related problems in older people. SEARCH METHODS We searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL and two trials registers up until 13 January 2021, together with handsearching of reference lists to identify additional studies. We ran updated searches in February 2023 and have added potentially eligible studies to 'Characteristics of studies awaiting classification'. SELECTION CRITERIA For this update, we included randomised trials only. Eligible studies described interventions affecting prescribing aimed at improving appropriate polypharmacy (four or more medicines) in people aged 65 years and older, which used a validated tool to assess prescribing appropriateness. These tools can be classified as either implicit tools (judgement-based/based on expert professional judgement) or explicit tools (criterion-based, comprising lists of drugs to be avoided in older people). DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Four review authors independently reviewed abstracts of eligible studies, and two authors extracted data and assessed the risk of bias of the included studies. We pooled study-specific estimates, and used a random-effects model to yield summary estimates of effect and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). We assessed the overall certainty of evidence for each outcome using the GRADE approach. MAIN RESULTS We identified 38 studies, which includes an additional 10 in this update. The included studies consisted of 24 randomised trials and 14 cluster-randomised trials. Thirty-six studies examined complex, multi-faceted interventions of pharmaceutical care (i.e. the responsible provision of medicines to improve patients' outcomes), in a variety of settings. Interventions were delivered by healthcare professionals such as general physicians, pharmacists, nurses and geriatricians, and most were conducted in high-income countries. Assessments using the Cochrane risk of bias tool found that there was a high and/or unclear risk of bias across a number of domains. Based on the GRADE approach, the overall certainty of evidence for each pooled outcome ranged from low to very low. It is uncertain whether pharmaceutical care improves medication appropriateness (as measured by an implicit tool) (mean difference (MD) -5.66, 95% confidence interval (CI) -9.26 to -2.06; I2 = 97%; 8 studies, 947 participants; very low-certainty evidence). It is uncertain whether pharmaceutical care reduces the number of potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) (standardised mean difference (SMD) -0.19, 95% CI -0.34 to -0.05; I2 = 67%; 9 studies, 2404 participants; very low-certainty evidence). It is uncertain whether pharmaceutical care reduces the proportion of patients with one or more PIM (risk ratio (RR) 0.81, 95% CI 0.68 to 0.98; I2 = 84%; 13 studies, 4534 participants; very low-certainty evidence). Pharmaceutical care may slightly reduce the number of potential prescribing omissions (PPOs) (SMD -0.48, 95% CI -1.05 to 0.09; I2 = 92%; 3 studies, 691 participants; low-certainty evidence), however it must be noted that this effect estimate is based on only three studies, which had serious limitations in terms of risk of bias. Likewise, it is uncertain whether pharmaceutical care reduces the proportion of patients with one or more PPO (RR 0.50, 95% CI 0.27 to 0.91; I2 = 95%; 7 studies, 2765 participants; very low-certainty evidence). Pharmaceutical care may make little or no difference to hospital admissions (data not pooled; 14 studies, 4797 participants; low-certainty evidence). Pharmaceutical care may make little or no difference to quality of life (data not pooled; 16 studies, 7458 participants; low-certainty evidence). Medication-related problems were reported in 10 studies (6740 participants) using different terms (e.g. adverse drug reactions, drug-drug interactions). No consistent intervention effect on medication-related problems was noted across studies. This also applied to studies examining adherence to medication (nine studies, 3848 participants). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS It is unclear whether interventions to improve appropriate polypharmacy resulted in clinically significant improvement. Since the last update of this review in 2018, there appears to have been an increase in the number of studies seeking to address potential prescribing omissions and more interventions being delivered by multidisciplinary teams.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith A Cole
- Clinical Trial Service Unit, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | | | | | - Cathal Cadogan
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Audrey Rankin
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | | | - Ngaire Kerse
- Department of General Practice and Primary Health Care, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Chris R Cardwell
- Centre for Public Health, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Cristin Ryan
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Carmel Hughes
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
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Zhou S, Li R, Zhang X, Zong Y, Lei L, Tao Z, Sun M, Liu H, Zhou Y, Cui Y. The effects of pharmaceutical interventions on potentially inappropriate medications in older patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1154048. [PMID: 37497025 PMCID: PMC10368444 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1154048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) is a particular concern in older patients and is associated with negative health outcomes. As various interventions have been developed to manage it, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the effect of pharmaceutical interventions on outcomes of PIMs in older patients. Methods Meta-analysis of eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was conducted to report the outcomes of pharmaceutical interventions in older patients searching from the databases of Cochrane Library, PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Clinicaltrials.gov, SinoMed and Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR). The PRISMA guidelines were followed and the protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42019134754). Cochrane bias risk assessment tool and the modified Jadad scale were used to assess the risk bias. RevMan software was used for data processing, analysis and graphical plotting. Results Sixty-five thousand, nine hundred seventy-one patients in 14 RCTs were included. Of the primary outcomes, pharmaceutical interventions could significantly reduce the incidence of PIMs in older patients (OR = 0.51, 95% CI: 0.42, 0.62; p < 0.001), and the number of PIMs per person (MD = -0.41, 95%CI: -0.51, -0.31; p < 0.001), accompanying by a low heterogeneity. Subgroup analysis showed that the application of computer-based clinical decision support for pharmacological interventions could remarkably decrease the incidence of PIMs and two assessment tools were more effective. Of the secondary outcomes, the meta-analysis showed that pharmacological interventions could reduce the number of drugs used per person (MD = -0.94, 95%CI: -1.51, -0.36; p = 0.001) and 30-day readmission rate (OR = 0.58, 95%CI: 0.36, 0.92; p = 0.02), accompanying by a low heterogeneity. However, the pharmaceutical interventions demonstrated no significant improvement on all-cause mortality and the number of falls. Conclusion Our findings supported the efficacy of pharmaceutical interventions to optimize the use and management of drugs in older patients. Systematic review registration https://clinicaltrials.gov/, CRD42019134754.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuang Zhou
- Department of Pharmacy, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
- Department of Pharmaceutical Administration and Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Rui Li
- Department of Pharmaceutical Administration and Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Department of Pharmacy, Aerospace Center Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaolin Zhang
- Department of Geriatrics, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yutong Zong
- Department of Pharmacy, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Lili Lei
- Department of Pharmacy, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zhenhui Tao
- Department of Nursing, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Minxue Sun
- Department of Pharmacy, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
- School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Jiangsu, China
| | - Hua Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, Aerospace Center Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Ying Zhou
- Department of Pharmacy, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yimin Cui
- Department of Pharmacy, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
- Department of Pharmaceutical Administration and Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Peking University, Beijing, China
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Newham R, Weir N, Ferguson A, Bennie M. Identifying the important outcomes to measure for pharmacy-led, clinical services within primary care: A nominal group technique approach. Res Social Adm Pharm 2023; 19:468-476. [PMID: 36404258 DOI: 10.1016/j.sapharm.2022.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The introduction of clinical pharmacy services is part of a multi-disciplinary approach to reduce pressure on primary care. Ascertaining the impact of clinical pharmacists in general practice is vital to ensure intended benefits are achieved. However, this is complicated by poor quality evidence, multiple interventions, and a lack of agreement regarding outcome measures. OBJECTIVES To develop an outcomes framework for clinical pharmacy services delivered in Scottish general practice using a consensus methodology. METHODS A modified nominal group technique (NGT) was conducted using Microsoft Teams and Qualtrics. This involved a pre-NGT questionnaire, silent generation of ideas, round robin, discussions, ranking, and a final consensus exercise. A selective sampling strategy recruited experienced pharmacists from Scottish health regions. NGT ranking results were used to signify relative importance of the outcome areas. NGT discussions underwent inductive thematic analysis to explore key areas considered. RESULT Overall, 13 (median: 24 years of experience) pharmacists participated, representing 11 of 14 Scottish regions. In total, 21 outcome areas, derived from the literature and a pre-NGT questionnaire, were considered during the NGT ranking exercise. Consensus identified five important outcome areas: Patient Experience, Medication Related Adverse Events, Cost-Effectiveness, Medication Optimisation, and Health Related Quality of Life. Thematic analysis highlighted the importance of the outcome framework's target audience, factors influencing the interpretation of outcomes, and the feasibility of the associated outcome measures. CONCLUSIONS The five key outcome areas will facilitate evidence-based decisions regarding service delivery. Future work should develop a measurement plan, involving routinely collected sources of outcomes data. The feasibility of collecting outcomes in the real-world context should be considered, identifying measures which are easy to collect within existing data infrastructures. This paper describes a replicable method to gain consensus for a national approach to data collection from a strong theoretical basis using an online methodology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosemary Newham
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, 161 Cathedral Street, Glasgow, G4 0RE, UK.
| | - Natalie Weir
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, 161 Cathedral Street, Glasgow, G4 0RE, UK.
| | - Aimee Ferguson
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, 161 Cathedral Street, Glasgow, G4 0RE, UK.
| | - Marion Bennie
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, 161 Cathedral Street, Glasgow, G4 0RE, UK; Public Health and Intelligence, National Services Scotland, Square, S Gyle Crescent, Edinburgh, EH12 9EB, UK.
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Bülow C, Clausen SS, Lundh A, Christensen M. Medication review in hospitalised patients to reduce morbidity and mortality. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2023; 1:CD008986. [PMID: 36688482 PMCID: PMC9869657 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd008986.pub4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A medication review can be defined as a structured evaluation of a patient's medication conducted by healthcare professionals with the aim of optimising medication use and improving health outcomes. Optimising medication therapy though medication reviews may benefit hospitalised patients. OBJECTIVES We examined the effects of medication review interventions in hospitalised adult patients compared to standard care or to other types of medication reviews on all-cause mortality, hospital readmissions, emergency department contacts and health-related quality of life. SEARCH METHODS In this Cochrane Review update, we searched for new published and unpublished trials using the following electronic databases from 1 January 2014 to 17 January 2022 without language restrictions: the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, Embase, the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), ClinicalTrials.gov and the WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP). To identify additional trials, we searched the reference lists of included trials and other publications by lead trial authors, and contacted experts. SELECTION CRITERIA We included randomised trials of medication reviews delivered by healthcare professionals for hospitalised adult patients. We excluded trials including outpatients and paediatric patients. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two review authors independently selected trials, extracted data and assessed risk of bias. We contacted trial authors for data clarification and relevant unpublished data. We calculated risk ratios (RRs) for dichotomous data and mean differences (MDs) or standardised mean differences (SMDs) for continuous data (with 95% confidence intervals (CIs)). We used the GRADE (Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development and Evaluation) approach to assess the overall certainty of the evidence. MAIN RESULTS In this updated review, we included a total of 25 trials (15,076 participants), of which 15 were new trials (11,501 participants). Follow-up ranged from 1 to 20 months. We found that medication reviews in hospitalised adults may have little to no effect on mortality (RR 0.96, 95% CI 0.87 to 1.05; 18 trials, 10,108 participants; low-certainty evidence); likely reduce hospital readmissions (RR 0.93, 95% CI 0.89 to 0.98; 17 trials, 9561 participants; moderate-certainty evidence); may reduce emergency department contacts (RR 0.84, 95% CI 0.68 to 1.03; 8 trials, 3527 participants; low-certainty evidence) and have very uncertain effects on health-related quality of life (SMD 0.10, 95% CI -0.10 to 0.30; 4 trials, 392 participants; very low-certainty evidence). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Medication reviews in hospitalised adult patients likely reduce hospital readmissions and may reduce emergency department contacts. The evidence suggests that mediation reviews may have little to no effect on mortality, while the effect on health-related quality of life is very uncertain. Almost all trials included elderly polypharmacy patients, which limits the generalisability of the results beyond this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cille Bülow
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Copenhagen University Hospital - Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Stine Søndersted Clausen
- The Research Unit for General Practice, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Andreas Lundh
- Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine Odense (CEBMO) and Cochrane Denmark, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Respiratory Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital - Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Mikkel Christensen
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Copenhagen University Hospital - Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Copenhagen Center for Translational Research (CCTR), Copenhagen University Hospital - Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Higher FORTA (Fit fOR The Aged) scores are associated with poor functional outcomes, dementia, and mortality in older people. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 2022; 78:1851-1859. [PMID: 36167853 PMCID: PMC9546968 DOI: 10.1007/s00228-022-03389-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Higher Fit fOR The Aged (FORTA) scores have been shown to be negatively associated with adverse clinical outcomes in older hospitalized patients. This has not been evaluated in other health care settings. The aim of this study was to examine the association of the FORTA score with relevant outcomes in the prospective AgeCoDe-AgeQualiDe cohort of community-dwelling older people. In particular, the longitudinal relation between the FORTA score and mortality and the incidence of dementia was evaluated. METHODS Univariate and multivariate correlations between the FORTA score and activities of daily living (ADL) or instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) as well as comparisons between high vs. low FORTA scores were conducted. RESULTS The FORTA score was significantly correlated with ADL/IADL at baseline and at all follow-up visits (p < 0.0001). ADL/IADL results of participants with a low FORTA score were significantly better than in those with high FORTA scores (p < 0.0001). The FORTA score was also significantly (p < 0.0001) correlated with ADL/IADL in the multivariate analysis. Moreover, the mean FORTA scores of participants with dementia were significantly higher (p < 0.0001) than in those without dementia at follow-up visits 6 through 9. The mean FORTA scores of participants who died were significantly higher than those of survivors at follow-up visits 7 (p < 0.05), 8 (p < 0.001), and 9 (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION In this study, an association between higher FORTA scores and ADL as well as IADL was demonstrated in community-dwelling older adults. Besides, higher FORTA scores appear to be linked to a higher incidence of dementia and even mortality.
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10
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Seto H, Ishimaru N, Ohnishi J, Kanzawa Y, Nakajima T, Shimokawa T, Imanaka Y, Kinami S. Multidisciplinary Team Deprescribing Intervention for Polypharmacy in Elderly Orthopedic Inpatients: A Propensity Score-matched Analysis of a Retrospective Cohort Study. Intern Med 2022; 61:2417-2426. [PMID: 35022357 PMCID: PMC9449626 DOI: 10.2169/internalmedicine.8929-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective This study evaluated the effectiveness of a multidisciplinary team deprescribing intervention to reduce polypharmacy and potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) in elderly orthopedic inpatients. Methods In this single-center retrospective observational study, orthopedic inpatients ≥75 years old and prescribed ≥6 different medications were enrolled as participants. Interventions comprised multidisciplinary team-led polypharmacy screening and suggestions regarding deprescribing any unnecessary medications during hospital stays. The primary outcome was reduction in the mean number of regular medicines and PIMs. Secondary outcomes included falls, delirium, and other adverse events during hospitalization as well as emergency department visits or unplanned hospital admissions within six months after discharge. Results After propensity score matching, 184 patients (intervention group, n=92; control group, n=92) were included in the analysis. The mean patient age was 83 years old. The mean number of prescribed medications and PIMs at admission were similar in both groups. The mean change in the number of regular medicines was -1.4 [standard deviation (SD), 2.3] in the intervention group and +0.2 (SD, 1.8) in the control group (p<0.001). The mean change in the number of PIMs was -0.5 (SD, 0.9) in the intervention group and +0.1 (SD, 0.8) in the control group (p<0.001). In-hospital adverse events other than falls and delirium were significantly less common in the deprescribing intervention group than in the control group. Conclusion Deprescribing intervention by our multidisciplinary team seems to have been effective in reducing the number of prescribed medicines and PIMs in elderly orthopedic inpatients, with some accompanying reduction in certain adverse events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroyuki Seto
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Takatsuki General Hospital, Japan
- Department of Healthcare Economics and Quality Management, Kyoto University, Japan
| | - Naoto Ishimaru
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Akashi Medical Center, Japan
| | - Jun Ohnishi
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Akashi Medical Center, Japan
| | - Yohei Kanzawa
- Department of Healthcare Economics and Quality Management, Kyoto University, Japan
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Akashi Medical Center, Japan
| | - Takahiro Nakajima
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Akashi Medical Center, Japan
| | - Toshio Shimokawa
- Clinical Study Support Center, Wakayama Medical University, Japan
| | - Yuichi Imanaka
- Department of Healthcare Economics and Quality Management, Kyoto University, Japan
| | - Saori Kinami
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Akashi Medical Center, Japan
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11
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Chuang MH, Chen JY, Tsai WW, Lee CW, Lee MC, Tseng WH, Hung KC. Impact of comprehensive geriatric assessment on the risk of adverse events in the older patients receiving anti-cancer therapy: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Age Ageing 2022; 51:6625706. [PMID: 35776674 DOI: 10.1093/ageing/afac145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Revised: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND to assess the efficacy of comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) for preventing treatment-related toxicity in older people undergoing non-surgical cancer therapies. METHODS MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane library databases were searched from inception till January 2022 to identify randomised controlled trials (RCTs) on the incidence of toxicity measured by the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (primary outcome) and that of therapeutic modifications, early treatment discontinuation, progression-free survival, overall survival and hospitalisation (secondary outcomes). RESULTS analysis of six RCTs published from 2016 to 2021 recruiting 2,126 participants (median age: 71-77) who received chemotherapy as the major therapeutic approach revealed 51.7% and 64.7% of Grade 3+ toxicity in the CGA and control (i.e. standard care) groups, respectively (RR = 0.81, 95% CI: 0.7-0.94, P = 0.005, I2 = 65%, certainty of evidence [COE]: moderate). There were no significant differences in the incidence of early treatment discontinuation (RR = 0.88, P = 0.47; I2 = 63%,1,408 participants, COE: low), initial reduction in treatment intensity (RR = 0.99, P = 0.94; I2 = 83%, 2055 participants, COE: low), treatment delay (RR = 1.06, P = 0.77, I2 = 0%, 309 participants, COE: moderate), hospitalisation (RR = 0.86, P = 0.39, I2 = 41%, 914 participants, COE: moderate), progression-free and overall survival with or without CGA. However, there was an association between CGA and a lower incidence of dose reduction during treatment (RR = 0.73, P < 0.00001, 956 participants, COE: moderate). CONCLUSIONS our results demonstrated that comprehensive geriatric assessment may be associated with a lower incidence of treatment-related toxicity and dose reduction compared to standard care in older people receiving non-surgical cancer treatments. Further large-scale studies are warranted to support our findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min-Hsiang Chuang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chi Mei Medical Center, Tainan City, Taiwan
| | - Jui-Yi Chen
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chi Mei Medical Center, Tainan City, Taiwan.,Department of Health and Nutrition, Chia Nan University of Pharmacy and Science, Tainan City, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Wen Tsai
- Department of Education, Chi Mei Medical Center, Tainan City, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Wei Lee
- Department of Neurology, Chi-Mei Medical Center, Tainan City, Taiwan
| | - Mei-Chuan Lee
- Department of Pharmacy, Chi Mei Medical Center, Tainan City, Taiwan.,Department of Public Health, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan City, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Hsin Tseng
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Chi Mei Medical Center, Tainan City, Taiwan
| | - Kuo-Chuan Hung
- Department of Anesthesiology, Chi Mei Medical Center, Tainan City, Taiwan.,Department of Hospital and Health Care Administration, College of Recreation and Health Management, Chia Nan University of Pharmacy and Science, Tainan City, Taiwan
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12
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Klopotowska JE, Kuks PFM, Wierenga PC, Stuijt CCM, Arisz L, Dijkgraaf MGW, de Keizer N, Smorenburg SM, de Rooij SE. The effect of structured medication review followed by face-to-face feedback to prescribers on adverse drug events recognition and prevention in older inpatients - a multicenter interrupted time series study. BMC Geriatr 2022; 22:505. [PMID: 35715742 PMCID: PMC9206349 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-022-03118-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The effectiveness of interventions to improve medication safety in older inpatients is unclear, given a paucity of properly designed intervention studies applying clinically relevant endpoints such as hospital-acquired preventable Adverse Drug Events (pADEs) and unrecognized Adverse Drug Events (uADEs). Therefore, we conducted a quality improvement study and used hospital-acquired pADEs and uADEs as main outcomes to assess the effect of an intervention aimed to improve medication safety in older inpatients. Method The study followed an interrupted time series design and consisted of three equally spaced sampling points during baseline and during intervention measurements. Each sampling point included between 80 to 90 patients. A total of 500 inpatients ≥65 years and admitted to internal medicine wards of three Dutch hospitals were included. An expert team retrospectively identified and assessed ADEs via a structured patient chart review. The findings from baseline measurement and meetings with the internal medicine and hospital pharmacy staff were used to design the intervention. The intervention consisted of a structured medication review by hospital pharmacists, followed by face-to-face feedback to prescribers, on average 3 days per week. Results The rate of hospital-acquired pADEs per 100 hospitalizations was reduced by 50.6% (difference 16.8, 95% confidence interval (CI): 9.0 to 24.6, P < 0.001), serious hospital-acquired pADEs by 62.7% (difference 12.8, 95% CI: 6.4 to 19.2, P < 0.001), and uADEs by 51.8% (difference 11.2, 95% CI: 4.4 to 18.0, P < 0.001). Additional analyses confirmed the robustness of the intervention effect, but residual bias cannot be excluded. Conclusions The intervention significantly decreased the overall and serious hospital-acquired pADE occurrence in older inpatients, and significantly improved overall ADE recognition by prescribers. Trial registration International Standard Randomized Controlled Trial Number Register, trial registration number: ISRCTN64974377, registration date (date assigned): 07/02/2011. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12877-022-03118-z.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna E Klopotowska
- Amsterdam University Medical Centers location University of Amsterdam, Medical Informatics, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. .,Amsterdam Public Health, Quality of Care, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Paul F M Kuks
- Amsterdam University Medical Centers location University of Amsterdam, Pharmacy and Clinical Pharmacology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Peter C Wierenga
- Gelderse Vallei Hospital, Hospital Pharmacy, Ede, The Netherlands
| | - Clementine C M Stuijt
- Center of Excellence on Parkinson's disease (Punt voor Parkinson), Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Lambertus Arisz
- Amsterdam University Medical Centers location University of Amsterdam, Internal Medicine, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marcel G W Dijkgraaf
- Amsterdam University Medical Centers location University of Amsterdam, Epidemiology and Data Science, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Amsterdam Public Health, Methodology, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Nicolette de Keizer
- Amsterdam University Medical Centers location University of Amsterdam, Medical Informatics, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Amsterdam Public Health, Quality of Care, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Susanne M Smorenburg
- Amsterdam University Medical Centers location University of Amsterdam, Internal Medicine, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sophia E de Rooij
- Amstelland Hospital, Board of Directors, Amstelveen, The Netherlands
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13
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Ali S, Curtain CM, Bereznicki LR, Salahudeen MS. Actual drug-related harms in residential aged care facilities: a narrative review. Expert Opin Drug Saf 2022; 21:1047-1060. [PMID: 35634890 DOI: 10.1080/14740338.2022.2084071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Older people in residential aged care facilities (RACFs) have a high risk of safety issues and concerns about the potential quality of care received. This narrative review investigates the types of actual drug-related harms, their prevalence, reporting of any standard definitions for these harms, and their identification methods. AREAS COVERED The authors conducted a systematic search on Ovid Embase, Ovid Medline, and PubMed from March 2001 to March 2021. This narrative review included all types of studies targeting aged care residents aged 65 years and above with actual drug-related harms. EXPERT OPINION The prevalence of actual drug-related harms in residents ranged from 0.07% to 63.0%. Falls, drug-drug interactions, neuropsychiatric symptoms, anaphylaxis, urinary tract infection, hypoglycemia, hypokalaemia, and acute kidney injury are the most common drug-related harms in older residents. Psychotropic drugs are the most common drug class implicated in these harms. Evidence related to the association between individual psychotropic drugs and injury, or harm is also lacking. Due to the variation in study duration, reported prevalence, identification methods, and absence of a definition for actual drug-related harms in most studies, further research is mandated to understand the prevalence and clinical implications of drug-related harms in older residents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheraz Ali
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia
| | - Colin M Curtain
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia
| | - Luke Re Bereznicki
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia
| | - Mohammed S Salahudeen
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia
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14
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Lam JYJ, Barras M, Scott IA, Long D, Shafiee Hanjani L, Falconer N. Scoping Review of Studies Evaluating Frailty and Its Association with Medication Harm. Drugs Aging 2022; 39:333-353. [PMID: 35597861 PMCID: PMC9135775 DOI: 10.1007/s40266-022-00940-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Introduction Frailty is associated with an increased risk of death and morbid events. Frail individuals are known to have multiple comorbidities which are often associated with polypharmacy. Whilst a relationship between polypharmacy and frailty has been demonstrated, it is not clear if there is an independent relationship between frailty and medication harm. Aims This scoping review aimed to identify and critically appraise studies evaluating medication harm in patients with frailty. Methods PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL and Cochrane databases were searched from inception until 1 February 2021 using key search terms that are synonymous with frailty (such as frail and frail elderly) and medication harm (such as adverse drug events and adverse drug reactions). To be included, studies must have identified medication harm as a primary or secondary outcome measure, and used a frailty assessment tool to determine frailty, or clearly defined how frailty was assessed. Data were narratively synthesised and presented in tables. The checklist from the Quality Assessment Tool for Observational Cohort and Cross-Sectional Studies from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute was used to assess the quality and risk of bias of studies that met the inclusion criteria. Results Of 2685 retrieved abstracts, 24 underwent full-text review and nine studies met the inclusion criteria. Three studies were retrospective cohort studies, and six were prospective observational studies. Six studies comprised two distinct groups of frail and non-frail individuals, and the remaining three studies evaluated medication harm in an entirely frail population. Seven studies used validated frailty tools such as the Clinical Frailty Scale, Fried Frailty Index, and Fried Frailty Phenotype. Two studies measured frailty using self-defined criteria. Overall, frail individuals were at risk of medication harm with rates ranging between 18.7 and 77% across the nine studies. However, whether frailty is an independent predictor of medication harm remains uncertain, as this was only evaluated in one study. The risk of bias assessment identified limitations in methods and reporting with all nine studies. Conclusion This scoping review identified nine studies evaluating medication harm in frail patients. However, all were limited by the methodological quality and inadequate reporting of study factors. There are few high-quality studies that described a relationship between medication harm and frailty. More robust studies are required that examine the independent relationship between frailty and medication harm, after adjusting for all possible confounders and in particular polypharmacy. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40266-022-00940-3.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Michael Barras
- School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,Department of Pharmacy, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Ian A Scott
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Epidemiology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Duncan Long
- Department of Pharmacy, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Leila Shafiee Hanjani
- Centre for Health Services Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Nazanin Falconer
- School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,Department of Pharmacy, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,Centre for Health Services Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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15
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McNabney MK, Green AR, Burke M, Le ST, Butler D, Chun AK, Elliott DP, Fulton AT, Hyer K, Setters B, Shega JW. Complexities of care: Common components of models of care in geriatrics. J Am Geriatr Soc 2022; 70:1960-1972. [PMID: 35485287 PMCID: PMC9540486 DOI: 10.1111/jgs.17811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Revised: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
As people age, they are more likely to have an increasing number of medical diagnoses and medications, as well as healthcare providers who care for those conditions. Health professionals caring for older adults understand that medical issues are not the sole factors in the phenomenon of this “care complexity.” Socioeconomic, cognitive, functional, and organizational factors play a significant role. Care complexity also affects family caregivers, providers, and healthcare systems and therefore society at large. The American Geriatrics Society (AGS) created a work group to review care to identify the most common components of existing healthcare models that address care complexity in older adults. This article, a product of that work group, defines care complexity in older adults, reviews healthcare models and those most common components within them and identifies potential gaps that require attention to reduce the burden of care complexity in older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ariel R Green
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Meg Burke
- Geriatric Medicine Associates, Westminster, Colorado, USA
| | - Stephanie T Le
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Dawn Butler
- Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Audrey K Chun
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | | | | | - Kathryn Hyer
- University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | | | - Joseph W Shega
- University of Central Florida, Gotha, Florida, USA.,VITAS Healthcare, Gotha, Florida, USA
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16
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Ciapponi A, Fernandez Nievas SE, Seijo M, Rodríguez MB, Vietto V, García-Perdomo HA, Virgilio S, Fajreldines AV, Tost J, Rose CJ, Garcia-Elorrio E. Reducing medication errors for adults in hospital settings. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2021; 11:CD009985. [PMID: 34822165 PMCID: PMC8614640 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd009985.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Medication errors are preventable events that may cause or lead to inappropriate medication use or patient harm while the medication is in the control of the healthcare professional or patient. Medication errors in hospitalised adults may cause harm, additional costs, and even death. OBJECTIVES To determine the effectiveness of interventions to reduce medication errors in adults in hospital settings. SEARCH METHODS We searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, five other databases and two trials registers on 16 January 2020. SELECTION CRITERIA: We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and interrupted time series (ITS) studies investigating interventions aimed at reducing medication errors in hospitalised adults, compared with usual care or other interventions. Outcome measures included adverse drug events (ADEs), potential ADEs, preventable ADEs, medication errors, mortality, morbidity, length of stay, quality of life and identified/solved discrepancies. We included any hospital setting, such as inpatient care units, outpatient care settings, and accident and emergency departments. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS We followed the standard methodological procedures expected by Cochrane and the Effective Practice and Organisation of Care (EPOC) Group. Where necessary, we extracted and reanalysed ITS study data using piecewise linear regression, corrected for autocorrelation and seasonality, where possible. MAIN RESULTS: We included 65 studies: 51 RCTs and 14 ITS studies, involving 110,875 participants. About half of trials gave rise to 'some concerns' for risk of bias during the randomisation process and one-third lacked blinding of outcome assessment. Most ITS studies presented low risk of bias. Most studies came from high-income countries or high-resource settings. Medication reconciliation -the process of comparing a patient's medication orders to the medications that the patient has been taking- was the most common type of intervention studied. Electronic prescribing systems, barcoding for correct administering of medications, organisational changes, feedback on medication errors, education of professionals and improved medication dispensing systems were other interventions studied. Medication reconciliation Low-certainty evidence suggests that medication reconciliation (MR) versus no-MR may reduce medication errors (odds ratio [OR] 0.55, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.17 to 1.74; 3 studies; n=379). Compared to no-MR, MR probably reduces ADEs (OR 0.38, 95%CI 0.18 to 0.80; 3 studies, n=1336 ; moderate-certainty evidence), but has little to no effect on length of stay (mean difference (MD) -0.30 days, 95%CI -1.93 to 1.33 days; 3 studies, n=527) and quality of life (MD -1.51, 95%CI -10.04 to 7.02; 1 study, n=131). Low-certainty evidence suggests that, compared to MR by other professionals, MR by pharmacists may reduce medication errors (OR 0.21, 95%CI 0.09 to 0.48; 8 studies, n=2648) and may increase ADEs (OR 1.34, 95%CI 0.73 to 2.44; 3 studies, n=2873). Compared to MR by other professionals, MR by pharmacists may have little to no effect on length of stay (MD -0.25, 95%CI -1.05 to 0.56; 6 studies, 3983). Moderate-certainty evidence shows that this intervention probably has little to no effect on mortality during hospitalisation (risk ratio (RR) 0.99, 95%CI 0.57 to 1.7; 2 studies, n=1000), and on readmissions at one month (RR 0.93, 95%CI 0.76 to 1.14; 2 studies, n=997); and low-certainty evidence suggests that the intervention may have little to no effect on quality of life (MD 0.00, 95%CI -14.09 to 14.09; 1 study, n=724). Low-certainty evidence suggests that database-assisted MR conducted by pharmacists, versus unassisted MR conducted by pharmacists, may reduce potential ADEs (OR 0.26, 95%CI 0.10 to 0.64; 2 studies, n=3326), and may have no effect on length of stay (MD 1.00, 95%CI -0.17 to 2.17; 1 study, n=311). Low-certainty evidence suggests that MR performed by trained pharmacist technicians, versus pharmacists, may have little to no difference on length of stay (MD -0.30, 95%CI -2.12 to 1.52; 1 study, n=183). However, the CI is compatible with important beneficial and detrimental effects. Low-certainty evidence suggests that MR before admission may increase the identification of discrepancies compared with MR after admission (MD 1.27, 95%CI 0.46 to 2.08; 1 study, n=307). However, the CI is compatible with important beneficial and detrimental effects. Moderate-certainty evidence shows that multimodal interventions probably increase discrepancy resolutions compared to usual care (RR 2.14, 95%CI 1.81 to 2.53; 1 study, n=487). Computerised physician order entry (CPOE)/clinical decision support systems (CDSS) Moderate-certainty evidence shows that CPOE/CDSS probably reduce medication errors compared to paper-based systems (OR 0.74, 95%CI 0.31 to 1.79; 2 studies, n=88). Moderate-certainty evidence shows that, compared with standard CPOE/CDSS, improved CPOE/CDSS probably reduce medication errors (OR 0.85, 95%CI 0.74 to 0.97; 2 studies, n=630). Low-certainty evidence suggests that prioritised alerts provided by CPOE/CDSS may prevent ADEs compared to non-prioritised (inconsequential) alerts (MD 1.98, 95%CI 1.65 to 2.31; 1 study; participant numbers unavailable). Barcode identification of participants/medications Low-certainty evidence suggests that barcoding may reduce medication errors (OR 0.69, 95%CI 0.59 to 0.79; 2 studies, n=50,545). Reduced working hours Low-certainty evidence suggests that reduced working hours may reduce serious medication errors (RR 0.83, 95%CI 0.63 to 1.09; 1 study, n=634). However, the CI is compatible with important beneficial and detrimental effects. Feedback on prescribing errors Low-certainty evidence suggests that feedback on prescribing errors may reduce medication errors (OR 0.47, 95%CI 0.33 to 0.67; 4 studies, n=384). Dispensing system Low-certainty evidence suggests that dispensing systems in surgical wards may reduce medication errors (OR 0.61, 95%CI 0.47 to 0.79; 2 studies, n=1775). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Low- to moderate-certainty evidence suggests that, compared to usual care, medication reconciliation, CPOE/CDSS, barcoding, feedback and dispensing systems in surgical wards may reduce medication errors and ADEs. However, the results are imprecise for some outcomes related to medication reconciliation and CPOE/CDSS. The evidence for other interventions is very uncertain. Powered and methodologically sound studies are needed to address the identified evidence gaps. Innovative, synergistic strategies -including those that involve patients- should also be evaluated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agustín Ciapponi
- Argentine Cochrane Centre, Institute for Clinical Effectiveness and Health Policy (IECS-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Simon E Fernandez Nievas
- Quality and Patient Safety, Institute for Clinical Effectiveness and Health Policy, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Mariana Seijo
- Quality of Health Care and Patient Safety, Institute for Clinical Effectiveness and Health Policy (IECS), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María Belén Rodríguez
- Health Technology Assessment and Health Economics Department, Institute for Clinical Effectiveness and Health Policy (IECS), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Valeria Vietto
- Family and Community Medicine Service, Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | - Sacha Virgilio
- Instituto de Efectividad Clínica y Sanitaria (IECS), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Ana V Fajreldines
- Quality and Patient Safety, Austral University Hospital, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Josep Tost
- Urgencias � Calidad y Seguridad de pacientes, Consorcio Sanitario de Terrassa, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Ezequiel Garcia-Elorrio
- Quality and Safety in Health Care, Institute for Clinical Effectiveness and Health Policy (IECS), Buenos Aires, Argentina
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17
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Saeed D, Carter G, Parsons C. Interventions to improve medicines optimisation in frail older patients in secondary and acute care settings: a systematic review of randomised controlled trials and non-randomised studies. Int J Clin Pharm 2021; 44:15-26. [PMID: 34800255 PMCID: PMC8866367 DOI: 10.1007/s11096-021-01354-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Background: Frailty is a geriatric syndrome in which physiological systems have decreased reserve and resistance against stressors. Frailty is associated with polypharmacy, inappropriate prescribing and unfavourable clinical outcomes. Aim: To identify and evaluate randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and non-randomised studies of interventions designed to optimise the medications of frail older patients, aged 65 years and over, in secondary or acute care settings. Method: Literature searches were conducted across seven electronic databases and three trial registries from the date of inception to October 2021. All types of interventional studies were included. Study selection, data extraction, risk of bias and quality assessment were conducted by two independent reviewers. Results: Three RCTs were eligible for inclusion; two employed deprescribing as the intervention, and one used comprehensive geriatric assessment. All reported significant improvements in prescribing appropriateness. One study investigated the effect of the intervention on clinical outcomes including hospital presentations, falls, fracture, quality of life and mortality, and reported no significant differences in these outcomes, but did report a significant reduction in monthly medication cost. Two of the included studies were assessed as having ‘some concerns’ of bias, and one was judged to be at ‘high risk’ of bias. Conclusion: This systematic review demonstrates that medicines optimisation interventions may improve medication appropriateness in frail older inpatients. However, it highlights the paucity of high-quality evidence that examines the impact of medicines optimisation on quality of prescribing and clinical outcomes for frail older inpatients. High-quality studies are needed to address this gap.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dima Saeed
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Gillian Carter
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Carole Parsons
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK.
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18
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Xiong R, Hua D, Van Hoeck J, Berdecka D, Léger L, De Munter S, Fraire JC, Raes L, Harizaj A, Sauvage F, Goetgeluk G, Pille M, Aalders J, Belza J, Van Acker T, Bolea-Fernandez E, Si T, Vanhaecke F, De Vos WH, Vandekerckhove B, van Hengel J, Raemdonck K, Huang C, De Smedt SC, Braeckmans K. Photothermal nanofibres enable safe engineering of therapeutic cells. NATURE NANOTECHNOLOGY 2021; 16:1281-1291. [PMID: 34675410 PMCID: PMC7612007 DOI: 10.1038/s41565-021-00976-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 122] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2019] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Nanoparticle-sensitized photoporation is an upcoming approach for the intracellular delivery of biologics, combining high efficiency and throughput with excellent cell viability. However, as it relies on close contact between nanoparticles and cells, its translation towards clinical applications is hampered by safety and regulatory concerns. Here we show that light-sensitive iron oxide nanoparticles embedded in biocompatible electrospun nanofibres induce membrane permeabilization by photothermal effects without direct cellular contact with the nanoparticles. The photothermal nanofibres have been successfully used to deliver effector molecules, including CRISPR-Cas9 ribonucleoprotein complexes and short interfering RNA, to adherent and suspension cells, including embryonic stem cells and hard-to-transfect T cells, without affecting cell proliferation or phenotype. In vivo experiments furthermore demonstrated successful tumour regression in mice treated with chimeric antibody receptor T cells in which the expression of programmed cell death protein 1 (PD1) is downregulated after nanofibre photoporation with short interfering RNA to PD1. In conclusion, cell membrane permeabilization with photothermal nanofibres is a promising concept towards the safe and more efficient production of engineered cells for therapeutic applications, including stem cell or adoptive T cell therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ranhua Xiong
- Joint Laboratory of Advanced Biomedical Materials (Nanjing Forestry University-Ghent University), International Innovation for Center for Forest Chemicals and Materials, College of Chemical Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China.
- Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Dawei Hua
- Joint Laboratory of Advanced Biomedical Materials (Nanjing Forestry University-Ghent University), International Innovation for Center for Forest Chemicals and Materials, College of Chemical Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
- Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jelter Van Hoeck
- Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Dominika Berdecka
- Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Laurens Léger
- Department of Human Structure and Repair, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Stijn De Munter
- Department of Diagnostic Sciences and Cancer Research Institute Ghent, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Juan C Fraire
- Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Laurens Raes
- Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Aranit Harizaj
- Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Félix Sauvage
- Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Glenn Goetgeluk
- Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Melissa Pille
- Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jeffrey Aalders
- Department of Human Structure and Repair, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Joke Belza
- Department of Chemistry, Atomic and Mass Spectrometry Research Group, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Thibaut Van Acker
- Department of Chemistry, Atomic and Mass Spectrometry Research Group, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Eduardo Bolea-Fernandez
- Department of Chemistry, Atomic and Mass Spectrometry Research Group, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Ting Si
- Department of Modern Mechanics, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, People's Republic of China
| | - Frank Vanhaecke
- Department of Chemistry, Atomic and Mass Spectrometry Research Group, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Winnok H De Vos
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Bart Vandekerckhove
- Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jolanda van Hengel
- Department of Human Structure and Repair, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Koen Raemdonck
- Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Chaobo Huang
- Joint Laboratory of Advanced Biomedical Materials (Nanjing Forestry University-Ghent University), International Innovation for Center for Forest Chemicals and Materials, College of Chemical Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China.
| | - Stefaan C De Smedt
- Joint Laboratory of Advanced Biomedical Materials (Nanjing Forestry University-Ghent University), International Innovation for Center for Forest Chemicals and Materials, College of Chemical Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China.
- Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
- Center for Advanced Light Microscopy, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Kevin Braeckmans
- Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
- Center for Advanced Light Microscopy, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
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19
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Andersen AL, Houlind MB, Nielsen RL, Jørgensen LM, Treldal C, Damgaard M, Bengaard AK, Juul-Larsen HG, Laursen LB, Iversen E, Kruse M, Pedersen AML, Hornum M, Beck AM, Pedersen MM, Ankarfeldt MZ, Petersen J, Andersen O. Optimization of Nutrition And Medication (OptiNAM) for acutely admitted older patients: protocol for a randomized single-blinded controlled trial. Trials 2021; 22:616. [PMID: 34521465 PMCID: PMC8439057 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-021-05456-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Internationally, older patients (≥65 years) account for more than 40% of acute admissions. Older patients admitted to the emergency department (ED) are frequently malnourished and exposed to inappropriate medication prescribing, due in part to the inaccuracy of creatinine-based equations for estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). The overall aims of this trial are to investigate: (1) the efficacy of a medication review (MED intervention) independent of nutritional status, (2) the accuracy of eGFR equations based on various biomarkers compared to measured GFR (mGFR) based on 99mTechnetium-diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid plasma clearance, and (3) the efficacy of an individualized multimodal and transitional nutritional intervention (MULTI-NUT-MED intervention) in older patients with or at risk of malnutrition in the ED. METHODS The trial is a single-center block randomized, controlled, observer-blinded, superiority and explorative trial with two parallel groups. The population consists of 200 older patients admitted to the ED: 70 patients without malnutrition or risk of malnutrition and 130 patients with or at risk of malnutrition defined as a Mini Nutritional Assessment-Short Form score ≤11. All patients without the risk of malnutrition receive the MED intervention, which consists of a medication review by a pharmacist and geriatrician in the ED. Patients with or at risk of malnutrition receive the MULTI-NUT-MED intervention, which consists of the MED intervention in addition to, dietary counseling and individualized interventions based on the results of screening tests for dysphagia, problems with activities of daily living, low muscle strength in the lower extremities, depression, and problems with oral health. Baseline data are collected upon study inclusion, and follow-up data are collected at 8 and 16 weeks after discharge. The primary outcomes are (1) change in medication appropriateness index (MAI) score from baseline to 8 weeks after discharge, (2) accuracy of different eGFR equations compared to mGFR, and (3) change in health-related quality of life (measured with EuroQol-5D-5L) from baseline to 16 weeks after discharge. DISCUSSION The trial will provide new information on strategies to optimize the treatment of malnutrition and inappropriate medication prescribing among older patients admitted to the ED. TRAIL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NTC03741283 . Retrospectively registered on 14 November 2018.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aino L Andersen
- Department of Clinical Research, Copenhagen University Hospital Amager and Hvidovre, Kettegaards alle 30, 2650, Hvidovre, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200, Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Morten B Houlind
- Department of Clinical Research, Copenhagen University Hospital Amager and Hvidovre, Kettegaards alle 30, 2650, Hvidovre, Denmark.,The Capital Region Pharmacy, Marielundsvej 25, 2730, Herlev, Denmark.,Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, 2100, Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
| | - Rikke L Nielsen
- Department of Clinical Research, Copenhagen University Hospital Amager and Hvidovre, Kettegaards alle 30, 2650, Hvidovre, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200, Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Lillian M Jørgensen
- Department of Clinical Research, Copenhagen University Hospital Amager and Hvidovre, Kettegaards alle 30, 2650, Hvidovre, Denmark.,Emergency Department, Copenhagen University Hospital Amager and Hvidovre, Kettegaards alle 30, 2650, Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Charlotte Treldal
- Department of Clinical Research, Copenhagen University Hospital Amager and Hvidovre, Kettegaards alle 30, 2650, Hvidovre, Denmark.,The Capital Region Pharmacy, Marielundsvej 25, 2730, Herlev, Denmark.,Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, 2100, Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
| | - Morten Damgaard
- Department of Clinical Physiology and Nuclear Medicine, Centre for Functional and Diagnostic Imaging and Research, Copenhagen University Hospital Amager and Hvidovre, Kettegaards alle 30, 2650, Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Anne Kathrine Bengaard
- Department of Clinical Research, Copenhagen University Hospital Amager and Hvidovre, Kettegaards alle 30, 2650, Hvidovre, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200, Copenhagen N, Denmark.,The Capital Region Pharmacy, Marielundsvej 25, 2730, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Helle Gybel Juul-Larsen
- Department of Clinical Research, Copenhagen University Hospital Amager and Hvidovre, Kettegaards alle 30, 2650, Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Louise Bolvig Laursen
- Department of Physio- and Occupational Therapy, Copenhagen University Hospital Amager and Hvidovre, Kettegaards alle 30, 2650, Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Esben Iversen
- Department of Clinical Research, Copenhagen University Hospital Amager and Hvidovre, Kettegaards alle 30, 2650, Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Marie Kruse
- Department of Clinical Research, Copenhagen University Hospital Amager and Hvidovre, Kettegaards alle 30, 2650, Hvidovre, Denmark.,Danish Centre for Health Economics, University of Southern Denmark, J.B. Winsløws Vej 9B, 5000, Odense C, Denmark
| | - Anne M L Pedersen
- Section of Oral Medicine and Pathology, Department of Odontology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Mads Hornum
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200, Copenhagen N, Denmark.,Department of Nephrology, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Inge Lehmanns Vej 7, Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
| | - Anne M Beck
- Department of Nursing and Nutrition, University College Copenhagen, Sigurdsgade 26, 2200, Copenhagen N, Denmark.,Dietetic and Nutritional Research Unit, Herlev-Gentofte University Hospital, Borgmester Ib Juuls Vej 50, 2730, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Mette M Pedersen
- Department of Clinical Research, Copenhagen University Hospital Amager and Hvidovre, Kettegaards alle 30, 2650, Hvidovre, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200, Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Mikkel Z Ankarfeldt
- Department of Clinical Research, Copenhagen University Hospital Amager and Hvidovre, Kettegaards alle 30, 2650, Hvidovre, Denmark.,Copenhagen Phase IV unit (Phase4CPH), Center of Clinical Research and Prevention and Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Copenhagen University Hospital Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, Nordre Fasanvej 57, 2000, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Janne Petersen
- Department of Clinical Research, Copenhagen University Hospital Amager and Hvidovre, Kettegaards alle 30, 2650, Hvidovre, Denmark.,Copenhagen Phase IV unit (Phase4CPH), Center of Clinical Research and Prevention and Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Copenhagen University Hospital Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, Nordre Fasanvej 57, 2000, Frederiksberg, Denmark.,Section of Biostatistics, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Øster Farimagsgade 5, 1014, Copenhagen K, Denmark
| | - Ove Andersen
- Department of Clinical Research, Copenhagen University Hospital Amager and Hvidovre, Kettegaards alle 30, 2650, Hvidovre, Denmark. .,Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200, Copenhagen N, Denmark. .,Emergency Department, Copenhagen University Hospital Amager and Hvidovre, Kettegaards alle 30, 2650, Hvidovre, Denmark.
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20
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Migliazza K, Bähler C, Liedtke D, Signorell A, Boes S, Blozik E. Potentially inappropriate medications and medication combinations before, during and after hospitalizations: an analysis of pathways and determinants in the Swiss healthcare setting. BMC Health Serv Res 2021; 21:522. [PMID: 34049550 PMCID: PMC8164287 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-021-06550-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background A hospitalization phase represents a challenge to medication safety especially for multimorbid patients as acute medical needs might interact with pre-existing medications or evoke adverse drug effects. This project aimed to examine the prevalence and risk factors of potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) and medication combinations (PIMCs) in the context of hospitalizations. Methods Analyses are based on claims data of patients (≥65 years) with basic mandatory health insurance at the Helsana Group, and on data from the Hirslanden Swiss Hospital Group. We assessed PIMs and PIMCs of patients who were hospitalized in 2013 at three different time points (quarter prior, during, after hospitalization). PIMs were identified using the PRISCUS list, whereas PIMCs were derived from compendium.ch. Zero-inflated Poisson regression models were applied to determine risk factors of PIMs and PIMCs. Results Throughout the observation period, more than 80% of patients had at least one PIM, ranging from 49.7% in the pre-hospitalization, 53.6% in the hospitalization to 48.2% in the post-hospitalization period. PIMCs were found in 46.6% of patients prior to hospitalization, in 21.3% during hospitalization, and in 25.0% of patients after discharge. Additional medication prescriptions compared to the preceding period and increasing age were the main risk factors, whereas managed care was associated with a decrease in PIMs and PIMCs. Conclusion We conclude that a patient’s hospitalization offers the possibility to increase medication safety. Nevertheless, the prevalence of PIMs and PIMCs is relatively high in the study population. Therefore, our results indicate a need for interventions to increase medication safety in the Swiss healthcare setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Migliazza
- Department of Health Sciences, Helsana Group, Zürich, Switzerland.,Department of Health Sciences and Medicine, University of Lucerne, Lucerne, Switzerland
| | - Caroline Bähler
- Department of Health Sciences, Helsana Group, Zürich, Switzerland
| | | | - Andri Signorell
- Department of Health Sciences, Helsana Group, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Stefan Boes
- Department of Health Sciences and Medicine, University of Lucerne, Lucerne, Switzerland
| | - Eva Blozik
- Department of Health Sciences, Helsana Group, Zürich, Switzerland. .,Institute of Primary Care, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland.
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21
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Ali S, Salahudeen MS, Bereznicki LRE, Curtain CM. Pharmacist-led interventions to reduce adverse drug events in older people living in residential aged care facilities: A systematic review. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2021; 87:3672-3689. [PMID: 33880786 DOI: 10.1111/bcp.14824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2021] [Revised: 02/14/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS We aimed to investigate the efficacy and effectiveness of pharmacist-led interventions to reduce adverse drug events (ADEs) in older people living in residential aged care facilities (RACFs). METHODS We systematically searched MEDLINE via PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and PsycINFO from their inceptions to July 2020. We investigated experimental study designs that employed a control group, or quasi-experimental studies conducted in RACFs. RESULTS We screened 3826 records and included 23 studies. We found seven single-component and 16 multicomponent pharmacist-led interventions to reduce ADEs in older people living in RACFs. The most frequent single-component pharmacist-led intervention was medication review. Medication review and education provision to healthcare professionals were the most common components in many pharmacist-led multicomponent interventions. Thirteen studies (56%) showed no effect, whereas ten studies (43%) reported significant reductions in ADEs following pharmacist-led interventions either as a sole intervention or as a part of a multi-component intervention. Many interventions focused on reducing the incidence of falls (39%). CONCLUSIONS This systematic review suggests that pharmacist-led interventions have the potential to reduce the incidence of ADEs in older people living in RACFs. Medication review and educational programmes, particularly academic detailing, either as a single component or as part of multicomponent interventions were the most common approaches to reducing drug-related harm in older people living in RACFs. The lack of a positive association between interventions and ADE in many studies suggests that targeted and tailored pharmacist-led interventions are required to reduce ADEs in older people in RACFs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheraz Ali
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart, 7005, Australia
| | - Mohammed S Salahudeen
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart, 7005, Australia
| | - Luke R E Bereznicki
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart, 7005, Australia
| | - Colin M Curtain
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart, 7005, Australia
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22
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King SJ, Raine KA, Peel NM, Hubbard RE. Interventions for frail older inpatients: A systematic review of frailty measures and reported outcomes in randomised controlled trials. Australas J Ageing 2021; 40:129-144. [PMID: 33876880 DOI: 10.1111/ajag.12951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Revised: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To summarise frailty measures and outcomes reported in trials involving frail older inpatients. METHODS Databases were searched for randomised controlled trials enrolling frail older inpatients. RESULTS Twenty-four articles describing twelve trials were included. Seven trials applied six tools to measure frailty, whilst five trials employed ad hoc measures. Eighty outcomes were examined with survival and functional status reported most commonly. Nine studies trialled multidisciplinary, geriatrician-led interventions. Statistically significant between-group differences were detected for at least one outcome in ten trials. All studies represented high risk of bias within at least one domain. CONCLUSIONS Heterogeneity of interventions, measurement of frailty and outcomes reported limit generalisability of findings. Many articles purport to study frail patients, yet do not enrol patients using any frailty measurement tool. Utilising validated instruments to measure frailty and a standard set of health outcomes relevant to older people would assist consistent reporting and evaluation of future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannon J King
- Princess Alexandra Hospital, Woolloongabba, Qld, Australia
| | | | - Nancye M Peel
- Centre for Health Services Research, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Qld, Australia
| | - Ruth E Hubbard
- Centre for Health Services Research, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Qld, Australia.,Princess Alexandra Hospital Southside Clinical Unit, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Qld, Australia
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23
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Adverse drug reactions in older adults: a narrative review of the literature. Eur Geriatr Med 2021; 12:463-473. [PMID: 33738772 PMCID: PMC8149349 DOI: 10.1007/s41999-021-00481-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Aim To summarize the classification and occurrence of ADRs and identify risk factors and strategies to reduce and prevent ADRs in older adults. Findings In frail, multimorbid older adults, who are often treated with polypharmacy, ADRs are frequently associated with health burden and hospitalization. Multiple age-related risk factors, including changes in pharmacokinetics, multimorbidity, polypharmacy, and frailty can increase the risk of ADRs, and different strategies have been suggested to prevent the onset of ADRs. Message A multidimensional and holistic approach combining pharmaceutical interventions with a global evaluation of health needs and priorities can reduce the burden of ADRs in older adults. Purpose Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) represent a common and potentially preventable cause of unplanned hospitalization, increasing morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. We aimed to review the classification and occurrence of ADRs in the older population, discuss the role of age as a risk factor, and identify interventions to prevent ADRs. Methods We performed a narrative scoping review of the literature to assess classification, occurrence, factors affecting ADRs, and possible strategies to identify and prevent ADRs. Results Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) are often classified as Type A and Type B reactions, based on dose and effect of the drugs and fatality of the reaction. More recently, other approaches have been proposed (i.e. Dose, Time and Susceptibility (DoTS) and EIDOS classifications). The frequency of ADRs varies depending on definitions, characteristics of the studied population, and settings. Their occurrence is often ascribed to commonly used drugs, including anticoagulants, antiplatelet agents, digoxin, insulin, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Age-related factors—changes in pharmacokinetics, multimorbidity, polypharmacy, and frailty—have been related to ADRs. Different approaches (i.e. medication review, software identifying potentially inappropriate prescription and drug interactions) have been suggested to prevent ADRs and proven to improve the quality of prescribing. However, consistent evidence on their effectiveness is still lacking. Few studies suggest that a comprehensive geriatric assessment, aimed at identifying individual risk factors, patients’ needs, treatment priorities, and strategies for therapy optimization, is key for reducing ADRs. Conclusions Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) are a relevant health burden. The medical complexity that characterizes older patients requires a holistic approach to reduce the burden of ADRs in this population.
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24
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Hanlon JT. Perspectives on geriatrics by pioneers in aging: Reflections of a clinical pharmacist. J Am Geriatr Soc 2021; 69:896-899. [PMID: 33559891 DOI: 10.1111/jgs.17052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2021] [Revised: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Joseph T Hanlon
- Division of Geriatric Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.,Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center/Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, VA Pittsburgh Health System, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
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25
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Cardona M, Stehlik P, Fawzy P, Byambasuren O, Anderson J, Clark J, Sun S, Scott I. Effectiveness and sustainability of deprescribing for hospitalized older patients near end of life: a systematic review. Expert Opin Drug Saf 2020; 20:81-91. [PMID: 33213216 DOI: 10.1080/14740338.2021.1853704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Polypharmacy is prevalent in hospitals and deprescribing strategies for older people are strongly promoted. However, evidence of their feasibility and sustainability among patients receiving end of life care is lacking. The objective of this review was to ascertain effectiveness and post-discharge sustainability of hospital-initiated deprescribing strategies in older people near the end of life. Areas covered: The authors searched for controlled trials, with low risk of bias and measures of effectiveness post-discharge. Intervention description, duration, and healthcare provider engagement were investigated for their impact on reduction of number of medications, proportions of patients prescribed inappropriate medications, returns to emergency, hospital admission and adverse events. Expert opinion: Limited evidence suggests hospital-initiated deprescribing interventions may reduce prescribing inappropriateness among older terminal patients in the short term, but evidence beyond 3 months is lacking for significant prevention of adverse events or health service utilization. Heterogeneity precluded meta-analysis, and short follow-up periods precluded quantitative assessment of sustainability. Trials of older people with terminal conditions with larger sample sizes and longer follow-up periods are needed to confirm the effectiveness and sustainability of deprescribing at the end of life. Objective tools to reliably identify near end-of-life status would be useful in selecting target groups for these interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magnolia Cardona
- Evidence-Based Practice Professorial Unit, Gold Coast University Hospital , Southport, QLD, Australia.,Institute for Evidence-Based HealthCare, Bond University , Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
| | - Paulina Stehlik
- Evidence-Based Practice Professorial Unit, Gold Coast University Hospital , Southport, QLD, Australia.,Institute for Evidence-Based HealthCare, Bond University , Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
| | - Peter Fawzy
- Evidence-Based Practice Professorial Unit, Gold Coast University Hospital , Southport, QLD, Australia
| | - Oyungerel Byambasuren
- Institute for Evidence-Based HealthCare, Bond University , Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
| | - Jarrah Anderson
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Griffith University , Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
| | - Justin Clark
- Institute for Evidence-Based HealthCare, Bond University , Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
| | - Shelley Sun
- Sydney Medical School, The University of New South Wales , Kensington, NSW, Australia
| | - Ian Scott
- Internal Medicine and Clinical Epidemiology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Metro South, QLD Health , Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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Pagès A, Roland C, Qassemi S, Abdeljalil AB, Houles M, Romain M, Toulza O, Belloc A, McCambridge C, Voisin T, Cestac P, Juillard-Condat B. Impact of a Pharmacist-included Mobile Geriatrics team intervention on potentially inappropriate drug prescribing: protocol for a prospective feasibility study (PharMoG study). BMJ Open 2020; 10:e040917. [PMID: 33268421 PMCID: PMC7713213 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-040917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Research has shown that potentially inappropriate drug prescription (PIDP) is highly prevalent in older people. The presence of PIDPs is associated with adverse health outcomes. This study aims to evaluate the impact of a PHARmacist-included MObile Geriatrics (PharMoG) team intervention on PIDPs in older patients hospitalised in the medical, surgical and emergency departments of a university hospital. METHODS AND ANALYSIS The PharMoG study is a prospective, interventional, single-centre feasibility study describing the impact of a PharMoG team on PIDPs in older hospitalised patients. Pharmacist intervention will be a treatment optimisation (clinical medication review) based on a combination of explicit and implicit criteria to detect PIDPs. The primary outcome is the acceptance rate of the mobile team's proposed treatment optimisations related to PIDPs, measured at the patient's discharge from the department. This pharmacist will work in cooperation with the physician of the mobile geriatric team. After the intervention of the mobile geriatric team, the proposals for improving therapy will be sent to the hospital medical team caring for the patient and to the patient's attending physician. The patient will be followed for 3 months after discharge from the hospital. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION This study was approved by the South-West and Overseas Territories II Ethics Committee. Oral consent must be obtained prior to participation, either from the patient or from the patient's representative (trusted person and/or a family member). The results will be presented at national and international conferences and published in peer-reviewed journals. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT04151797.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arnaud Pagès
- Department of Pharmacy, Toulouse University Hospital, Toulouse, France
- Institute of Aging, Gérontopôle, INSPIRE project, Toulouse University Hospital, Toulouse, France
- Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health Research (CERPOP), UMR 1027, Inserm, University of Toulouse (UPS), Toulouse, France
| | - Christel Roland
- Department of Pharmacy, Toulouse University Hospital, Toulouse, France
| | - Soraya Qassemi
- Department of Pharmacy, Toulouse University Hospital, Toulouse, France
| | | | - Mathieu Houles
- Department of Geriatrics, Toulouse University Hospital, Toulouse, France
| | - Marjolaine Romain
- Department of Geriatrics, Toulouse University Hospital, Toulouse, France
| | - Olivier Toulza
- Department of Geriatrics, Toulouse University Hospital, Toulouse, France
| | - Audrey Belloc
- Department of Research and Innovation, Toulouse University Hospital, Toulouse, France
| | | | - Thierry Voisin
- Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health Research (CERPOP), UMR 1027, Inserm, University of Toulouse (UPS), Toulouse, France
- Department of Geriatrics, Toulouse University Hospital, Toulouse, France
| | - Philippe Cestac
- Department of Pharmacy, Toulouse University Hospital, Toulouse, France
- Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health Research (CERPOP), UMR 1027, Inserm, University of Toulouse (UPS), Toulouse, France
| | - Blandine Juillard-Condat
- Department of Pharmacy, Toulouse University Hospital, Toulouse, France
- Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health Research (CERPOP), UMR 1027, Inserm, University of Toulouse (UPS), Toulouse, France
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Winata S, Liacos M, Crabtree A, Page A, Moran C. Electronic Medication Management System Introduction and Deprescribing Practice in Post-Acute Care. J Am Med Dir Assoc 2020; 22:90-95. [PMID: 33234446 DOI: 10.1016/j.jamda.2020.10.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2020] [Revised: 09/04/2020] [Accepted: 10/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the effect of introducing an electronic medication management system (EMMS) on deprescribing practice in a post-acute hospital setting. DESIGN This study used a before-after study design. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS This study examined the admission and discharge medications prescribed to patients admitted to an Australian post-acute hospital before and after the introduction of an EMMS. METHODS Data were collected over a 1-month period before and after the introduction of an EMMS and included summary measures of drug burden including Potentially Inappropriate Medications and the Drug Burden Index. We calculated and compared admission and discharge medication prescription as well as change in medication use before and after the introduction of an EMMS. RESULTS Medication prescription data were available for 121 people before and 107 people after EMMS introduction. In both phases, when compared with admission, those discharged were prescribed fewer medications (mean reduction pre-EMMS = 2.9, P < .001, post-EMMS = 2.6, P < .001), fewer Potentially Inappropriate Medications (mean reduction pre-EMMS = 0.4, P < .001, post-EMMS = 0.6, P < .001) and had lower Drug Burden Index (mean reduction pre-EMMS = 0.1, P < .001, post-EMMS = 0.2, P < .001). The degree of reduction in each measure was similar before and after EMMS introduction. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS The introduction of an EMMS did not affect deprescribing practice in a post-acute hospital setting. Future work is required to explore the potential for clinical decision support within an EMMS to further improve the safety and effectiveness of deprescribing within post-acute care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanto Winata
- Department of Rehabilitation and Aged Care, Caulfield Hospital, The Alfred, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Department of Medicine, Peninsula Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Michelle Liacos
- Pharmacy Department, The Alfred, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Amelia Crabtree
- Department of Rehabilitation and Aged Care, Caulfield Hospital, The Alfred, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Amy Page
- Pharmacy Department, The Alfred, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Centre for Medicine Use and Safety, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Chris Moran
- Department of Rehabilitation and Aged Care, Caulfield Hospital, The Alfred, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Academic Unit, Peninsula Clinical School, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Department of Geriatric Medicine, Peninsula Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
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Hummel J, Müller-Wilmsen U, Wiloth S, Kopf D, Kessler EM, Oster P. [Outpatient care for the old and very old]. MMW Fortschr Med 2020; 162:14-20. [PMID: 32661892 DOI: 10.1007/s15006-020-0659-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Outpatient treatment of elderly patients is the responsibility of the family doctor. In addition to general practitioner care, there are some regionally different models that are currently not established and evaluated in Germany. The investigation presented here aims to contribute to the profiling of outpatient geriatric care in the future. METHOD A full survey on the attitude and acceptance of general practitioners towards outpatient geriatrics and a geriatric focus practice was carried out. At the same time, referral and advisory events were systematically recorded and compared. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION A geriatric focus practice can complement primary care. It is well accepted by many family doctors if there is a transparent exchange, pilot function and basic family doctor activities remain with the family doctor and he is relieved of the burden on complex patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jana Hummel
- Geriatrische und Gerontopsychotherapeutische Schwerpunktpraxis, Mannheim, Deutschland.
- Geriatrische und Gerontopsychotherapeutische Schwerpunktpraxis, Rheingoldstraße 41a, D-68199, Mannheim, Deutschland.
| | | | | | - Daniel Kopf
- Geriatrisches Zentrum Ludwigsburg-Bietigheim, Deutschland
| | | | - Peter Oster
- Geriatrisches Zentrum Bethanien a.D., Deutschland
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29
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Cadogan CA, Rankin A, Lewin S, Hughes CM. Application of the intervention Complexity Assessment Tool for Systematic Reviews within a Cochrane review: an illustrative case study. HRB Open Res 2020; 3:31. [PMID: 32596632 PMCID: PMC7309054 DOI: 10.12688/hrbopenres.13044.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The intervention Complexity Assessment Tool for Systematic Reviews (iCAT_SR) has been developed to facilitate detailed assessments of intervention complexity in systematic reviews. Worked examples of the tool's application are needed to promote its use and refinement. The aim of this case study was to apply the iCAT_SR to a subset of 20 studies included in a Cochrane review of interventions aimed at improving appropriate polypharmacy in older people. Methods: Interventions were assessed independently by two authors using the six core iCAT_SR dimensions: (1) 'Target organisational levels/categories'; (2) 'Target behaviour/actions'; (3) 'Active intervention components'; (4) 'Degree of tailoring'; (5) 'Level of skill required by intervention deliverers'; (6) 'Level of skill required by intervention recipients'. Attempts were made to apply four optional dimensions: 'Interaction between intervention components'; 'Context/setting'; 'Recipient/provider factors'; 'Nature of causal pathway'. Inter-rater reliability was assessed using Cohen's Kappa coefficient. Disagreements were resolved by consensus discussion. The findings are presented narratively. Results: Assessments involving the core iCAT_SR dimensions showed limited consistency in intervention complexity across included studies, even when categorised according to clinical setting. Interventions were delivered across various organisational levels and categories (i.e. healthcare professionals and patients) and typically comprised multiple components. Intermediate skill levels were required by those delivering and receiving the interventions across all studies. A lack of detail in study reports precluded application of the iCAT_SR's optional dimensions. The inter-rater reliability was substantial (Cohen's Kappa = 0.75) Conclusions: This study describes the application of the iCAT_SR to studies included in a Cochrane systematic review. Future intervention studies need to ensure more detailed reporting of interventions, context and the causal pathways underlying intervention effects to allow a more holistic understanding of intervention complexity and facilitate replication in other settings. The experience gained has helped to refine the original guidance document relating to the application of iCAT_SR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cathal A. Cadogan
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Audrey Rankin
- School of Pharmacy, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Simon Lewin
- Division of Health Services, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
- Health Systems Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
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Ross MSc Candidate SB, Wu PE, Atique Md Candidate A, Papillon-Ferland L, Tamblyn R, Lee TC, McDonald EG. Adverse Drug Events in Older Adults: Review of Adjudication Methods in Deprescribing Studies. J Am Geriatr Soc 2020; 68:1594-1602. [PMID: 32142161 DOI: 10.1111/jgs.16382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2019] [Revised: 01/15/2020] [Accepted: 01/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Polypharmacy is common in older adults and associated with adverse drug events (ADEs). Several methods have been described in studies to help correlate ADE causation. We performed a narrative review to identify methods for ADE adjudication. We compared their strengths and limitations to assess their applicability to deprescribing studies (of which clinical trials are a subset) and to encourage the use of a standardized method in future studies. DESIGN We performed a review of original articles (1946-2019) using the Medline (Ovid) and Cochrane databases. We also conducted a manual reference search of review articles. Abstracts were screened for relevance. MEASUREMENTS Adjudication methods were compared for advantages and limitations including validity, ease of use, and applicability to clinical trials with deprescribing as the primary intervention. RESULTS The search yielded 1881 articles of which 175 articles were included for full-text review. Following in-depth review, 135 were excluded: 79 had no ADE outcome data, 35 were not specific to older adults, 9 were not relevant, 6 were review articles, 5 contained duplicate data, and 1 was not written in French or English. Forty articles remained for analysis, from which we identified 10 unique ADE adjudication methods. No method was developed originally for use in a deprescribing setting. CONCLUSION A standard method to identify ADEs is important to capture the outcome reliably in deprescribing studies. All methods we identified had limitations in terms of capturing adverse events from the withdrawal of medications. Future work should focus on refining adjudication methods for capturing ADEs related not only to medication continuation and new drug starts but also to deprescribing and drug discontinuation. J Am Geriatr Soc 68:1594-1602, 2020.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Peter E Wu
- Division of General Internal Medicine, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Louise Papillon-Ferland
- Department of Pharmacy, Institut Universitaire de Gériatrie de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Robyn Tamblyn
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Todd C Lee
- Division of Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Clinical Practice Assessment Unit, Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Emily G McDonald
- Division of Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Clinical Practice Assessment Unit, Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Centre for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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31
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Elliott RA, Chan A, Godbole G, Hendrix I, Pont LG, Sfetcopoulos D, Woodward J, Munro C. Standard of practice in geriatric medicine for pharmacy services. JOURNAL OF PHARMACY PRACTICE AND RESEARCH 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/jppr.1636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Rohan A. Elliott
- Austin Health Heidelberg Victoria Australia
- Centre for Medicine Use and Safety Monash University Parkville Victoria Australia
| | - Alex Chan
- St Vincent’s Hospital Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | - Gauri Godbole
- NSW Health Gosford Hospital Gosford New South Wales Australia
| | - Ivanka Hendrix
- SA Pharmacy Southern Local Health Network Adelaide South Australia Australia
| | - Lisa G. Pont
- Graduate School of Health University of Technology Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | | | - John Woodward
- Pharmacist for you Sunshine Coast Queensland Australia
| | - Courtney Munro
- The Society of Hospital Pharmacists of Australia Collingwood Victoria Australia
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32
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Houlind MB, Andersen AL, Treldal C, Jørgensen LM, Kannegaard PN, Castillo LS, Christensen LD, Tavenier J, Rasmussen LJH, Ankarfeldt MZ, Andersen O, Petersen J. A Collaborative Medication Review Including Deprescribing for Older Patients in an Emergency Department: A Longitudinal Feasibility Study. J Clin Med 2020; 9:jcm9020348. [PMID: 32012721 PMCID: PMC7074203 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9020348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2019] [Revised: 01/22/2020] [Accepted: 01/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Medication review for older patients with polypharmacy in the emergency department (ED) is crucial to prevent inappropriate prescribing. Our objective was to assess the feasibility of a collaborative medication review in older medical patients (≥65 years) using polypharmacy (≥5 long-term medications). A pharmacist performed the medication review using the tools: Screening Tool of Older Persons’ potentially inappropriate Prescriptions (STOPP) criteria, a drug–drug interaction database (SFINX), and Renbase® (renal dosing database). A geriatrician received the medication review and decided which recommendations should be implemented. The outcomes were: differences in Medication Appropriateness Index (MAI) and Assessment of Underutilization Index (AOU) scores between admission and 30 days after discharge and the percentage of patients for which the intervention was completed before discharge. Sixty patients were included from the ED, the intervention was completed before discharge for 50 patients (83%), and 39 (61.5% male; median age 80 years) completed the follow-up 30 days after discharge. The median MAI score decreased from 14 (IQR 8-20) at admission to 8 (IQR 2-13) 30 days after discharge (p < 0.001). The number of patients with an AOU score ≥1 was reduced from 36% to 10% (p < 0.001). Thirty days after discharge, 83% of the changes were sustained and for 28 patients (72%), 1≥ medication had been deprescribed. In conclusion, a collaborative medication review and deprescribing intervention is feasible to perform in the ED.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morten Baltzer Houlind
- Clinical Research Centre, Copenhagen University Hospital Amager and Hvidovre, 2650 Hvidovre, Denmark
- The Capital Region Pharmacy, 2730 Herlev, Denmark
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: + 45-28-85-85-63
| | - Aino Leegaard Andersen
- Clinical Research Centre, Copenhagen University Hospital Amager and Hvidovre, 2650 Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Charlotte Treldal
- Clinical Research Centre, Copenhagen University Hospital Amager and Hvidovre, 2650 Hvidovre, Denmark
- The Capital Region Pharmacy, 2730 Herlev, Denmark
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lillian Mørch Jørgensen
- Clinical Research Centre, Copenhagen University Hospital Amager and Hvidovre, 2650 Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Pia Nimann Kannegaard
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Copenhagen University Hospital Herlev and Gentofte, 2900 Hellerup, Denmark
| | - Luana Sandoval Castillo
- Department of Geriatrics, Copenhagen University Hospital Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, 2400 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Line Due Christensen
- Clinical Research Centre, Copenhagen University Hospital Amager and Hvidovre, 2650 Hvidovre, Denmark
- Research Unit for General Practice, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Juliette Tavenier
- Clinical Research Centre, Copenhagen University Hospital Amager and Hvidovre, 2650 Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Line Jee Hartmann Rasmussen
- Clinical Research Centre, Copenhagen University Hospital Amager and Hvidovre, 2650 Hvidovre, Denmark
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Mikkel. Zöllner Ankarfeldt
- Clinical Research Centre, Copenhagen University Hospital Amager and Hvidovre, 2650 Hvidovre, Denmark
- Copenhagen Phase IV unit (Phase4CPH), Center of Clinical Research and Prevention and Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Copenhagen University Hospital Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, 2000 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ove Andersen
- Clinical Research Centre, Copenhagen University Hospital Amager and Hvidovre, 2650 Hvidovre, Denmark
- Emergency Department, Copenhagen University Hospital Amager and Hvidovre, 2650 Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Janne Petersen
- Clinical Research Centre, Copenhagen University Hospital Amager and Hvidovre, 2650 Hvidovre, Denmark
- Copenhagen Phase IV unit (Phase4CPH), Center of Clinical Research and Prevention and Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Copenhagen University Hospital Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, 2000 Copenhagen, Denmark
- Section of Biostatistics, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, 1014 Copenhagen, Denmark
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Johnston KJ, Wen H, Joynt Maddox KE. Inadequate Risk Adjustment Impacts Geriatricians' Performance on Medicare Cost and Quality Measures. J Am Geriatr Soc 2019; 68:297-304. [PMID: 31880310 DOI: 10.1111/jgs.16297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2019] [Revised: 10/21/2019] [Accepted: 10/29/2019] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Medicare value-based payment programs evaluate physicians' performance on their patients' annual Medicare costs and clinical outcomes. However, little is known about how geriatricians, who disproportionately provide care for medically complex older adults, perform on these measures. DESIGN A retrospective study using multivariable regression methods to estimate the association of geriatric risk factors with annualized Medicare costs and preventable hospitalization rates and to compare geriatricians' performance on these outcomes to other primary care physicians (PCPs) under standard Medicare risk adjustment and after adding additional adjustment for geriatric risk factors. SETTING Eight years (2006-2013) of cohort data from the Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey. PARTICIPANTS Medicare beneficiaries, aged 65 years and older, with primary care services contributing 27 027 person-years of data. MEASUREMENTS Outcomes were costs and preventable hospitalization rates; geriatric risk factors were patient frailty, long-term institutionalization, dementia, and depression. RESULTS Geriatricians were more likely to care for patients with frailty (22.8% vs 14.1%), long-term institutionalization (12.0% vs 4.7%), dementia (21.6% vs 10.2%), and depression (23.6% vs 17.4%) than other PCPs (P < .001 for each). Under standard Medicare risk adjustment, geriatricians performed more poorly on costs compared to other PCPs (observed-expected [O-E] ratio = 1.24 vs 0.99) and preventable hospitalizations (O-E ratio = 1.16 vs 0.98). Adding frailty, institutionalization, dementia, and depression to risk adjustment improved geriatricians' performance on costs by 25% and on preventable hospitalization rates by 35%, relative to other PCPs. Concurrent-year risk prediction that removed the influence of unpredictable acute events further improved geriatricians' performance vs other PCPs (O-E ratio = 0.99 vs 1.00). CONCLUSION Medicare should consider risk adjusting for frailty, long-term institutionalization, dementia, and depression to avoid inappropriately penalizing geriatricians who care for vulnerable older adults. J Am Geriatr Soc 68:297-304, 2020.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenton J Johnston
- Department of Health Management and Policy and Center for Outcomes Research, College for Public Health and Social Justice, Saint Louis University, St Louis, Missouri
| | - Hefei Wen
- Department of Population Medicine, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Karen E Joynt Maddox
- Cardiovascular Division, School of Medicine, Missouri, Washington University, St Louis
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Hashimoto R, Fujii K, Shimoji S, Utsumi A, Hosokawa K, Tochino H, Sanehisa S, Akishita M, Onda M. Study of pharmacist intervention in polypharmacy among older patients: Non-randomized, controlled trial. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2019; 20:229-237. [PMID: 31858696 DOI: 10.1111/ggi.13850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2019] [Revised: 11/15/2019] [Accepted: 11/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
AIM We investigated the outcomes of interdisciplinary drug therapy interventions by pharmacists among older residents of special elderly nursing homes. METHODS The study was designed as a non-randomized, parallel-group, controlled study. Four nursing homes were allocated in a 1:1 ratio to an intervention group (IG) or control group (CG). The participants of the study were residents taking five or more medications. The nursing homes in the IG were each visited by one pharmacist, who was charged with looking for potential problems in drug therapy. Activities in the CG were carried out as usual. The intervention period was 6 months. The primary end-points were the incidences of potentially inappropriate medication (PIM) and falls. The mean difference and proportion of participants were compared between groups. RESULTS Data from 28 participants in the IG and 27 participants in the CG were analyzed. The number of PIM decreased from 2.64 at baseline to 2.39 after 6 months in the IG (P = 0.032). The proportion of participants in whom the use of PIM was reduced without problems was 17.9% in the IG and 3.7% in the CG (P = 0.094). The mean number of falls was 0.04 in the IG and 0.41 in the CG (P = 0.033). Falls occurred in 3.6% of participants in the IG and 22.2% of participants in the CG (P = 0.043). CONCLUSIONS The results suggested a trend toward fewer PIM and falls in the IG. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2019; ••: ••-••.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryota Hashimoto
- Saera Pharmacy, Osaka, Japan.,Department of Social and Administrative Pharmacy, Osaka University of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka, Japan
| | | | | | | | | | - Hiroki Tochino
- Department of Social and Administrative Pharmacy, Osaka University of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka, Japan
| | - Shigeki Sanehisa
- Department of Social and Administrative Pharmacy, Osaka University of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka, Japan
| | - Masahiro Akishita
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mitsuko Onda
- Department of Social and Administrative Pharmacy, Osaka University of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka, Japan
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35
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Fried TR, Mecca M. Reply to Measuring Under- and Over-Use of Medications. J Am Geriatr Soc 2019; 67:2429. [PMID: 31390042 PMCID: PMC6861606 DOI: 10.1111/jgs.16112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2019] [Accepted: 07/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
This letter comments on the letter by Hanlon and Schmader.
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Affiliation(s)
- Terri R Fried
- Clinical Epidemiology Research Center, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut
- Department of Medicine (Geriatrics), Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Marcia Mecca
- Clinical Epidemiology Research Center, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut
- Department of Medicine (Geriatrics), Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
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36
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Vandenberg AE, Echt KV, Kemp L, McGwin G, Perkins MM, Mirk AK. Academic Detailing with Provider Audit and Feedback Improve Prescribing Quality for Older Veterans. J Am Geriatr Soc 2019. [PMID: 29532466 DOI: 10.1111/jgs.15247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Suboptimal prescribing persists as a driver of poor quality care of older veterans and is associated with risk of hospitalization and emergency department visits. We adapted a successful medication management model, Integrated Management and Polypharmacy Review of Vulnerable Elders (IMPROVE), from an urban geriatric specialty clinic to rural community-based clinics that deliver primary care. The goals were to promote prescribing quality and safety for older adults, including reduced prescribing of potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs). We augmented the original model, which involved a pharmacist-led, one-on-one medication review with high-risk older veterans, to provide rural primary care providers (PCPs) and pharmacists with educational outreach through academic detailing and tools to support safe geriatric prescribing practices, as well as individual audit and feedback on prescribing practice and confidential peer benchmarking. Twenty PCPs and 4 pharmacists at 4 rural Georgia community-based outpatient clinics participated. More than 7,000 older veterans were seen in more than 20,000 PCP encounters during the 14-month intervention period. Implementation of the IMPROVE intervention reduced PIM prescribing incidence from 9.6 new medications per 100 encounters during baseline to 8.7 after the intervention (P = .009). IMPROVE reduced PIM prevalence (proportion of encounters involving veterans who were taking at least 1 PIM) from 22.6% to 16.7% (P < .001). These approaches were effective in reducing PIMs prescribed to older veterans in a rural setting and constitute a feasible model for disseminating geriatric best practices to the primary care setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann E Vandenberg
- Birmingham/Atlanta Veterans Affairs Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Decatur, Georgia.,Division of General Medicine and Geriatrics, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Katharina V Echt
- Birmingham/Atlanta Veterans Affairs Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Decatur, Georgia.,Division of General Medicine and Geriatrics, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia.,Atlanta Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Decatur, Georgia
| | - Lawanda Kemp
- Atlanta Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Decatur, Georgia
| | - Gerald McGwin
- Birmingham/Atlanta Veterans Affairs Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Decatur, Georgia
| | - Molly M Perkins
- Birmingham/Atlanta Veterans Affairs Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Decatur, Georgia.,Division of General Medicine and Geriatrics, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Anna K Mirk
- Birmingham/Atlanta Veterans Affairs Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Decatur, Georgia.,Division of General Medicine and Geriatrics, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia.,Atlanta Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Decatur, Georgia
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Hanlon JT, Schmader KE. Measuring Underuse and Overuse of Medications. J Am Geriatr Soc 2019; 67:2428. [PMID: 31390044 DOI: 10.1111/jgs.16111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2019] [Accepted: 07/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Joseph T Hanlon
- Department of Medicine (Geriatrics), School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.,Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.,Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, Veterans Affairs Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Kenneth E Schmader
- Department of Medicine (Geriatrics), School of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina.,Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, Durham Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
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Greiver M, Dahrouge S, O’Brien P, Manca D, Lussier MT, Wang J, Burge F, Grandy M, Singer A, Twohig M, Moineddin R, Kalia S, Aliarzadeh B, Ivers N, Garies S, Turner JP, Farrell B. Improving care for elderly patients living with polypharmacy: protocol for a pragmatic cluster randomized trial in community-based primary care practices in Canada. Implement Sci 2019; 14:55. [PMID: 31171011 PMCID: PMC6551894 DOI: 10.1186/s13012-019-0904-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2019] [Accepted: 05/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Elders living with polypharmacy may be taking medications that do not benefit them. Polypharmacy can be associated with elevated risks of poor health, reduced quality of life, high care costs, and persistently complex care needs. While many medications could be problematic, this project targets medications that should be deprescribed for most elders and for which guidelines and evidence-based deprescribing tools are available. These are termed potentially inappropriate prescriptions (PIPs) and are as follows: proton pump inhibitors, benzodiazepines, antipsychotics, and sulfonylureas. Implementation strategies for deprescribing PIPs in complex older patient populations are needed. METHODS This will be a pragmatic cluster randomized controlled trial in community-based primary care practices across Canada. Eligible practices provide comprehensive primary care and have at least one physician that consents to participate. Community-dwelling patients aged 65 years and older with ten or more unique medication prescriptions in the past year will be included. The objective is to assess whether the intervention reduces targeted PIPs for these patients compared with usual care. The intervention, Structured Process Informed by Data, Evidence and Research (SPIDER), is a collaboration between quality improvement (QI) and research programs. Primary care teams will form interprofessional Learning Collaboratives and work with QI coaches to review electronic medical record data provided by their regional Practice Based Research Networks (PBRNs), identify areas of improvement, and develop and implement changes. The study will be tested for feasibility in three PBRNs (Toronto, Montreal, and Edmonton) using prospective single-arm mixed methods. Findings will then guide a pragmatic cluster randomized controlled trial in five PBRNs (Calgary, Winnipeg, Ottawa, Montreal, and Halifax). Seven practices per PBRN will be recruited for each arm. The analysis will be by intention to treat. Ten percent of patients who have at least one PIP at baseline will be randomly selected to participate in the assessment of patient experience and self-reported outcomes. Qualitative methods will be used to explore patient and physician experience and evaluate SPIDER's processes. CONCLUSION We are testing SPIDER in a primary care population with complex care needs. This could provide a widely applicable model for care improvement. TRIAL REGISTRATION Clinicaltrials.gov NCT03689049 ; registered September 28, 2018.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. Greiver
- North York General Hospital, 4001 Leslie Street, LE-140, Toronto, Ontario M2K 1E1 Canada
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, 4001 Leslie Street, LE-140, Toronto, Ontario M2K 1E1 Canada
| | - S. Dahrouge
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Ottawa, 85 Primrose Avenue, Ottawa, Ontario K1R 6M1 Canada
- Bruyère Research Institute, 43 Bruyère Street, Ottawa, Ontario K1N 5C8 Canada
| | - P. O’Brien
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, 4001 Leslie Street, LE-140, Toronto, Ontario M2K 1E1 Canada
| | - D. Manca
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Alberta, 8303 - 112 Street NW, 610 University Terrace, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2T4 Canada
| | - M. T. Lussier
- Department of Family Medicine and Emergency Medicine, University of Montreal, 1755 René Laennec, Bureau DS-079, Laval, Québec H7M3L9 Canada
| | - J. Wang
- North York General Hospital, 4001 Leslie Street, LE-140, Toronto, Ontario M2K 1E1 Canada
| | - F. Burge
- Department of Family Medicine, Dalhousie University, 8F, 8525 Abbie J Lane Building, 5909 Veterans’ Memorial Lane, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 2E2 Canada
| | - M. Grandy
- Department of Family Medicine, Dalhousie University, 8F, 8525 Abbie J Lane Building, 5909 Veterans’ Memorial Lane, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 2E2 Canada
| | - A. Singer
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Manitoba, D009 – 780 Bannatyne Ave, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3T 2N2 Canada
| | - M. Twohig
- North York General Hospital, 4001 Leslie Street, LE-140, Toronto, Ontario M2K 1E1 Canada
| | - R. Moineddin
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, 4001 Leslie Street, LE-140, Toronto, Ontario M2K 1E1 Canada
- ICES, Toronto, Canada
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, 500 University Avenue, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1V7 Canada
| | - S. Kalia
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, 4001 Leslie Street, LE-140, Toronto, Ontario M2K 1E1 Canada
| | - B. Aliarzadeh
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, 4001 Leslie Street, LE-140, Toronto, Ontario M2K 1E1 Canada
| | - N. Ivers
- Family Practice Health Centre and Women’s College Research Institute, Women’s College Hospital, 76 Grenville Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1B2 Canada
| | - S. Garies
- Department of family Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, G012 Health Sciences Centre, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta T2N 4N1 Canada
| | - J. P. Turner
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Montreal, 2900 Edouard Montpetit Boulevard, Montreal, Quebec H3T 1J4 Canada
- Centre de Recherche, Institut Universitaire de Geriatrie de Montreal, Montreal, Canada
| | - B. Farrell
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Ottawa, 85 Primrose Avenue, Ottawa, Ontario K1R 6M1 Canada
- Bruyère Research Institute, 43 Bruyère Street, Ottawa, Ontario K1N 5C8 Canada
- School of Pharmacy, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Canada
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Hernández MH, Mestres C, Modamio P, Junyent J, Costa-Tutusaus L, Lastra CF, Mariño EL. Adverse Drug Events in Patients with Dementia and Neuropsychiatric/Behavioral, and Psychological Symptoms, a One-Year Prospective Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:E934. [PMID: 30875907 PMCID: PMC6466294 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16060934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2019] [Revised: 03/08/2019] [Accepted: 03/12/2019] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Older people usually present with adverse drug events (ADEs) with nonspecific symptoms such as cognitive decline, recurrent falls, reduced mobility, and/or major deterioration. The aims of this study were to assess the ADEs of patients with dementia and presenting neuropsychiatric/behavioral, and psychological symptoms in dementia (BPSD) and to categorize and identify the principal factors that allow to prevent ADEs, and separately ADEs that result in falls. To that end, a one-year prospective study in a psychogeriatric ward (July 2015 to July 2016) was performed. All patients admitted to this ward were eligible for enrolment. Patients who met any of the following criteria were excluded from the study: Patients without cognitive impairment, a length of stay under 7 days, and palliative or previous psychiatric pathology. We included 65 patients (60% women, 84.9 years ± 6.7) with mild to moderate cognitive impairment, moderate to severe functional dependence, and a high prevalence of geriatric syndromes and comorbidity. A total of 87.7% were taking five or more drugs (mean 9.0 ± 3.1). ADEs were identified during the interdisciplinary meeting and the follow up by clinical record. Sixty-eight ADEs (81.5% patients) were identified, of which 73.5% were not related to falls. From these, 80% were related to drugs of the nervous system. The Naranjo algorithm determined that 90% of ADEs were probable. The severity of the ADEs was Category E in 34 patients (68%). The number of preventable ADE according to the Schumork⁻Thornton test was 58%. The main ADE was drowsiness/somnolence (27.7%). ADEs related to falls represented a 26.5%. The balance between effective treatment and safety is complex in these patients. A medication review in interdisciplinary teams is an essential component to optimize safety prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta H Hernández
- Pharmacy Department, Grup Mutuam, 08024 Barcelona, Spain.
- School of Health Sciences Blanquerna, University Ramon Llull, 08025 Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Conxita Mestres
- School of Health Sciences Blanquerna, University Ramon Llull, 08025 Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Pilar Modamio
- Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacotherapy Unit, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, and Physical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain.
| | | | - Lluís Costa-Tutusaus
- School of Health Sciences Blanquerna, University Ramon Llull, 08025 Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Cecilia F Lastra
- Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacotherapy Unit, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, and Physical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Eduardo L Mariño
- Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacotherapy Unit, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, and Physical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain.
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40
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Onder G, Vetrano DL, Villani ER, Carfì A, Lo Monaco MR, Cipriani MC, Manes Gravina E, Denkinger M, Pagano F, van der Roest HG, Bernabei R. Deprescribing in Nursing Home Residents on Polypharmacy: Incidence and Associated Factors. J Am Med Dir Assoc 2019; 20:1116-1120. [PMID: 30853425 DOI: 10.1016/j.jamda.2019.01.130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2018] [Revised: 01/14/2019] [Accepted: 01/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To assess 1-year incidence and factors related to deprescribing in nursing home (NH) residents in Europe. DESIGN Longitudinal multicenter cohort study based on data from the Services and Health for Elderly in Long TERm care (SHELTER) study. SETTING NHs in Europe and Israel. PARTICIPANTS 1843 NH residents on polypharmacy. METHODS Polypharmacy was defined as the concurrent use of 5 or more medications. Deprescribing was defined as a reduction in the number of medications used over the study period. Residents were followed for 12 months. RESULTS Residents in the study sample were using a mean number of 8.6 (standard deviation 2.9) medications at the baseline assessment. Deprescribing was observed in 658 residents (35.7%). Cognitive impairment (mild/moderate impairment vs intact, odds ratio [OR] 1.41, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.11-1.79; severe impairment vs intact, OR 1.60, 95% CI 1.23-2.09), presence of the geriatrician within the facility staff (OR 1.41, 95% CI 1.15-1.72), and number of medications used at baseline (OR 1.10, 95% CI 1.06-1.14) were associated with higher probabilities of deprescribing. In contrast, female gender (OR 0.76, 95% CI 0.61-0.96), heart failure (OR 0.69, 95% CI 0.53-0.89), and cancer (OR 0.64, 95% CI 0.45-0.90) were associated with a lower probability of deprescribing. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Deprescribing is common in NH residents on polypharmacy, and it is associated with individual and organizational factors. More evidence is needed on deprescribing, and clear strategies on how to withdraw medications should be defined in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Graziano Onder
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy; Università Cattolica Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy.
| | - Davide L Vetrano
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy; Aging Research Center, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Emanuele R Villani
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy; Università Cattolica Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Angelo Carfì
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Michael Denkinger
- Geriatric Research Unit, Agaplesion Bethesda Clinic, Ulm University and Geriatric Center Ulm/Alb-Donau, Ulm, Germany
| | - Francesco Pagano
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Henriëtte G van der Roest
- Department of General Practice and Elderly Care Medicine, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, VU University medical center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Roberto Bernabei
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy; Università Cattolica Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
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41
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Noaman S, Al-Mukhtar O, Abramovic S, Mohammed H, Goh CY, Long C, Neil C, Janus E, Cox N, Chan W. Changes in Statin Prescription Patterns in Patients Admitted to an Australian Geriatric Subacute Unit. Heart Lung Circ 2019; 28:423-429. [DOI: 10.1016/j.hlc.2017.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2017] [Revised: 12/23/2017] [Accepted: 12/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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Lavan AH, O'Mahony D, Gallagher P, Fordham R, Flanagan E, Dahly D, Byrne S, Petrovic M, Gudmundsson A, Samuelsson O, Cherubini A, J Cruz-Jentoft A, Soiza RL, Eustace JA. The effect of SENATOR (Software ENgine for the Assessment and optimisation of drug and non-drug Therapy in Older peRsons) on incident adverse drug reactions (ADRs) in an older hospital cohort - Trial Protocol. BMC Geriatr 2019; 19:40. [PMID: 30760204 PMCID: PMC6375169 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-019-1047-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2018] [Accepted: 01/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The aim of this trial is to evaluate the effect of SENATOR software on incident, adverse drug reactions (ADRs) in older, multimorbid, hospitalized patients. The SENATOR software produces a report designed to optimize older patients’ current prescriptions by applying the published STOPP and START criteria, highlighting drug-drug and drug-disease interactions and providing non-pharmacological recommendations aimed at reducing the risk of incident delirium. Methods We will conduct a multinational, pragmatic, parallel arm Prospective Randomized Open-label, Blinded Endpoint (PROBE) controlled trial. Patients with acute illnesses are screened for recruitment within 48 h of arrival to hospital and enrolled if they meet the relevant entry criteria. Participants’ medical history, current prescriptions, select laboratory tests, electrocardiogram, cognitive status and functional status are collected and entered into a dedicated trial database. Patients are individually randomized with equal allocation ratio. Randomization is stratified by site and medical versus surgical admission, and uses random block sizes. Patients randomized to either arm receive standard routine pharmaceutical clinical care as it exists in each site. Additionally, in the intervention arm an individualized SENATOR-generated medication advice report based on the participant’s clinical and medication data is placed in their medical record and a senior medical staff member is requested to review it and adopt any of its recommendations that they judge appropriate. The trial’s primary outcome is the proportion of patients experiencing at least one adjudicated probable or certain, non-trivial ADR, during the index hospitalization, assessed at 14 days post-randomization or at index hospital discharge if it occurs earlier. Potential ADRs are identified retrospectively by the site researchers who complete a Potential Endpoint Form (one per type of event) that is adjudicated by a blinded, expert committee. All occurrences of 12 pre-specified events, which represent the majority of ADRs, are reported to the committee along with other suspected ADRs. Participants are followed up 12 (+/− 4) weeks post-index hospital discharge to assess medication quality and healthcare utilization. This is the first clinical trial to examine the effectiveness of a software intervention on incident ADRs and associated healthcare costs during hospitalization in older people with multi-morbidity and polypharmacy. Trial registration number Clinicaltrials.gov NCT02097654, 27 March 2014.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda H Lavan
- Department of Medicine (Geriatrics), University College Cork, Cork University Hospital, Cork, Ireland
| | - Denis O'Mahony
- Department of Medicine (Geriatrics), University College Cork, Cork University Hospital, Cork, Ireland
| | - Paul Gallagher
- Department of Medicine (Geriatrics), University College Cork, Cork University Hospital, Cork, Ireland
| | - Richard Fordham
- Health Economics, University of East Anglia Medical School, Norwich, England
| | - Evelyn Flanagan
- Health Research Board Clinical Research Facility-Cork, University College Cork, Cork University Hospital, Wilton, Cork, Ireland, T12 DC4A
| | - Darren Dahly
- Health Research Board Clinical Research Facility-Cork, University College Cork, Cork University Hospital, Wilton, Cork, Ireland, T12 DC4A
| | - Stephen Byrne
- Pharmaceutical Care Research Group, School of Pharmacy, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Mirko Petrovic
- Vakgroep Inwendige Ziekten (Geriatrie), Universiteit Gent, UGent, Ghent, Belgium
| | | | | | - Antonio Cherubini
- Geriatria, Accettazione geriatrica e Centro di ricerca per l'invecchiamento, IRCCS INRCA, Ancona, Italy
| | | | - Roy L Soiza
- NHS Grampian and University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, Scotland
| | - Joseph A Eustace
- Health Research Board Clinical Research Facility-Cork, University College Cork, Cork University Hospital, Wilton, Cork, Ireland, T12 DC4A.
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Pazan F, Kather J, Wehling M. A systematic review and novel classification of listing tools to improve medication in older people. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 2019; 75:619-625. [PMID: 30683971 DOI: 10.1007/s00228-019-02634-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2018] [Accepted: 01/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Suboptimal drugs therapy is a threat to older people, and listing tools providing guidance are developed to address this problem. METHODS A systematic review was performed to identify and analyze such tools published until February 2018. A novel categorization was developed to separate patient-in-focus listing approaches (PILA) providing disease-related positive and negative guidance from drug-oriented, mostly negative listing approaches (DOLA, DOLA+: with disease specification). RESULTS In total, 76 tools were identified; only 9 were classified as PILA, 26 as DOLA, and 38 as DOLA+. Three DOLA(+) only address dementia. Most tools were developed in Europe or the USA and address community-dwellers. Thirty-two utilized a Delphi process, and only 10 provide a scoring system. Twenty tools utilize a questionnaire but no structured guidance or answers. Importantly, only 12 interventional clinical trials were identified reporting not only medication quality measures, but also clinical endpoints (e.g. falls, adverse drug reactions, hospitalization). For PILA, 4 trials showed positive, one negative clinical effects of a controlled intervention, for DOLA(+) 1 was positive, 7 negative (Fisher's exact test p < 0.05). DISCUSSION An abundance of listing tools has been created. DOLAs that may be applied without intricate patient knowledge prevail over PILAs by sevenfold; unfortunately their clinical validation seems to be far less successful than that of patient-initiated approaches. CONCLUSION Drug therapy in older people has to be tailored to their individual, very divergent needs; tools requiring detailed medical knowledge about the patient as the starting point for medication optimization provide the best support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farhad Pazan
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Ruprecht-Karls-University Heidelberg, Theodor-Kutzer-Ufer 1-3, 68167, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Jonathan Kather
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Ruprecht-Karls-University Heidelberg, Theodor-Kutzer-Ufer 1-3, 68167, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Martin Wehling
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Ruprecht-Karls-University Heidelberg, Theodor-Kutzer-Ufer 1-3, 68167, Mannheim, Germany.
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Mangin D, Bahat G, Golomb BA, Mallery LH, Moorhouse P, Onder G, Petrovic M, Garfinkel D. International Group for Reducing Inappropriate Medication Use & Polypharmacy (IGRIMUP): Position Statement and 10 Recommendations for Action. Drugs Aging 2019; 35:575-587. [PMID: 30006810 PMCID: PMC6061397 DOI: 10.1007/s40266-018-0554-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Globally, the number of drug prescriptions is increasing causing more adverse drug events, which is now a significant cause of mortality, morbidity, and disability that has reached epidemic proportions. The risk of adverse drug events is correlated to very old age, multiple co-morbidities, dementia, frailty, and limited life expectancy, with the major contributor being polypharmacy. Each characteristic alters the risk-benefit balance of medications, typically reducing anticipated benefits and amplifying risk. Current clinical guidelines are based on evidence proven in younger/healthier adult populations using a single disease model and their application to older adults with multimorbidity, in whom testing has not been conducted, yields a different risk-benefit prospect and makes inappropriate medication use and polypharmacy inevitable. Applying inappropriate clinical practice guidelines to older adults is antithetical to good healthcare, is likely to increase health inequity, and is associated with substantial negative clinical, economic, and social implications for health systems. The casualties are on the scale of a war or epidemic, yet are usually invisible in measures of healthcare quality and formal recommendations. Radical and rapid action is required to achieve a better quality of life for older populations and to remain true to the principles of medical professionalism and evidence-based medicine that place patients' interests and autonomy at the fore. This first International Group for Reducing Inappropriate Medication Use & Polypharmacy position statement briefly details the causes, consequences, and extent of inappropriate medication use and polypharmacy. This article outlines current strategies to reduce inappropriate medication use, provides evidence for their effect, and then proposes recommendations for moving forward with 10 recommendations for action and 12 recommendations for research. We conclude that an urgent integrated effort to reduce inappropriate medication use and polypharmacy should be a leading global target of the highest priority. The cornerstone of this position statement from the International Group for Reducing Inappropriate Medication Use & Polypharmacy is the understanding that without evidence of definite relevant benefit, when it comes to prescribing, for many older patients 'less is more'. This approach differs from most other current recommendations and guidance in medical care, as the focus is on what, when, and how to stop, rather than on when to start medications/interventions. Disrupting the framework that indiscriminately applies standard guidelines to older adults requires a new approach that better serves patients with multimorbidity. This transition requires a shift in medical education, research, and diagnostic frameworks, and re-examination of the measures used as quality indicators. In achieving this objective, we promote a return to some of the original concepts of evidence-based medicine: which considers scientific data (where it exists), clinical judgment, patient/family preference, and context. A shift is needed: from the current model that focuses on single conditions to one that simultaneously considers multiple conditions and patient priorities. This approach reframes the clinician's role as a professional providing care, rather than a disease technician.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dee Mangin
- Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, 100 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON, Canada. .,Department of General Practice, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand.
| | - Gülistan Bahat
- Division of Geriatrics, Department of Internal Medicine, Istanbul Medical School, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Beatrice A Golomb
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Laurie Herzig Mallery
- Division of Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Paige Moorhouse
- Division of Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Graziano Onder
- Department of Geriatrics, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, IRCCS Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, Rome, Italy
| | - Mirko Petrovic
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Geriatrics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Doron Garfinkel
- Wolfson Medical Center, Holon, Israel.,Homecare Hospice Israel Cancer Association, Holon, Israel
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Can screening tools for potentially inappropriate prescriptions in older adults prevent serious adverse drug events? Eur J Clin Pharmacol 2019; 75:627-637. [PMID: 30662995 DOI: 10.1007/s00228-019-02624-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2018] [Accepted: 01/02/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of the study is to identify and explore risk factors of serious adverse drug events (SADE) and SADE-related admissions in acutely hospitalized multimorbid older adults and assess whether these could have been prevented by adherence to the prescription tools Screening Tool of Older Persons' Prescriptions (STOPP) and The Norwegian General Practice (NORGEP) criteria. METHODS Cross-sectional study of acutely admitted patients to a medical department in a Norwegian regional hospital. Eligible patients were community-dwelling, receiving home care services, and aged 75+, with ≥ 3 chronic diseases. Medications and information regarding the admission were retrieved from the referral letter and medical records, while an expert panel identified SADE using the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events and SADE-related admissions. RESULTS We included 232 patients. Mean (SD) age was 86 (5.7) years, 137 (59%) were female, 121 (52%) used 5-9 drugs whereas 65 (28%) used ≥ 10. We identified SADEs in 72 (31%) of the patients, and in 49 (68%) of these cases, the SADE was considered to cause the hospital admission. A low body mass index (BMI) and a high Cumulative Illness Rating Scale-Geriatrics (CIRS-G) score were independent risk factors for SADEs. Among the SADEs identified, 32 (44%) and 11 (15%) were preventable by adherence to STOPP and NORGEP, respectively. CONCLUSIONS We found a high prevalence of SADE leading to hospitalization. Risk factors for SADE were high CIRS-G and low BMI. STOPP identified more SADEs than NORGEP, but adherence to the prescription tools could only to a limited degree prevent SADEs in this patient group.
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Fialová D, Laffon B, Marinković V, Tasić L, Doro P, Sόos G, Mota J, Dogan S, Brkić J, Teixeira JP, Valdiglesias V, Costa S. Medication use in older patients and age-blind approach: narrative literature review (insufficient evidence on the efficacy and safety of drugs in older age, frequent use of PIMs and polypharmacy, and underuse of highly beneficial nonpharmacological strategies). Eur J Clin Pharmacol 2019; 75:451-466. [PMID: 30610276 DOI: 10.1007/s00228-018-2603-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2018] [Accepted: 11/22/2018] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The importance of rational drug therapy is increasing with the aging of the population. Since one of the main reasons for inappropriate drug prescribing is also the "age-blind" approach, which results in ageist practices, this narrative literature review focuses on the description of the main barriers related to insufficient individualization of drug regimens associated with such age-blind approaches. METHODOLOGY A narrative literature review using the PubMed, WoS, Embase, and Scopus databases was conducted by the EU COST Action IS1402. Experts in different scientific fields from six countries (the Czech Republic, Spain, Portugal, Hungary, Serbia, and Turkey) worked in four specific areas: (1) underrepresentation of older adults in clinical trials and clinical and ethical consequences; (2) insufficient consideration of age-related changes and geriatric frailty in the evaluation of the therapeutic value of drugs; (3) frequent prescribing of potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs); and (4) frequent underuse of highly beneficial nonpharmacological strategies (e.g., exercise). RESULTS Older patients are underrepresented in clinical trials. Therefore, rigorous observational geriatric research is needed in order to obtain evidence on the real efficacy and safety of frequently used drugs, and e.g. developed geriatric scales and frailty indexes for claims databases should help to stimulate such research. The use of PIMs, unfortunately, is still highly prevalent in Europe: 22.6% in community-dwelling older patients and 49.0% in institutionalized older adults. Specific tests to detect the majority of age-related pharmacological changes are usually not available in everyday clinical practice, which limits the estimation of drug risks and possibilities to individualize drug therapy in geriatric patients before drug prescription. Moreover, the role of some nonpharmacological strategies is highly underestimated in older adults in contrast to frequent use of polypharmacy. Among nonpharmacological strategies, particularly physical exercise was highly effective in reducing functional decline, frailty, and the risk of falls in the majority of clinical studies. CONCLUSION Several regulatory and clinical barriers contribute to insufficient knowledge on the therapeutic value of drugs in older patients, age-blind approach, and inappropriate prescribing. New clinical and observational research is needed, including data on comprehensive geriatric assessment and frailty, to document the real efficacy and safety of frequently used medications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Fialová
- Department of Social and Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Králové, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic. .,Department of Geriatrics and Gerontology, 1st Faculty of Medicine in Prague, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic.
| | - Blanca Laffon
- DICOMOSA Group, Department of Psychology, Area of Psychobiology, Universidade da Coruña, A Coruña, Spain
| | - Valentina Marinković
- Department of Social Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Legislation, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Ljiljana Tasić
- Department of Social Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Legislation, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Peter Doro
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Gyӧngyver Sόos
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Jorge Mota
- Centro de Investigação em Actividade Fìsica, Saúde e Lazer (CIAFEL), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Soner Dogan
- Department of Medical Biology, School of Medicine, Yeditepe University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Jovana Brkić
- Department of Social and Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Králové, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - João Paulo Teixeira
- Department of Environmental Health, Portuguese National Institute of Health, Porto, Portugal.,EPIUnit, Institute of Public Health, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Vanessa Valdiglesias
- DICOMOSA Group, Department of Psychology, Area of Psychobiology, Universidade da Coruña, A Coruña, Spain
| | - Solange Costa
- Department of Environmental Health, Portuguese National Institute of Health, Porto, Portugal.,EPIUnit, Institute of Public Health, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
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Impact of Geriatrician-Performed Comprehensive Geriatric Care on Medication Use and Cognitive Function in Older Adults Referred to a Non-Hospital-Based Rehabilitation Unit. Am J Med 2019; 132:93-102.e2. [PMID: 30367848 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjmed.2018.09.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2018] [Revised: 09/23/2018] [Accepted: 09/26/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Eighty-eight percent of older adults referred to Danish non-hospital-based rehabilitation units used ≥5 regular drugs per day at the beginning of rehabilitation. The aim of the study was to explore whether geriatrician-performed comprehensive geriatric care had an impact on medication use and cognitive function in older adults after a 90-day follow-up. METHODS There were 368 individuals aged ≥65 years recruited from 2 Danish non-hospital-based rehabilitation units and randomized to geriatric care (the intervention group) or usual care (the control group). The medication adjustment was the key element of the geriatric intervention. The control group received standard rehabilitation with general practitioners as back-up. The outcomes were prevalence of hyperpolypharmacy (≥10 regular medications prescribed concurrently), the change in medication profile, and cognitive function measured using the Mini-Mental State Examination. RESULTS In the intervention group, fewer persons were exposed to hyperpolypharmacy (odds ratio 0.5; 95% confidence interval, 0.3-0.9) compared with the control group after 90 days. The prevalence of use of proton pump inhibitors, loop diuretics, or antiasthmatic inhalers was lower, while the prevalence of cholecalciferol use was higher in the intervention group compared with the control group. The prevalence of other drug use and cognitive function between groups were not different. CONCLUSIONS Geriatrician-performed comprehensive geriatric care may reduce the prevalence of hyperpolypharmacy and optimize the medication profile in older adults referred to a non-hospital-based rehabilitation. No impact on cognitive function was found.
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Hansen CR, O'Mahony D, Kearney PM, Sahm LJ, Cullinan S, Huibers C, Thevelin S, Rutjes AW, Knol W, Streit S, Byrne S. Identification of behaviour change techniques in deprescribing interventions: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2018; 84:2716-2728. [PMID: 30129139 PMCID: PMC6255994 DOI: 10.1111/bcp.13742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2018] [Revised: 07/31/2018] [Accepted: 08/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS Deprescribing interventions safely and effectively optimize medication use in older people. However, questions remain about which components of interventions are key to effectively reduce inappropriate medication use. This systematic review examines the behaviour change techniques (BCTs) of deprescribing interventions and summarizes intervention effectiveness on medication use and inappropriate prescribing. METHODS MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science and Academic Search Complete and grey literature were searched for relevant literature. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included if they reported on interventions in people aged ≥65 years. The BCT taxonomy was used to identify BCTs frequently observed in deprescribing interventions. Effectiveness of interventions on inappropriate medication use was summarized in meta-analyses. Medication appropriateness was assessed in accordance with STOPP criteria, Beers' criteria and national or local guidelines. Between-study heterogeneity was evaluated by I-squared and Chi-squared statistics. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration Tool for randomized controlled studies. RESULTS Of the 1561 records identified, 25 studies were included in the review. Deprescribing interventions were effective in reducing number of drugs and inappropriate prescribing, but a large heterogeneity in effects was observed. BCT clusters including goals and planning; social support; shaping knowledge; natural consequences; comparison of behaviour; comparison of outcomes; regulation; antecedents; and identity had a positive effect on the effectiveness of interventions. CONCLUSIONS In general, deprescribing interventions effectively reduce medication use and inappropriate prescribing in older people. Successful deprescribing is facilitated by the combination of BCTs involving a range of intervention components.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina R. Hansen
- Pharmaceutical Care Research Group, School of Pharmacy, Cavanagh Pharmacy BuildingUniversity College CorkCorkIreland
- Section for Social and Clinical Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medical SciencesUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagen ØDenmark
| | - Denis O'Mahony
- Department of MedicineUniversity College CorkCorkIreland
- Department of Geriatric MedicineCork University HospitalCorkIreland
| | | | - Laura J. Sahm
- Pharmaceutical Care Research Group, School of Pharmacy, Cavanagh Pharmacy BuildingUniversity College CorkCorkIreland
- Pharmacy DepartmentMercy University HospitalCorkIreland
| | - Shane Cullinan
- School of Pharmacy, Royal College of Surgeons of IrelandDublinIreland
| | - C.J.A. Huibers
- Department of Geriatric Medicine and Expertise Centre Pharmacotherapy in Old PersonsUniversity Medical Centre UtrechtUtrechtThe Netherlands
| | - Stefanie Thevelin
- Clinical Pharmacy Research Group, Louvain Drug Research InstituteUniversité Catholique de LouvainBrusselsBelgium
| | - Anne W.S. Rutjes
- Institute of Social and Preventive MedicineUniversity of Bern, Switzerland & Institute of Primary Health Care (BIHAM), University of BernSwitzerland
| | - Wilma Knol
- Department of Geriatric Medicine and Expertise Centre Pharmacotherapy in Old PersonsUniversity Medical Centre UtrechtUtrechtThe Netherlands
| | - Sven Streit
- Institute of Primary Health Care (BIHAM)University of BernBernSwitzerland
| | - Stephen Byrne
- Pharmaceutical Care Research Group, School of Pharmacy, Cavanagh Pharmacy BuildingUniversity College CorkCorkIreland
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Rankin A, Cadogan CA, Patterson SM, Kerse N, Cardwell CR, Bradley MC, Ryan C, Hughes C. Interventions to improve the appropriate use of polypharmacy for older people. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2018; 9:CD008165. [PMID: 30175841 PMCID: PMC6513645 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd008165.pub4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 200] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Inappropriate polypharmacy is a particular concern in older people and is associated with negative health outcomes. Choosing the best interventions to improve appropriate polypharmacy is a priority, hence interest in appropriate polypharmacy, where many medicines may be used to achieve better clinical outcomes for patients, is growing. This is the second update of this Cochrane Review. OBJECTIVES To determine which interventions, alone or in combination, are effective in improving the appropriate use of polypharmacy and reducing medication-related problems in older people. SEARCH METHODS We searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL and two trials registers up until 7 February 2018, together with handsearching of reference lists to identify additional studies. SELECTION CRITERIA We included randomised trials, non-randomised trials, controlled before-after studies, and interrupted time series. Eligible studies described interventions affecting prescribing aimed at improving appropriate polypharmacy in people aged 65 years and older, prescribed polypharmacy (four or more medicines), which used a validated tool to assess prescribing appropriateness. These tools can be classified as either implicit tools (judgement-based/based on expert professional judgement) or explicit tools (criterion-based, comprising lists of drugs to be avoided in older people). DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two review authors independently reviewed abstracts of eligible studies, extracted data and assessed risk of bias of included studies. We pooled study-specific estimates, and used a random-effects model to yield summary estimates of effect and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). We assessed the overall certainty of evidence for each outcome using the GRADE approach. MAIN RESULTS We identified 32 studies, 20 from this update. Included studies consisted of 18 randomised trials, 10 cluster randomised trials (one of which was a stepped-wedge design), two non-randomised trials and two controlled before-after studies. One intervention consisted of computerised decision support (CDS); and 31 were complex, multi-faceted pharmaceutical-care based approaches (i.e. the responsible provision of medicines to improve patient's outcomes), one of which incorporated a CDS component as part of their multi-faceted intervention. Interventions were provided in a variety of settings. Interventions were delivered by healthcare professionals such as general physicians, pharmacists and geriatricians, and all were conducted in high-income countries. Assessments using the Cochrane 'Risk of bias' tool, found that there was a high and/or unclear risk of bias across a number of domains. Based on the GRADE approach, the overall certainty of evidence for each pooled outcome ranged from low to very low.It is uncertain whether pharmaceutical care improves medication appropriateness (as measured by an implicit tool), mean difference (MD) -4.76, 95% CI -9.20 to -0.33; 5 studies, N = 517; very low-certainty evidence). It is uncertain whether pharmaceutical care reduces the number of potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs), (standardised mean difference (SMD) -0.22, 95% CI -0.38 to -0.05; 7 studies; N = 1832; very low-certainty evidence). It is uncertain whether pharmaceutical care reduces the proportion of patients with one or more PIMs, (risk ratio (RR) 0.79, 95% CI 0.61 to 1.02; 11 studies; N = 3079; very low-certainty evidence). Pharmaceutical care may slightly reduce the number of potential prescribing omissions (PPOs) (SMD -0.81, 95% CI -0.98 to -0.64; 2 studies; N = 569; low-certainty evidence), however it must be noted that this effect estimate is based on only two studies, which had serious limitations in terms of risk bias. Likewise, it is uncertain whether pharmaceutical care reduces the proportion of patients with one or more PPOs (RR 0.40, 95% CI 0.18 to 0.85; 5 studies; N = 1310; very low-certainty evidence). Pharmaceutical care may make little or no difference in hospital admissions (data not pooled; 12 studies; N = 4052; low-certainty evidence). Pharmaceutical care may make little or no difference in quality of life (data not pooled; 12 studies; N = 3211; low-certainty evidence). Medication-related problems were reported in eight studies (N = 10,087) using different terms (e.g. adverse drug reactions, drug-drug interactions). No consistent intervention effect on medication-related problems was noted across studies. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS It is unclear whether interventions to improve appropriate polypharmacy, such as reviews of patients' prescriptions, resulted in clinically significant improvement; however, they may be slightly beneficial in terms of reducing potential prescribing omissions (PPOs); but this effect estimate is based on only two studies, which had serious limitations in terms of risk bias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Audrey Rankin
- Queen's University BelfastSchool of Pharmacy97 Lisburn RoadBelfastNorthern IrelandUKBT9 7BL
| | - Cathal A Cadogan
- Royal College of Surgeons in IrelandSchool of PharmacyDublinIreland
| | - Susan M Patterson
- No affiliationIntegrated Care40 Dunmore RoadBallynahinchNorthern IrelandUKBT24 8PR
| | - Ngaire Kerse
- University of AucklandDepartment of General Practice and Primary Health CarePrivate Bag 92019AucklandNew Zealand
| | - Chris R Cardwell
- Queen's University BelfastCentre for Public HealthSchool of MedicineDentistry and Biomedical SciencesBelfastNorthern IrelandUKBT12 6BJ
| | - Marie C Bradley
- National Cancer Institute9609 Medical Center DriveRockvilleMDUSA20850
| | - Cristin Ryan
- Trinity College DublinSchool of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences111 St Stephen’s GreenDublin 2Ireland
| | - Carmel Hughes
- Queen's University BelfastSchool of Pharmacy97 Lisburn RoadBelfastNorthern IrelandUKBT9 7BL
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Abstract
BACKGROUND The number of drugs prescribed for old people has been rising in recent decades. With increasing age and multiple medications, the risk of complications and drug prescription complexity increases. Multiple changes to prescriptions could be a factor that improves treatment quality. OBJECTIVES Our objective was to investigate trends in drug prescriptions and factors that contribute to prescription changes. Specific objectives were to find out whether high numbers of prescription changes are significantly correlated with age, sex, comorbidity, length of care episode, and number of drugs. METHODS Data were extracted from geriatric clinic records in Stockholm in 2005, 2010, and 2015. Indicators for good drug therapy were used to assess the effects of prescription changes on quality, using an index of inappropriate drug use (IDU). Data were analyzed with Student's t-test, PR test, Wilcoxon's rank sum test, and linear regression. RESULTS Patients had more comorbidities and used more drugs but had shorter hospital stays and significantly fewer prescription changes in 2015 than in 2005. Length of care episode was significantly associated with prevalence of prescription changes. Our model showed that, for each day by which the length of care episode decreased, the number of prescription changes decreased by 8%. The number of prescription changes was negatively correlated to the IDU index score. CONCLUSIONS The study showed that more prescription changes were associated with longer care episodes and improved drug prescribing quality as per the IDU index. Given prescription changes are regarded as a quality factor in geriatric care, quality may have decreased along with the length of care episodes between 2005 and 2015.
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