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Green AR, Quiles R, Daddato AE, Merrey J, Weffald L, Gleason K, Xue QL, Swarthout M, Feeser S, Boyd CM, Wolff JL, Blinka MD, Libby AM, Boxer RS. Pharmacist-led telehealth deprescribing for people living with dementia and polypharmacy in primary care: A pilot study. J Am Geriatr Soc 2024; 72:1973-1984. [PMID: 38488757 PMCID: PMC11226386 DOI: 10.1111/jgs.18867] [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: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND People living with dementia (PLWD) have complex medication regimens, exposing them to increased risk of harm. Pragmatic deprescribing strategies that align with patient-care partner goals are needed. METHODS A pilot study of a pharmacist-led intervention to optimize medications with patient-care partner priorities, ran May 2021-2022 at two health systems. PLWD with ≥7 medications in primary care and a care partner were enrolled. After an introductory mailing, dyads were randomized to a pharmacist telehealth intervention immediately (intervention) or delayed by 3 months (control). Feasibility outcomes were enrollment, intervention completion, pharmacist time, and primary care provider (PCP) acceptance of recommendations. To refine pragmatic data collection protocols, we assessed the Medication Regimen Complexity Index (MRCI; primary efficacy outcome) and the Family Caregiver Medication Administration Hassles Scale (FCMAHS). RESULTS 69 dyads enrolled; 27 of 34 (79%) randomized to intervention and 28 of 35 (80%) randomized to control completed the intervention. Most visits (93%) took more than 20 min and required multiple follow-up interactions (62%). PCPs responded to 82% of the pharmacists' first messages and agreed with 98% of recommendations. At 3 months, 22 (81%) patients in the intervention and 14 (50%) in the control had ≥1 medication discontinued; 21 (78%) and 12 (43%), respectively, had ≥1 new medication added. The mean number of medications decreased by 0.6 (3.4) in the intervention and 0.2 (1.7) in the control, reflecting a non-clinically meaningful 1.0 (±12.4) point reduction in the MRCI among intervention patients and a 1.2 (±12.9) point increase among control. FCMAHS scores decreased by 3.3 (±18.8) points in the intervention and 2.5 (±14.4) points in the control. CONCLUSION Though complex, pharmacist-led telehealth deprescribing is feasible and may reduce medication burden in PLWD. To align with patient-care partner goals, pharmacists recommended deprescribing and prescribing. If scalable, such interventions may optimize goal-concordant care for PLWD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariel R Green
- Division of Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Rosalphie Quiles
- Division of Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Andrea E Daddato
- Kaiser Permanente Colorado Institute for Health Research, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | | | - Linda Weffald
- Kaiser Permanente Colorado Institute for Health Research, Aurora, Colorado, USA
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Kaiser Permanente Colorado, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Kathy Gleason
- Kaiser Permanente Colorado Institute for Health Research, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Qian-Li Xue
- Division of Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Johns Hopkins Center on Aging and Health, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Scott Feeser
- Johns Hopkins Community Physicians, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Cynthia M Boyd
- Division of Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Jennifer L Wolff
- Division of Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Marcela D Blinka
- Division of Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Johns Hopkins Center on Aging and Health, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Anne M Libby
- Department of Emergency Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Rebecca S Boxer
- Davis Department of Medicine, University of California, Sacramento, California, USA
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Lee S, Hahn J, Kim H, Chang MJ. Effect of Multi-Dose Dispensing on Medication Regimen Complexity: A Real-World Study. J Clin Med 2024; 13:1205. [PMID: 38592021 PMCID: PMC10932204 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13051205] [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: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 01/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Older patients frequently require dosing aids, such as multi-dose medication dispensing (MMD) when they experience medication regimen complexity (MRC) with increased drug use. However, the evaluations of the efficacy of MMD alterations remain limited. (2) Methods: A total of 1120 patients were included in the study who were discharged from hospital during the study period of January to March 2019. The Medication Regimen Complexity Index (MRCI) score, a validated 65-item tool in Korea (MRCI-K), was used to quantify MRC. The original MRCI-K scores, representing the typical administration based on prescription information, were compared to recalculated MRCI-K scores measured following MMD during the hospital dispensing period. Differences in MRCI-K across the top four wards based on the numbers of discharge prescription medications were assessed, and the overall scores were categorized into quartiles to identify MMD's impact within each group. We confirmed the effect of MMD based on the patient's admission diagnosis depending on MRCI. (3) Results: The mean (standard deviation) of original MRCI scores was 26.2 (13.4), which decreased to 18.9 (8.8) after applying MMD. The decrease in MRCI scores after MMD was statistically significant in all four wards, with the Orthopedic Surgery ward showing the biggest decrease. The patients with MRCI scores in the highest quartile group demonstrated the greatest improvement as a result of the implementation of MMD. Respiratory diseases exhibited the highest baseline MRCI scores due to formulation complexity, and ear, nose, and throat patients demonstrated the most significant reduction in MRC after MMD, depending on the diagnostic criteria at administration. (4) Conclusions: We confirmed the reduction in MRC after applying MMD, as a significant decrease in MRCI-K scores. This study highlights the need to deliver effective pharmacist-led services to identify patients who would benefit from MMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunmin Lee
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Life and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sunchon National University, Suncheon 57922, Republic of Korea;
- Department of Pharmacy and Yonsei Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Yonsei University, Incheon 21983, Republic of Korea;
| | - Jongsung Hahn
- College of Pharmacy, Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju 54896, Republic of Korea;
| | - Heungjo Kim
- Department of Pharmacy and Yonsei Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Yonsei University, Incheon 21983, Republic of Korea;
- Department of Pharmaceutical Medicine and Regulatory Science, Yonsei University, Incheon 21983, Republic of Korea
| | - Min Jung Chang
- Department of Pharmacy and Yonsei Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Yonsei University, Incheon 21983, Republic of Korea;
- Department of Pharmaceutical Medicine and Regulatory Science, Yonsei University, Incheon 21983, Republic of Korea
- Graduate Program of Industrial Pharmaceutical Science, Incheon 21983, Republic of Korea
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Marquez C, Thompson R, Feinstein JA, Orth LE. Identifying opportunities for pediatric medication therapy management in children with medical complexity. J Am Pharm Assoc (2003) 2022; 62:1587-1595.e3. [PMID: 35527209 PMCID: PMC9464681 DOI: 10.1016/j.japh.2022.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2021] [Revised: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite potential benefits of medication therapy management (MTM) for complex pediatric patients, implementation of pediatric MTM services is rare. OBJECTIVES To describe how a standardized pediatric MTM model identifies potential interventions and their impact on medication regimen complexity index (MRCI) scores in children with medical complexity (CMC) and polypharmacy. METHODS This retrospective proof-of-concept study included pediatric patients receiving primary care in a large outpatient primary care medical home for CMC within a tertiary freestanding children's hospital from August 2020 to July 2021. Medication profiles of established patients aged 0-18 years with at least 5 active medications at the time of the index visit were assessed for medication-related concerns, potential interventions, and potential impact of proposed interventions on MRCI scores. RESULTS Among 100 patients, an average of 3.4 ± 2.6 medication-related concerns was identified using the pediatric MTM model. Common medication-related concerns (>25% of patients) included inappropriate or unnecessary therapy, suboptimal therapy, undertreated symptom, adverse effect, clinically impactful drug-drug interaction, or duplication of therapy. A total of 97% had opportunities for 5.0 ± 2.9 potential interventions. Most common proposed interventions included drug discontinuation trial (69%), patient or caregiver education (55%), dosage form modification (51%), dose modification (49%), and frequency modification (46%). The mean baseline MRCI score was 32.6 (95% CI 29.3-35.8) among all patients. MRCI scores decreased by a mean of 4.9 (95% CI 3.8-5.9) after application of the theoretical interventions (P < 0.001). Mean potential score reduction was not significantly affected by patient age or number of complex chronic conditions. Potential impact of the proposed interventions on MRCI score was significantly greater in patients with higher baseline medication counts (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION Most CMC would likely benefit from a pharmacist-guided pediatric MTM service. A standardized review of active medication regimens identified multiple medication-related concerns and potential interventions for nearly all patients. Proposed medication interventions would significantly reduce medication regimen complexity as measured by MRCI. Further prospective evaluation of a pharmacist-guided pediatric MTM service is warranted.
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Wiersema C, Oude Voshaar RC, van den Brink RHS, Wouters H, Verhaak P, Comijs HC, Jeuring HW. Determinants and consequences of polypharmacy in patients with a depressive disorder in later life. Acta Psychiatr Scand 2022; 146:85-97. [PMID: 35435249 PMCID: PMC9321061 DOI: 10.1111/acps.13435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2021] [Revised: 03/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Polypharmacy and late-life depression often congregate in the geriatric population. The primary objective is to identify determinants of polypharmacy in patients with depression, and second to examine polypharmacy in relation to various clinical phenotypes of depression and its course. METHODS A longitudinal observational study using data of the Netherlands Study of Depression in Older persons (NESDO) including 375 patients with depression ≥ 60 years and 132 non-depressed comparisons. Linear and logistic regression were used to analyze both polypharmacy (dichotomous: ≥5 medications) and number of prescribed drugs (continuous) in relation to depression, various clinical phenotypes, and depression course. RESULTS Polypharmacy was more prevalent among patients with depression (46.9%) versus non-depressed comparisons (19.7%). A lower level of education, lower cognitive functioning, and more chronic diseases were independently associated with polypharmacy. Adjusted for these determinants, polypharmacy was associated with a higher level of motivational problems, anxiety, pain, and an earlier age of onset. A higher number of drugs was associated with a worse course of late-life depression (OR = 1.24 [95% CI: 1.03-1.49], p = 0.022). CONCLUSION Older patients with depression have a huge risk of polypharmacy, in particular among those with an early onset depression. As an independent risk factor for chronic depression, polypharmacy needs to be identified and managed appropriately. Findings suggest that depression moderates polypharmacy through shared risk factors, including motivational problems, anxiety, and pain. The complex interaction with somatic health burden requires physicians to prescribe medications with care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlijn Wiersema
- Department: University Center of Psychiatry, University of Groningen, University Medical Center GroningenGroningenThe Netherlands
| | - Richard C. Oude Voshaar
- Department: University Center of Psychiatry, University of Groningen, University Medical Center GroningenGroningenThe Netherlands
| | - Rob H. S. van den Brink
- Department: University Center of Psychiatry, University of Groningen, University Medical Center GroningenGroningenThe Netherlands
| | - Hans Wouters
- Department of General PracticeUniversity of Groningen, University Medical Center GroningenGroningenThe Netherlands
| | - Peter Verhaak
- Department of General PracticeUniversity of Groningen, University Medical Center GroningenGroningenThe Netherlands,Research Department, NIVEL, Netherlands Institute for Health Services ResearchUtrechtThe Netherlands
| | - Hannie C. Comijs
- Department Psychiatry, Amsterdam Public Health Research InstituteVU University Medical CenterAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Hans W. Jeuring
- Department: University Center of Psychiatry, University of Groningen, University Medical Center GroningenGroningenThe Netherlands
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5
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McDonough RP, McDonough A, Doucette WR. Use of medication regimen complexity to target services in the community. J Am Pharm Assoc (2003) 2021; 62:750-756. [PMID: 35090814 DOI: 10.1016/j.japh.2021.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2021] [Revised: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the community, successful medication therapy depends on patients managing complex medication regimens. To assist, pharmacists can sort patients on the basis of their regimen complexity and then tailor care appropriately. OBJECTIVES Objectives were to (1) develop a medication regimen complexity score and assess its reliability and validity, (2) design and implement a Less Complex program to tailor medication management services to the complexity of medication regimens, and (3) evaluate the impact that a Less Complex program had on identification and resolution of medication-related problems (MRPs). METHODS Patients in the Less Complex program were stratified into complexity categories on the basis of Iowa Medication Complexity Scores (IMECSs) to receive pharmacy services tailored to their complexity category. Types and numbers of MRPs identified and associated pharmacist interventions were extracted. Frequencies and descriptive statistics were calculated. To assess the reliability and validity of the IMECS, a stratified random sample of 125 patients was drawn. For each of these patients, baseline and end of 9-month scores for IMECS were compared with Medication Regimen Complexity Index (MRCI) scores using paired t tests. RESULTS A total of 661 patients had both baseline and post-IMECSs. The mean IMECS for the sample of 661 patients decreased from 28.6 at baseline to 27.3 during the postperiod. For the stratified sample (n = 113), the MRCI showed a nonsignificant change from baseline to the end of treatment period, whereas the IMECS showed a statistically significant decrease from baseline to the end of treatment period. A total of 10,535 MRPs and 10,482 interventions were documented during the 9-month treatment period for 1019 patients. CONCLUSION Evidence supported initial reliability and validity of the IMECS. The Less Complex program identified and addressed many MRPs by matching patient complexity to service type. Future work is needed to evaluate a similar approach in other pharmacies.
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Monteith S, Glenn T. Comparison of potential psychiatric drug interactions in six drug interaction database programs: A replication study after 2 years of updates. Hum Psychopharmacol 2021; 36:e2802. [PMID: 34228368 DOI: 10.1002/hup.2802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Revised: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Drug interaction database programs are a fundamental clinical tool. In 2018, we compared the category of potential drug-drug interaction (DDI) provided by six drug interaction database programs for 100 drug interaction pairs including psychiatric drugs, and found the category often differed. This study replicated the comparison in 2020 after 2 years of updates to all six drug interaction database programs. METHODS The 100 drug pairs included 94 different drugs: 67 pairs with a psychiatric and non-psychiatric drug, and 33 pairs with two psychiatric drugs. The assigned category of potential DDI for the drug pairs was compared using percent agreement and Fleiss kappa statistic of interrater reliability. RESULTS Despite 67 updates involving 46 of the 100 drug pairs, differences remained. The overall percent agreement among the six drug interaction database programs for the category of potential DDI was 67%. The interrater agreement results did not change. The Fleiss kappa overall interrater agreement was fair. The kappa agreement for a drug pair with any severe category rating was substantial, and the kappa agreement for a drug pair with any major category rating was fair. CONCLUSIONS Physicians should be aware of the inconsistency among drug interaction database programs in the category of potential DDI for drug pairs including psychiatric drugs. Additionally, the category of potential DDI for a drug pair may change over time. This study highlights the importance of ongoing international efforts to standardize methods used to define and classify potential DDI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott Monteith
- Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Traverse City Campus, Traverse City, Michigan, USA
| | - Tasha Glenn
- ChronoRecord Association, Fullerton, California, USA
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Pharmacists' Role in Older Adults' Medication Regimen Complexity: A Systematic Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18168824. [PMID: 34444572 PMCID: PMC8394844 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18168824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Revised: 08/14/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Medication regimen complexity (MRC) may influence health outcomes, such as hospitalisation, hospital readmission and medication adherence. Pharmacists have been referred to as health professionals with the opportunity to act on MRC reduction. This study aimed to investigate pharmacists' role in studies about older adults' medication regimen complexity. A literature search was performed in PubMed, Web of Science and the Cochrane Library-CENTRAL-up to October 2019. Out of 653 potentially relevant studies, 17 articles met the inclusion criteria for this review. Most studies used the 65-item medication regimen complexity index (MRCI) to assess medication complexity. Pharmacists' role was mainly confined to data collection. It seems that pharmacists' active role in older adults' medication complexity has not been studied in depth so far. However, the few existing interventional ones suggest that, after previous training, regimen simplification is feasible.
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Feinstein JA, Friedman H, Orth LE, Feudtner C, Kempe A, Samay S, Blackmer AB. Complexity of Medication Regimens for Children With Neurological Impairment. JAMA Netw Open 2021; 4:e2122818. [PMID: 34436607 PMCID: PMC8391103 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.22818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Parents of children with severe neurological impairment (SNI) manage complex medication regimens (CMRs) at home, and clinicians can help support parents and simplify CMRs. OBJECTIVE To measure the complexity and potentially modifiable aspects of CMRs using the Medication Regimen Complexity Index (MRCI) and to examine the association between MRCI scores and subsequent acute visits. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This cross-sectional study was conducted between April 1, 2019, and December 31, 2020, at a single-center, large, hospital-based, complex care clinic. Participants were children with SNI aged 1 to 18 years and 5 or more prescribed medications. EXPOSURE Home medication regimen complexity was assessed using MRCI scores. The total MRCI score is composed of 3 subscores (dosage form, dose frequency, and specialized instructions). MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Patient-level counts of subscore characteristics and additional safety variables (total doses per day, high-alert medications, and potential drug-drug interactions) were analyzed by MRCI score groups (low, medium, and high score tertiles). Associations between MRCI score groups and acute visits were tested using Poisson regression, adjusted for age, complex chronic conditions, and recent health care use. RESULTS Of 123 patients, 73 (59.3%) were male with a median (interquartile range [IQR]) age of 9 (5-13) years. The median (IQR) MRCI scores were 46 (35-61 [range, 8-139]) overall, 29 (24-35) for the low MRCI group, 46 (42-50) for the medium MRCI group, and 69 (61-78) for the high MRCI group. The median (IQR) counts for the subscores were 6 (4-7) dosage forms per patient, 7 (5-9) dose frequencies per patient, and 5 (4-8) instructions per patient, with counts increasing significantly across higher MRCI groups. Similar trends occurred for total daily doses (median [IQR], 31 [20-45] doses), high-alert medications (median [IQR], 3 [1-5] medications), and potential drug-drug interactions (median [IQR], 3 [0-6] interactions). Incidence rate ratios of 30-day acute visits were 1.26 times greater (95% CI, 0.57-2.78) in the medium MRCI group vs the low MRCI group and 2.42 times greater (95% CI, 1.10-5.35) in the high MRCI group vs the low MRCI group. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Higher MRCI scores were associated with multiple dose frequencies, complicated by different dosage forms and instructions, and associated with subsequent acute visits. These findings suggest that clinical interventions to manage CMRs could target various aspects of these regimens, such as the simplification of dosing schedules.
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Affiliation(s)
- James A. Feinstein
- Adult and Child Consortium for Health Outcomes Research and Delivery Science, University of Colorado and Children’s Hospital Colorado, Aurora
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado, Aurora
| | | | - Lucas E. Orth
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado, Aurora
| | - Chris Feudtner
- Division of General Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Allison Kempe
- Adult and Child Consortium for Health Outcomes Research and Delivery Science, University of Colorado and Children’s Hospital Colorado, Aurora
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado, Aurora
| | - Sadaf Samay
- Research Informatics, Analytics Resource Center, Children’s Hospital Colorado, Aurora
| | - Allison B. Blackmer
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado, Aurora
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Saderup AM, Morrow M, Libby AM, Coyle RP, Coleman SS, Zheng JH, Ellison L, Bushman LR, Kiser JJ, MaWhinney S, Anderson PL, Castillo-Mancilla JR. Higher medication complexity in persons with HIV is associated with lower tenofovir diphosphate in dried blood spots. Pharmacotherapy 2021; 41:291-298. [PMID: 33594735 DOI: 10.1002/phar.2490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2020] [Revised: 11/13/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVE To assess the association between tenofovir diphosphate (TFV-DP) in dried blood spots (DBS), a measure of cumulative tenofovir-based antiretroviral (ART) adherence, with medication regimen complexity in persons with human immunodeficiency virus (PWH). DESIGN Prospective clinical cohort (up to three visits over 48 weeks). SETTING Academic-based HIV clinic. PATIENTS PWH receiving tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF)-based ART. MEASUREMENTS DBS for TFV-DP were collected at every study visit. Baseline patient-level medication regimen complexity index (pMRCI) scores were calculated and categorized into three sub-scores (disease-specific [ART], non-ART, and over-the-counter [OTC]). The pMRCI scores were evaluated to assess the association with TFV-DP in DBS <350 fmol/punch after adjusting for clinical covariates. pMRCI scores were also categorized to estimate the adjusted relative risk (aRR) of having a TFV-DP <350 fmol/punch between pMRCI quartiles. MAIN RESULTS Data from 525 participants (1,146 person-visits) were analyzed. Baseline median (interquartile range [IQR]) pMRCI scores for participants with TFV-DP in DBS <350 vs. ≥350 fmol/punch were 4 (3, 8) vs. 4 (2, 6) for ART, 27 (12, 31) vs. 12 (5, 22) for non-ART, and 0 (0, 1) vs. 0 (0, 2) for OTC, respectively. For the non-ART scores, the aRR for having a TFV-DP in DBS <350 fmol/punch was 6.4 (95% CI: 2.0, 20.6; P=0.002) when comparing participants in the highest pMRCI quartile with those in the lowest quartile. CONCLUSIONS Higher pMRCI for non-ART medications is associated with lower adherence as measured by TFV-DP in DBS. Future research should investigate whether reducing non-ART medication complexity improves ART adherence and exposure in PWH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Austin M Saderup
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado-AMC, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Mary Morrow
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Colorado School of Public Health, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Anne M Libby
- Department of Emergency Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Colorado-AMC, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Ryan P Coyle
- Division of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, University of Colorado-AMC, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | | | - Jia-Hua Zheng
- Colorado Antiviral Pharmacology Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado-AMC, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Lucas Ellison
- Colorado Antiviral Pharmacology Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado-AMC, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Lane R Bushman
- Colorado Antiviral Pharmacology Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado-AMC, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Jennifer J Kiser
- Colorado Antiviral Pharmacology Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado-AMC, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Samantha MaWhinney
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Colorado School of Public Health, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Peter L Anderson
- Colorado Antiviral Pharmacology Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado-AMC, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Jose R Castillo-Mancilla
- Division of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, University of Colorado-AMC, Aurora, Colorado, USA
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Harris SC, Jean SJ. Characterization of the medication regimen complexity index in high-utilizer, adult psychiatric patients. Ment Health Clin 2020; 10:207-214. [PMID: 32685331 PMCID: PMC7338000 DOI: 10.9740/mhc.2020.07.207] [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] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Few studies have examined the role of medication-related factors in psychiatric readmissions. Our objective was to characterize the medication regimen complexity index (MRCI) and assess its association with psychiatric hospital readmission frequency and time to readmission in a high-utilizer psychiatric cohort. Methods Adult patients admitted between July 2012 and March 2014 were identified if discharged from an inpatient psychiatry service with greater than or equal to 5 psychiatric readmissions or at least one 30-day readmission. Complexity of the medication regimen was determined using a validated MRCI electronic capture tool. Results One hundred sixty-eight patients were included. Average MRCI for all readmissions was 7.09 for psychotropic medications, 5.90 for other prescription medications, 2.98 for over the counter, and 16.00 for total medications. Ages greater than 65 years old and female sex were associated with higher total MRCI scores. Average MRCI for psychotropic medications and average psychotropic medication count, along with depression diagnosis, were found to be significantly associated with average time between each readmission but not with readmission frequency. An average total MRCI score greater than 19.7, when broken down by percentiles, was associated with a shorter time to readmission. Discussion Psychotropic regimen complexity, psychotropic medication count, total MRCI greater than 19.7, and a diagnosis of depression may contribute to a shorter time to readmission in adult psychiatric patients with a history of frequent readmissions. Future studies are needed to confirm findings and evaluate clinical significance and impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzanne C Harris
- Clinical Assistant Professor, University of North Carolina Eshelman School of Pharmacy, Chapel Hill, North Carolina; Pharmacy Clinical Specialist, University of North Carolina Medical Center, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Stephanie J Jean
- Clinical Assistant Professor, University of North Carolina Eshelman School of Pharmacy, Chapel Hill, North Carolina; Pharmacy Clinical Specialist, University of North Carolina Medical Center, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
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Differences in the Complexity of Office Visits by Physician Specialty: NAMCS 2013-2016. J Gen Intern Med 2020; 35:1715-1720. [PMID: 32157646 PMCID: PMC7280404 DOI: 10.1007/s11606-019-05624-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2019] [Revised: 11/04/2019] [Accepted: 12/13/2019] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Specialty-to-specialty variation in use of outpatient evaluation and management service codes could lead to important differences in reimbursement among specialties. OBJECTIVE To compare the complexity of visits to physicians whose incomes are largely dependent on evaluation and management services to the complexity of visits to physicians whose incomes are largely dependent on procedures. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS We analyzed 53,670 established patient outpatient visits reported by physicians in the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NAMCS) from 2013 to 2016. We defined high complexity visits as those with an above average number of diagnoses (> 2) and/or medications (> 3) listed We based our comparison on time intervals corresponding to typical outpatient evaluation and management times as defined by the Current Procedural Terminology Manual and specialty utilization of evaluation and management codes based on 2015 Medicare payments. MAIN OUTCOME AND MEASURES Proportion of complex visits by specialty category. KEY RESULTS We found significant differences in the content of similar-length office visits provided by different specialties. For level 4 established outpatient visits (99214), the percentage involving high diagnostic complexity ranged from 62% for internal medicine, 52% for family medicine/general practice, and 41% for neurology (specialties whose incomes are largely dependent on evaluation and management codes), to 34% for dermatology, 42% for ophthalmology, and 25% for orthopedic surgery (specialties whose incomes are more dependent on procedure codes) (p value of the difference < 0.001). High medication complexity was found in the following proportions of visits: internal medicine 56%, family medicine/general practice 49%, and neurology 43%, as compared with dermatology 33%, ophthalmology 30%, and orthopedic surgery 30% (p value of the difference < 0.001). CONCLUSION Within the same duration visits, specialties whose incomes depend more on evaluation and management codes on average addressed more clinical issues and managed more medications than specialties whose incomes are more dependent on procedures.
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Alves-Conceição V, Rocha KSS, Silva FVN, Silva RDOS, Cerqueira-Santos S, Nunes MAP, Martins-Filho PRS, da Silva DT, de Lyra DP. Are Clinical Outcomes Associated With Medication Regimen Complexity? A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Ann Pharmacother 2019; 54:301-313. [DOI: 10.1177/1060028019886846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Current evidence of the influence of the medication regimen complexity (MRC) on the patients’ clinical outcomes are not conclusive. Objective: To systematically and analytically assess the association between MRC measured by the Medication Regimen Complexity Index (MRCI) and clinical outcomes. Methods: A search was carried out in the databases Cochrane Library, LILACS, PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, Open Thesis, and Web of Science to identify studies evaluating the association between MRC and clinical outcomes that were published from January 1, 2004, to April 2, 2018. The search terms included outcome assessment, drug therapy, and medication regimen complexity index and their synonyms in different combinations for case-control and cohort studies that used the MRCI to measure MRC and related the MRCI with clinical outcomes. Odds ratios (ORs), hazard ratios (HRs), and mean differences (WMDs) were calculated, and heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 test. Results: A total of 12 studies met the eligibility criteria. The meta-analysis showed that MRC is associated with the following clinical outcomes: hospitalization (HR = 1.20; 95% CI = 1.14 to 1.27; I2 = 0%) in cohort studies, hospital readmissions (WMD = 7.72; 95% CI = 1.19 to 14.25; I2 = 84%) in case-control studies, and medication nonadherence (adjusted OR = 1.05; 95% CI = 1.02 to 1.07; I2 = 0%) in cohort studies. Conclusion and Relevance: This systematic review and meta-analysis gathered relevant scientific evidence and quantified the combined estimates to show the association of MRC with clinical outcomes: hospitalization, hospital readmission, and medication adherence.
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13
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Sevilla-Sanchez D, Molist-Brunet N, González-Bueno J, Solà-Bonada N, Amblàs-Novellas J, Espaulella-Panicot J, Codina-Jane C. Medication regimen complexity on hospital admission in patients with advanced chronic conditions in need of palliative care. Eur J Hosp Pharm 2019; 26:262-267. [PMID: 31656613 DOI: 10.1136/ejhpharm-2017-001478] [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: 12/19/2017] [Revised: 03/05/2018] [Accepted: 03/27/2018] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives To evaluate characteristics of the medication complexity, risk factors associated with high medication complexity and their clinical consequences in patients with advanced chronic conditions. Methods A 10-month cross-sectional study was performed in an acute-hospital care Geriatric Unit. Patients with advanced chronic conditions were identified by the NECPAL test. Medication complexity was established using the Medication Regimen Complexity Index (MRCI) tool. Demographic, pharmacological and clinical patient data were collected with the objective of determining risk factors related to high medication complexity. Measured clinical outcomes were hospital length of stay, destination on hospital discharge, in-hospital mortality and 2-year survival. Results Two hundred and thirty-five patients (mean age 86.8, SD 5.37; 65.5% female) were recruited. MRCI's mean score was 38 points (SD 16.54, rank: 2.00-98.50), with 57.9% of patients with high medication complexity (MRCI >35 points).
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Sevilla-Sanchez
- Pharmacy Department, Hospital Universitari de Vic - Consorci Hospitalari de Vic; Hospital de la Santa Creu de Vic, Vic, Spain.,Central Catalonia Chronicity Research Group (C3RG), Universitat de Vic - Universitat Central de Catalunya, Vic, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Núria Molist-Brunet
- Central Catalonia Chronicity Research Group (C3RG), Universitat de Vic - Universitat Central de Catalunya, Vic, Catalonia, Spain.,Acute Geriatric Unit, Hospital de la Santa Creu de Vic, Vic, Spain
| | - Javier González-Bueno
- Pharmacy Department, Hospital Universitari de Vic - Consorci Hospitalari de Vic; Hospital de la Santa Creu de Vic, Vic, Spain.,Central Catalonia Chronicity Research Group (C3RG), Universitat de Vic - Universitat Central de Catalunya, Vic, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Núria Solà-Bonada
- Pharmacy Department, Hospital Universitari de Vic - Consorci Hospitalari de Vic; Hospital de la Santa Creu de Vic, Vic, Spain.,Central Catalonia Chronicity Research Group (C3RG), Universitat de Vic - Universitat Central de Catalunya, Vic, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Jordi Amblàs-Novellas
- Central Catalonia Chronicity Research Group (C3RG), Universitat de Vic - Universitat Central de Catalunya, Vic, Catalonia, Spain.,Acute Geriatric Unit, Hospital de la Santa Creu de Vic, Vic, Spain.,Geriatric and Palliative Care Territorial Unit, Hospital de la Santa Creu de Vic, Consorci Hospitalari de Vic, Vic, Spain.,Palliative Care Chair, Universitat de Vic - Universitat Central de Catalunya, Vic, Spain
| | - Joan Espaulella-Panicot
- Central Catalonia Chronicity Research Group (C3RG), Universitat de Vic - Universitat Central de Catalunya, Vic, Catalonia, Spain.,Acute Geriatric Unit, Hospital de la Santa Creu de Vic, Vic, Spain.,Geriatric and Palliative Care Territorial Unit, Hospital de la Santa Creu de Vic, Consorci Hospitalari de Vic, Vic, Spain
| | - Carles Codina-Jane
- Pharmacy Department, Hospital Universitari de Vic - Consorci Hospitalari de Vic; Hospital de la Santa Creu de Vic, Vic, Spain.,Central Catalonia Chronicity Research Group (C3RG), Universitat de Vic - Universitat Central de Catalunya, Vic, Catalonia, Spain.,Pharmacy Department, Hospital Clinic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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Khor YH, Glaspole I, Goh NSL. Therapeutic burden in interstitial lung disease: Lessons to learn. Respirology 2019; 24:566-571. [PMID: 30790404 DOI: 10.1111/resp.13480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2018] [Revised: 10/20/2018] [Accepted: 01/06/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD) are often prescribed disease-targeted and symptomatic therapies, both of which can cause significant treatment burden due to polypharmacy and drug-disease interactions. This study aimed to evaluate medication regimen complexity before and after introduction of ILD-specific therapies. Potential drug-disease interactions were evaluated for patients who were prescribed prednisolone. METHODS In this study, 214 patients with ILD were assessed for demographic information, co-morbidities and medication use. Medication lists were reviewed prior to and after the introduction of ILD-specific therapies. Complexity of treatment regimen was examined using the validated Medication Regimen Complexity Index (MRCI). RESULTS Of the 214 patients, 75 had idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) while the rest had inflammatory ILD (chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis: 45; connective tissue disease-related ILD: 41). Polypharmacy was common at baseline (IPF: 51%, inflammatory ILD: 63%). Following introduction of ILD-specific therapies, median total MRCI scores significantly increased from 8 (interquartile range (IQR) = 8-15) to 22.5 (17.5-27.5) and 14.5 (8.5-21) to 21.5 (16-30) for IPF and inflammatory ILD groups, respectively (P < 0.0001 for both). Complex dosing instructions contributed the most to total MRCI scores for ILD-specific therapies. Among patients receiving prednisolone (n = 113), 88% had ≥1 co-morbidity which may be impacted. Common co-morbidities included gastrointestinal diseases (56%), obesity (37%), osteoporosis (24%) and diabetes mellitus (18%). CONCLUSION Polypharmacy and complex medication regimen are common in patients with ILD of different aetiologies. There is a high frequency of potential drug-disease interactions among patients who are prescribed systemic corticosteroids. These findings highlight the need for careful evaluation of the impact of therapeutic complexity and burden in patients with ILD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yet H Khor
- Department of Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, Austin Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Institute for Breathing and Sleep, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,School of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Department of Allergy, Immunology and Respiratory Medicine, Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Ian Glaspole
- Department of Allergy, Immunology and Respiratory Medicine, Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,School of Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Nicole S L Goh
- Department of Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, Austin Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Institute for Breathing and Sleep, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Department of Allergy, Immunology and Respiratory Medicine, Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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Barnette DJ, Hanks C, Li W, Porter K. Patient-Level Medication Regimen Complexity in an Adolescent and Adult Population with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Pharmacotherapy 2018; 39:636-644. [PMID: 30508268 DOI: 10.1002/phar.2202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) frequently experience polypharmacy. However, there is limited understanding of how to quantify medication complexity in this vulnerable population. OBJECTIVES This study examined medication administration difficulty using the Medication Regimen Complexity Index (MRCI) tool in adolescents and adults with ASD. The outcomes compared the mean total MRCI score with the medication count, described MRCI contributions for over-the-counter medication (OTC), and compared MRCI scores by patient characteristics. METHODS This was a retrospective chart review of patients aged 7-45 years (mean = 20.1) enrolled in a primary care ASD transitions program. Each patient's listed medications were counted and then scored using the validated MRCI tool. RESULTS For the 142 patients studied, mean total MRCI was 14.6 ± 14.6 (range 0-89) and mean medication count was 6.3 ± 5.4 (range 0-38). For patients on 0-4 medications (66 of 142; 46.5%), the mean MRCI was 5.5 ± 4.2, 5-9 medications (50 of 142; 35.2%) the mean MRCI was 15.2 ± 6.8, and 10-38 medications (26 of 142; 18.3%) the mean MRCI was 36.5 ± 18.9 (p<0.001). Sixty percent (85 of 142) reported OTC use, which contributed 26.6% to the mean total MRCI. Reported benzodiazepine (mean MRCI 25.8 ± 17.2), antiepileptic (mean MRCI 23.7 ± 16.9), antipsychotic (mean MRCI 19.7 ± 15.9), or antidepressant (mean MRCI 17.0 ± 14.8) use received higher MRCI scores compared to nonuse (p<0.001 for all except antidepressants [p=0.004]). Total MRCI did not differ significantly by age group, sex, or attention-deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) medication use (stimulant or nonstimulant). CONCLUSIONS Medication regimen complexity in adolescents and adults with ASD was increased significantly for individuals taking ≥ 5 medications. Central nervous system agent use, other than ADHD therapy, identified patients with higher regimen complexity. The related clinical effects of these findings warrant further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debra J Barnette
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Science, The Ohio State University College of Pharmacy, Columbus, Ohio.,Internal Medicine and Pediatrics at Hilliard, The Ohio State Wexner Medical Center, Hilliard, Ohio
| | - Christopher Hanks
- Internal Medicine and Pediatrics at Hilliard, The Ohio State Wexner Medical Center, Hilliard, Ohio
| | - Weiyi Li
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Science, The Ohio State University College of Pharmacy, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Kyle Porter
- Center for Biostatistics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
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Alves-Conceição V, Rocha KSS, Silva FVN, Silva ROS, Silva DTD, Lyra-Jr DPD. Medication Regimen Complexity Measured by MRCI: A Systematic Review to Identify Health Outcomes. Ann Pharmacother 2018; 52:1117-1134. [DOI: 10.1177/1060028018773691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective: To perform a systematic review to identify health outcomes related to medication regimen complexity as measured by the Medication Regimen Complexity Index (MRCI) instrument. Data Sources: Cochrane Library, LILACS, PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, Open Thesis, and Web of Science were searched from January 1, 2004, until April 02, 2018, using the following search terms: outcome assessment, drug therapy, and Medication Regimen Complexity Index and their synonyms in different combinations. Study Selection and Data Extraction: Studies that used the MRCI instrument to measure medication regimen complexity and related it to clinical, humanistic, and/or economic outcomes were evaluated. Two reviewers independently carried out the analysis of the titles, abstracts, and complete texts according to the eligibility criteria, performed data extraction, and evaluated study quality. Data Synthesis: A total of 23 studies met the inclusion criteria; 18 health outcomes related to medication regimen complexity were found. The health outcomes most influenced by medication regimen complexity were hospital readmission, medication adherence, hospitalization, adverse drug events, and emergency sector visit. Only one study related medication regimen complexity with humanistic outcomes, and no study related medication regimen complexity to economic outcomes. Most of the studies were of good methodological quality. Relevance to Patient Care and Clinical Practice: Health care professionals should pay attention to medication regimen complexity of the patients because this may influence health outcomes. Conclusion: This study identified some health outcomes that may be influenced by medication regimen complexity: hospitalization, hospital readmission, and medication adherence were more prevalent, showing a significant association between MRCI increase and these health outcomes.
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Saqr Y, Braun E, Porter K, Barnette D, Hanks C. Addressing medical needs of adolescents and adults with autism spectrum disorders in a primary care setting. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2017; 22:51-61. [PMID: 28750547 PMCID: PMC5788079 DOI: 10.1177/1362361317709970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Little has been reported about how to improve health care access and delivery for adolescents and adults with autism spectrum disorder. To understand the contributions to the health disparities in the autism spectrum disorder population, we conducted two independent research approaches to learn about current medical needs. A retrospective chart review was performed to evaluate medical comorbidities and medication use. A focus group was also created to address barriers faced in providing medical care. Of 126 charts reviewed, 49% (n = 62) had intellectual disability, 49% (n = 62) had attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, 52% (n = 65) had anxiety, 41% (n = 52) had obesity, 31% (n = 39) with a history of aggressive behavior, 31% (n = 31) had depression, 22% (n = 28) had seizures, and 9% (n = 11) had hypertension. A Medical Regimen Complexity Index score was determined to examine medication use trends in the autism spectrum disorder population. Medical Regimen Complexity Index scores were significantly higher for patients with intellectual disability, patients with seizures, and patients with a history of aggressive behavior. Both the focus group and our pre-visit assessment identified the waiting room and waiting time as barriers to care. Understanding the comorbidities, polypharmacy, and medical barriers should provide a better understanding of the current health care access and delivery needs of adolescents and adults with autism spectrum disorder.
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Cobretti MR, Page RL, Linnebur SA, Deininger KM, Ambardekar AV, Lindenfeld J, Aquilante CL. Medication regimen complexity in ambulatory older adults with heart failure. Clin Interv Aging 2017; 12:679-686. [PMID: 28442898 PMCID: PMC5396835 DOI: 10.2147/cia.s130832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Heart failure prevalence is increasing in older adults, and polypharmacy is a major problem in this population. We compared medication regimen complexity using the validated patient-level Medication Regimen Complexity Index (pMRCI) tool in "young-old" (60-74 years) versus "old-old" (75-89 years) patients with heart failure. We also compared pMRCI between patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy (ISCM) versus nonischemic cardiomyopathy (NISCM). PATIENTS AND METHODS Medication lists were retrospectively abstracted from the electronic medical records of ambulatory patients aged 60-89 years with heart failure. Medications were categorized into three types - heart failure prescription medications, other prescription medications, and over-the-counter (OTC) medications - and scored using the pMRCI tool. RESULTS The study evaluated 145 patients (n=80 young-old, n=65 old-old, n=85 ISCM, n=60 NISCM, mean age 73±7 years, 64% men, 81% Caucasian). Mean total pMRCI scores (32.1±14.4, range 3-84) and total medication counts (13.3±4.8, range 2-30) were high for the entire cohort, of which 72% of patients were taking eleven or more total medications. Total and subtype pMRCI scores and medication counts did not differ significantly between the young-old and old-old groups, with the exception of OTC medication pMRCI score (6.2±4 young-old versus 7.8±5.8 old-old, P=0.04). With regard to heart failure etiology, total pMRCI scores and medication counts were significantly higher in patients with ISCM versus NISCM (pMRCI score 34.5±15.2 versus 28.8±12.7, P=0.009; medication count 14.1±4.9 versus 12.2±4.5, P=0.008), which was largely driven by other prescription medications. CONCLUSION Medication regimen complexity is high in older adults with heart failure, and differs based on heart failure etiology. Additional work is needed to address polypharmacy and to determine if medication regimen complexity influences adherence and clinical outcomes in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Robert L Page
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO
| | - Sunny A Linnebur
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO
| | | | - Amrut V Ambardekar
- Division of Cardiology, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO
| | - JoAnn Lindenfeld
- Advanced Heart Failure and Cardiac Transplant Program, Vanderbilt Heart and Vascular Institute, Nashville, TN, USA
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Pinto IVL, Reis AMM, Almeida-Brasil CC, Silveira MRD, Lima MG, Ceccato MDGB. Avaliação da compreensão da farmacoterapia entre idosos atendidos na Atenção Primária à Saúde de Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil. CIENCIA & SAUDE COLETIVA 2016; 21:3469-3481. [DOI: 10.1590/1413-812320152111.19812015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2015] [Accepted: 11/29/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Resumo Os idosos apresentam maior número de doenças, levando a maior uso de medicamentos e a farmacoterapia mais complexa. O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar o nível de compreensão da farmacoterapia entre idosos e fatores associados. Realizou-se estudo transversal analítico em Unidades Básicas de Saúde. Foram investigadas as características sociodemográficas, clínicas, funcionais e relativas ao uso de medicamentos. O nível de compreensão foi obtido após a análise de concordância entre a resposta do entrevistado e a informação contida na prescrição para: nome do medicamento, dose, frequência, indicação, precauções e efeitos adversos. O nível global de compreensão foi classificado como insuficiente em caso de discordância ≥ 30%. Dos 227 idosos entrevistados, 51,1% apresentaram compreensão insuficiente em relação aos medicamentos. Realizou-se regressão logística multivariada para observar os fatores associados à compreensão da farmacoterapia, sendo menor escolaridade e dependência para uso dos medicamentos os que apresentaram associação com a compreensão insuficiente (p < 0,05). É necessário implementar estratégias para aumentar a qualidade das orientações fornecidas aos idosos e garantir seu cumprimento.
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Okuyan B, Babi B, Sancar M, Ay P, Yücel E, Yücel A, Izzettin FV. Validation of the Turkish version of medication regimen complexity index among elderly patients. J Eval Clin Pract 2016; 22:732-6. [PMID: 26987572 DOI: 10.1111/jep.12526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2015] [Revised: 02/01/2016] [Accepted: 02/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to validate the Turkish version of the 'Medication Regimen Complexity Index' (MRCI). METHODS This validation study has been conducted in prescriptions of the first 100 elderly patients who had visited the pharmacy for their prescription refill to evaluate convergent and divergent validity of the Turkish version. The reliability of the Turkish version was assessed with inter-rater and test-retest analysis after its translation and cultural adaptation. RESULTS The mean age of the 100 patients (53 women) was 74.9 years (SD = 7.58, 65-95). The scale showed high inter-rater reliability and test-retest reliability for the total and subscale scores (p < 0.05). A strong and positive correlation between the number of medications in a prescription and the total Medication Regimen Complexity Index scores (r = 0.930, p < 0.001) was determined. There were no statistically significant differences between age, gender and MRCI scores (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION These results show that the Turkish version of MRCI is a reliable and valid tool in elderly patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Betul Okuyan
- Clinical Pharmacy Department, Marmara University, Faculty of Pharmacy, Istanbul, Turkey.
| | - Bedis Babi
- Clinical Pharmacy Department, Marmara University, Faculty of Pharmacy, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Mesut Sancar
- Clinical Pharmacy Department, Marmara University, Faculty of Pharmacy, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Pınar Ay
- Department of Public Health, Marmara University Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Emre Yücel
- Epidemiology, Human Genetics, and Environmental Sciences, School of Public Health, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Aylin Yücel
- Pharmaceutical Health Outcomes and Policy, College of Pharmacy, University of Houston, USA
| | - Fikret Vehbi Izzettin
- Clinical Pharmacy Department, Marmara University, Faculty of Pharmacy, Istanbul, Turkey
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Saez de la Fuente J, Such Diaz A, Cañamares-Orbis I, Ramila E, Izquierdo-Garcia E, Esteban C, Escobar-Rodríguez I. Cross-cultural Adaptation and Validation of the Medication Regimen Complexity Index Adapted to Spanish. Ann Pharmacother 2016; 50:918-925. [DOI: 10.1177/1060028016656385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The most widely used validated instrument to assess the complexity of medication regimens is the Medication Regimen Complexity Index (MRCI). Objective: This study aimed to translate, adapt, and validate a reliable version of the MRCI adapted to Spanish (MRCI-E). Methods: The cross-cultural adaptation process consisted of an independent translation by 3 clinical pharmacists and a backtranslation by 2 native English speakers. A reliability analysis was conducted on 20 elderly randomly selected patients. Two clinical pharmacists calculated the MRCI-E from discharge treatments and 2 months later. For the validity analysis, the sample was augmented to 60 patients. Convergent validity was assessed by analyzing the correlation between the number of medications; discriminant validity was stratified by gender; and predictive validity was determined by analyzing the ability to predict readmission and mortality at 3 and 6 months. Results: The MRCI-E retained the original structure of 3 sections. The reliability analysis demonstrated an excellent internal consistency (Cronbach’s α=0.83), and the intraclass correlation coefficient exceeded 0.9 in all cases. The correlation coefficient with the number of medications was 0.883 ( P<0.001). No significant differences were found when stratified by gender (3.6; 95%CI=−2.9 to 10.2; P=0.27). Patients who were readmitted at 3 months had a higher MRCI-E score (10.7; 95%CI=4.4 to 17.2; P=0.001). The differences remained significant in patients readmitted at 6 months, but differences in mortality were not detected. Conclusions: The MRCI-E retains the reliability and validity of the original index and provides a suitable tool to assess the complexity of medication regimens in Spanish.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Estela Ramila
- MA Translation and Interpreting, English Philology, Spain
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Bryant BM, Libby AM, Metz KR, Page RL, Ambardekar AV, Lindenfeld J, Aquilante CL. Evaluating Patient-Level Medication Regimen Complexity Over Time in Heart Transplant Recipients. Ann Pharmacother 2016; 50:926-934. [PMID: 27371949 DOI: 10.1177/1060028016657552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Medication regimen complexity describes multiple characteristics of a patient's prescribed drug regimen. Heart transplant recipients must comply with a lifelong regimen that consists of numerous medications. However, a systematic assessment of medication regimen complexity over time has not been conducted in this, or any other, transplant population. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to quantify patient-level medication regimen complexity over time following primary heart transplantation and heart retransplantation, using the validated patient-level Medication Regimen Complexity Index (pMRCI) tool. METHODS Medication lists were reviewed at transplant discharge and years 1, 3, and 5 post-primary heart transplant, and at transplant discharge and years 1 and 3 post-heart retransplantation. Medications were categorized as transplant-specific, other prescription, and over-the-counter (OTC). RESULTS In primary heart transplant recipients (n = 60), mean total medication count was 14.3 ± 3.4 at transplant discharge and did not change significantly over time ( P = 0.64). Transplant-specific medication count decreased significantly from discharge (2.9 ± 0.4) to year 5 (2.3 ± 0.6); P = 0.02. However, 32% of patients were taking 16 or more total medications at year 5 posttransplant. More than 70% of the pMRCI score was attributed to other prescription and OTC medications, which was largely driven by dosing frequency in this cohort. Medication complexity did not differ significantly between heart retransplant recipients (n = 11) and matched primary heart transplant controls (n = 22). CONCLUSION Together, these data highlight the substantial medication burden after heart transplantation and reveal opportunities to address medication regimen complexity in this, and other, transplant populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brittney M Bryant
- 1 University of Colorado Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Anne M Libby
- 2 University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Kelli R Metz
- 1 University of Colorado Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Robert L Page
- 1 University of Colorado Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Aurora, CO, USA
| | | | | | - Christina L Aquilante
- 1 University of Colorado Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Aurora, CO, USA
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Delaney C, Barrere C, Grimes R, Apostolidis B. Testing of a Statewide Initiative to Enhance Depression Care in Older Home Care Patients. HOME HEALTH CARE MANAGEMENT AND PRACTICE 2016. [DOI: 10.1177/1084822316642752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Late-life depression is becoming increasingly prevalent among older adults in the United States and is predictive of a wide range of negative health-related outcomes. Fourteen home care agencies participated in a quasi-experimental, pre-test, post-test design of a depression screening training program nested within a two-cycle, phased introduction of the intervention. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of the program at three levels of outcomes: the trainers, the trainees, and the agencies. There was a significant increase in the knowledge and self-efficacy of the trainers and trainees and a trend toward decreased hospitalization.
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Wimmer BC, Johnell K, Fastbom J, Wiese MD, Bell JS. Factors associated with medication regimen complexity in older people: a cross-sectional population-based study. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 2015; 71:1099-108. [PMID: 26071278 DOI: 10.1007/s00228-015-1883-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2015] [Accepted: 06/02/2015] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE There is a lack of population-based research about factors associated with medication regimen complexity. This study investigated factors associated with medication regimen complexity in older people, and whether factors associated with regimen complexity were similar to factors associated with number of medications. METHODS This cross-sectional population-based study included 3348 people aged ≥ 60 years. Medication regimen complexity was computed using the validated 65-item Medication Regimen Complexity Index (MRCI). Multinomial logistic regression was used to compute unadjusted and adjusted odds ratios (ORs) with 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) for factors associated with regimen complexity. Multivariable quantile regression was used to compare factors associated with regimen complexity and number of medications. RESULTS In adjusted analyses, participants in the highest MRCI quintile (MRCI > 20) were older (OR = 1.04, 95 % CI 1.02;1.05), less likely to live at home (OR = 0.35, 95 % CI 0.15;0.86), had greater comorbidities (OR = 2.17, 95 % CI 1.89;2.49), had higher cognitive status (OR = 1.06, 95 % CI 1.01;1.11), a higher prevalence of self-reported pain (OR = 2.85, 95 % CI 2.16;3.76), had impaired dexterity (OR = 2.39, 95 % CI 1.77;3.24) and were more likely to receive help to sort their medications (OR = 4.43 95 % CI 2.39;8.56) than those with low regimen complexity (MRCI > 0-5.5). Similar factors were associated with both regimen complexity and number of medications. CONCLUSION Older people with probable difficulties managing complex regimens, including those with impaired dexterity and living in institutional settings, had the most complex medication regimens even after adjusting for receipt of help to sort medications. The strong correlation between regimen complexity and number of medications suggests that clinicians could use a person's number of medications to target interventions to reduce complexity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Caecilia Wimmer
- Centre for Medicine Use and Safety, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia,
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Boockvar K. Impact of Depression and Mental Illness on Outcomes of Medical Illness in Older Adults. Clin Ther 2014; 36:1486-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clinthera.2014.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2014] [Revised: 10/14/2014] [Accepted: 10/20/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Shader RI. What is depression and who is in depression studies? Clin Ther 2014; 36:1483-4. [PMID: 25455928 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinthera.2014.10.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2014] [Accepted: 10/23/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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