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Wabe N, Urwin R, Seaman K, Westbrook JI. Longitudinal cohort study of discrepancies between prescribed and administered polypharmacy rates: implications for National Aged Care Quality Indicator Programs. BMJ Qual Saf 2024:bmjqs-2023-017042. [PMID: 39013597 DOI: 10.1136/bmjqs-2023-017042] [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: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/18/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Polypharmacy is frequently used as a quality indicator for older adults in Residential Aged Care Facilities (RACFs) and is measured using a range of definitions. The impact of data source choice on polypharmacy rates and the implications for monitoring and benchmarking remain unclear. We aimed to determine polypharmacy rates (≥9 concurrent medicines) by using prescribed and administered data under various scenarios, leveraging electronic data from 30 RACFs. METHOD A longitudinal cohort study of 5662 residents in New South Wales, Australia. Both prescribed and administered polypharmacy rates were calculated biweekly from January 2019 to September 2022, providing 156 assessment times. 12 different polypharmacy rates were computed separately using prescribing and administration data and incorporating different combinations of items: medicines and non-medicinal products, any medicines and regular medicines across four scenarios: no, 1-week, 2-week and 4-week look-back periods. Generalised estimating equation models were employed to identify predictors of discrepancies between prescribed and administered polypharmacy. RESULTS Polypharmacy rates among residents ranged from 33.9% using data on administered regular medicines with no look-back period to 63.5% using prescribed medicines and non-medicinal products with a 4-week look-back period. At each assessment time, the differences between prescribed and administered polypharmacy rates were consistently more than 10.0%, 4.5%, 3.5% and 3.0%, respectively, with no, 1-week, 2-week and 4-week look-back periods. Diabetic residents faced over two times the likelihood of polypharmacy discrepancies compared with counterparts, while dementia residents consistently showed reduced likelihood across all analyses. CONCLUSION We found notable discrepancies between polypharmacy rates for prescribed and administered medicines. We recommend a review of the guidance for calculating and interpreting polypharmacy for national quality indicator programmes to ensure consistent measurement and meaningful reporting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nasir Wabe
- Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Rachel Urwin
- Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Karla Seaman
- Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Johanna I Westbrook
- Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Riester MR, Zhang Y, Hayes KN, Beaudoin FL, Zullo AR. Use of electronic health record data to examine administrations of pro re nata analgesics during hip fracture post-acute care. Pharmacoepidemiol Drug Saf 2024; 33:e5846. [PMID: 38825963 PMCID: PMC11149906 DOI: 10.1002/pds.5846] [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: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Medications prescribed to older adults in US skilled nursing facilities (SNF) and administrations of pro re nata (PRN) "as needed" medications are unobservable in Medicare insurance claims. There is an ongoing deficit in our understanding of medication use during post-acute care. Using SNF electronic health record (EHR) datasets, including medication orders and barcode medication administration records, we described patterns of PRN analgesic prescribing and administrations among SNF residents with hip fracture. METHODS Eligible participants resided in SNFs owned by 11 chains, had a diagnosis of hip fracture between January 1, 2018 to August 2, 2021, and received at least one administration of an analgesic medication in the 100 days after the hip fracture. We described the scheduling of analgesics, the proportion of available PRN doses administered, and the proportion of days with at least one PRN analgesic administration. RESULTS Among 24 038 residents, 57.3% had orders for PRN acetaminophen, 67.4% PRN opioids, 4.2% PRN non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and 18.6% PRN combination products. The median proportion of available PRN doses administered per drug was 3%-50% and the median proportion of days where one or more doses of an ordered PRN analgesic was administered was 25%-75%. Results differed by analgesic class and the number of administrations ordered per day. CONCLUSIONS EHRs can be leveraged to ascertain precise analgesic exposures during SNF stays. Future pharmacoepidemiology studies should consider linking SNF EHRs to insurance claims to construct a longitudinal history of medication use and healthcare utilization prior to and during episodes of SNF care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa R Riester
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
- Department of Health Services, Policy, and Practice, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Yuan Zhang
- Department of Health Services, Policy, and Practice, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Kaleen N Hayes
- Department of Health Services, Policy, and Practice, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
- Graduate Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toronto Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Francesca L Beaudoin
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
- Department of Health Services, Policy, and Practice, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Andrew R Zullo
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
- Department of Health Services, Policy, and Practice, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
- Center of Innovation in Long-Term Services and Supports, Providence Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
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Dowd LA, Cross AJ, Liau SJ, Jadczak AD, Visvanathan R, Veal FC, Bell JS. Identifying Residents Who May Benefit from an Analgesic Review: Applying Analgesic Indicators in Residential Aged Care Services. Drugs Aging 2023; 40:449-459. [PMID: 37147416 DOI: 10.1007/s40266-023-01025-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ensuring safe and effective analgesic use in residential aged care services is important because older adults are susceptible to analgesic-related adverse drug events (ADEs). OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to identify the proportion and characteristics of residents of aged care services who may benefit from analgesic review based on indicators in the 2021 Society for Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine (AMDA) Pain Management Guideline. METHODS Cross-sectional analyses of baseline data from the Frailty in Residential Sector over Time (FIRST) study (N = 550 residents) across 12 South Australian residential aged care services in 2019 were conducted. Indicators included the proportion of residents who received > 3000 mg/day of acetaminophen (paracetamol), regular opioids without a documented clinical rationale, opioid doses > 60 mg morphine equivalents (MME)/day, more than one long-acting opioid concurrently, and a pro re nata (PRN) opioid on more than two occasions in the previous 7 days. Logistic regression was performed to investigate factors associated with residents who may benefit from analgesic review. RESULTS Of 381 (69.3%) residents charted regular acetaminophen, 176 (46.2%) were charted > 3000 mg/day. Of 165 (30%) residents charted regular opioids, only 2 (1.2%) had no prespecified potentially painful conditions in their medical record and 31 (18.8%) received > 60 MME/day. Of 153 (27.8%) residents charted long-acting opioids, 8 (5.2%) received more than one long-acting opioid concurrently. Of 212 (38.5%) residents charted PRN opioids, 10 (4.7%) received more than two administrations in the previous 7 days. Overall, 196 (35.6%) of 550 residents were identified as potentially benefiting from analgesic review. Females (odds ratio [OR] 1.87, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.20-2.91) and residents with prior fracture (OR 1.62, 95% CI 1.12-2.33) were more likely to be identified. Observed pain (OR 0.50, 95% CI 0.29-0.88) was associated with a lower likelihood of being identified compared with residents with no observed pain. Overall, 43 (7.8%) residents were identified based on opioid-related indicators. CONCLUSIONS Up to one in three residents may benefit from a review of their analgesic regimen, including 1 in 13 who may benefit from a specific review of their opioid regimen. Analgesic indicators represent a new approach to target analgesic stewardship interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura A Dowd
- Centre for Medicine Use and Safety, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, VIC, Australia.
| | - Amanda J Cross
- Centre for Medicine Use and Safety, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Shin J Liau
- Centre for Medicine Use and Safety, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Centre of Research Excellence in Frailty and Healthy Ageing, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Agathe D Jadczak
- National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Centre of Research Excellence in Frailty and Healthy Ageing, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Adelaide Geriatrics Training and Research with Aged Care (GTRAC) Centre, Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Renuka Visvanathan
- National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Centre of Research Excellence in Frailty and Healthy Ageing, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Adelaide Geriatrics Training and Research with Aged Care (GTRAC) Centre, Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Aged and Extended Care Services, The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Central Adelaide Local Health Network, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Felicity C Veal
- Unit for Medication Outcomes Research and Education (UMORE), School of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia
| | - J Simon Bell
- Centre for Medicine Use and Safety, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Centre of Research Excellence in Frailty and Healthy Ageing, Adelaide, SA, Australia
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Koçak FÖK, Taşkıran E, Öztürk ZK, Şahin S. Potentially Inappropriate Medication Use among Nursing Home Residents: Medication Errors Associated with Pro re nata Medications and the Importance of Pill Burden. Ann Geriatr Med Res 2022; 26:233-240. [PMID: 36200289 PMCID: PMC9535375 DOI: 10.4235/agmr.22.0096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The use of potentially inappropriate medications (PIM) has become more common among nursing home residents (NHR). This study focused on drugs initially prescribed as pro re nata (PRN) medications and pill burden in association with PIM among NHR. Methods This observational cross-sectional study was conducted between March and April 2019 on 225 adult NHR aged ≥60 years. Results The prevalence of PIM was 47.6% among NHR according to the Screening Tool of Older Persons' Prescriptions (STOPP) criteria version 2. The most frequent PIM was the use of any drug prescribed without evidence-based clinical indication; most medication errors were associated with PRN medications. The prevalence rates of PRN in non-PIM and PIM users were 12% and 62.4%, respectively. PRN medications that most commonly caused PIM were non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and proton pump inhibitors. The cut-off value for both medications and pills to correctly identify participants with PIM was 5.5. Pill burden had a similar sensitivity to polypharmacy in identifying individuals with PIM. Conclusion Medication errors associated with PRN medications were overlooked as factors that increased the risk of PIMs. The most common error related to PRN medications was the continued daily use despite symptom resolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatma Özge Kayhan Koçak
- Division of Geriatrics, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
- Corresponding Author: Fatma Özge Kayhan Koçak, MD Division of Geriatrics, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey E-mail:
| | - Emin Taşkıran
- Division of Geriatrics, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Zehra Kosuva Öztürk
- Division of Geriatrics, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Sevnaz Şahin
- Division of Geriatrics, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
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Mardani A, Paal P, Weck C, Jamshed S, Vaismoradi M. Practical Considerations of PRN Medicines Management: An Integrative Systematic Review. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:759998. [PMID: 35496317 PMCID: PMC9039188 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.759998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and objectives: Highly widespread use of pro re nata (PRN) medicines in various healthcare settings is a potential area for improper medication prescription and administration leading to patient harm. This study aimed to summarize and integrate the findings of all relevant individual studies regarding the practical considerations of PRN medicines management including strategies and interventions by healthcare professionals for safe prescription, dispensing, administration, monitoring, and deprescription of PRN medicines in healthcare settings. Methods: An integrative systematic review on international databases were performed. Electronic databases including Web of Knowledge, Scopus, PubMed (including MEDLINE), and Cinahl were searched to retrieve articles published until end of May 2021. Original qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods studies written in English were included with a focus on PRN medicines management in healthcare settings. Research synthesis using the narrative method was performed to summarise the results of included studies. Results: Thirty-one studies on PRN medicines in healthcare settings by different healthcare providers were included after the screening of the databases based on eligibility criteria. They were published from 1987 to 2021. The majority of studies were from Australia, the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom and were conducted in psychiatric settings. Given variations in their purposes, methods, and outcomes, the research synthesis was conducted narratively based on diversities and similarities in findings. Eight categories were developed by the authors as follows: "PRN indications and precautionary measures," "requirements of PRN prescription," "interventions for PRN administration," "monitoring and follow up interventions," "deprescription strategies," "healthcare professionals' role," "participation of patients and families," and "multidisciplinary collaboration." Each category consists of several items and describes what factors should be considered by healthcare professionals for PRN medicines management. Conclusion: The review findings provide insights on the practical considerations of PRN medicines management in clinical practice. The suggested list of considerations in our review can be used by healthcare professionals for optimal PRN medicines management and safeguarding patient care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abbas Mardani
- Nursing Care Research Center, Department of Medical Surgical Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Piret Paal
- Institute of Nursing Science and Practice, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Christiane Weck
- Palliative Care, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria.,Department of Neurology, Klinikum Agatharied, Hausham, Germany
| | - Shazia Jamshed
- Clinical Pharmacy and Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, University Sultan Zainal Abidin, Terengganu, Malaysia
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Dowd LA, Reynolds L, Cross AJ, Veal F, Steeper M, Wanas Z, Wu N, Bell JS. A systematic review of opioid prevalence in Australian residential aged care facilities. Australas J Ageing 2022; 41:501-512. [PMID: 35394708 PMCID: PMC10083958 DOI: 10.1111/ajag.13071] [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: 11/17/2021] [Revised: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To systematically review the prevalence of opioid prescribing, dispensing and administration in Australian residential aged care facilities (RACFs). METHODS MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, AgeLine, Web of Science Core Collection, InformIT and International Pharmaceutical Abstracts (inception to September 2021) were searched for studies reporting opioid prevalence in Australian RACFs. Regular and as-required (i.e. pro re nata, PRN) opioid uses were considered. Screening, data extraction and quality assessment were performed independently by two review authors. RESULTS Twenty-three studies (n = 286,141 residents) reported opioid prevalence, of which 16 provided overall regular or PRN prescribing, dispensing or administration data. Five studies reported 28%-34% of residents were prescribed regular opioids over assessment periods ranging from one week to one month. Five studies reported 11%-42% of residents were prescribed PRN opioids over assessment periods ranging from one week to 30 months. Three studies reported 27%-50% of residents were dispensed an opioid over 12 months. Five studies reported 21%-29% were administered both regular and PRN opioids over 24 hours. Two studies reported 22%-42% of residents were administered PRN opioids over 1 week to 12 months. Two studies reported 6%-13% of residents were using doses >100 mg oral morphine equivalents/day. CONCLUSIONS Up to half of the residents were dispensed opioids over 12 months. The prevalence of opioid prescribing, dispensing and administration was highly variable, suggesting the potential value of opioid quality indicators and analgesic stewardship interventions to ensure opioid appropriateness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura A Dowd
- Centre for Medicine Use and Safety, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Lorenna Reynolds
- Centre for Medicine Use and Safety, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Amanda J Cross
- Centre for Medicine Use and Safety, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Felicity Veal
- Unit for Medication Outcomes Research & Education (UMORE), School of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Michelle Steeper
- Centre for Medicine Use and Safety, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Zainab Wanas
- Centre for Medicine Use and Safety, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Nancy Wu
- Centre for Medicine Use and Safety, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - J Simon Bell
- Centre for Medicine Use and Safety, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), Centre of Research Excellence in Frailty and Healthy Ageing, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
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Carder P, Zimmerman S, Wretman CJ, Preisser JS, Dys S, Sloane PD. As-Needed Prescribing and Administration of Psychotropic Medications in Assisted Living: A 7-State Study. J Am Med Dir Assoc 2021; 23:1038-1044.e3. [PMID: 34919835 DOI: 10.1016/j.jamda.2021.11.009] [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: 05/25/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Psychotropic medications administered on an as-needed basis, often designated as pro re nata (or PRN, hereafter as-needed), can alleviate acute symptoms and facilitate deprescribing, although as-needed use is associated with negative outcomes such as polypharmacy and drug interactions. The aim of this study was to examine the extent to which PRN psychotropic medications are prescribed and administered to assisted living (AL) residents, overall and in relation to resident- and community-level characteristics. DESIGN Cross-sectional study. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS All AL residents and select staff in 250 AL communities in 7 states. METHODS Data regarding prescribing and administration of 5 types of PRN psychotropic medications in the prior 7 days (antipsychotics, mood stabilizers and antiepileptics, antidepressants, anxiolytics/hypnotics, and cognitive enhancers) were abstracted and compared across resident and community characteristics. RESULTS Prescribing of PRN psychotropics in AL is low (10.3%). Of prescribed PRN medications, 2.5% of residents were administered a PRN and 8% had PRN that was not administered in the previous 7 days. Anxiolytics were administered PRN more commonly compared with antipsychotics (2.0% vs 0.2%). Of all PRN psychotropic prescriptions (n = 1039), 70.5% had a written indication describing the reason for administration. Among PRN medications administered (n = 242), the proportion with an indication was lower (62.0%). PRN psychotropic medication prescribing was higher among residents with dementia and a psychiatric diagnosis, and in larger AL communities and those with a higher proportion of dementia care beds. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS The prescribing and administration of PRN psychotropic medications in AL is relatively rare, although more common among residents with dementia. Emerging psychotropic medication policies should be expanded to address mental health care, anxiolytic/hypnotic use for residents living with dementia, PRN prescribing in chart review, and the use of detailed indications for PRN use, especially when medications are administered by unlicensed care staff.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Carder
- Institute on Aging, College of Urban and Public Affairs, Portland State University, Portland, OR, USA; School of Public Health, Oregon Health and Science University-Portland State University, Portland, OR, USA.
| | - Sheryl Zimmerman
- The Cecil G. Sheps Center for Health Services Research, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; School of Social Work, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Christopher J Wretman
- The Cecil G. Sheps Center for Health Services Research, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; School of Social Work, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - John S Preisser
- Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Sarah Dys
- Institute on Aging, College of Urban and Public Affairs, Portland State University, Portland, OR, USA; School of Public Health, Oregon Health and Science University-Portland State University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Philip D Sloane
- The Cecil G. Sheps Center for Health Services Research, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Department of Family Medicine, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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La Frenais F, Vickerstaff V, Cooper C, Livingston G, Stone P, Sampson EL. Factors influencing prescription and administration of analgesic medication: A longitudinal study of people with dementia living in care homes. Int J Geriatr Psychiatry 2021; 36:1354-1361. [PMID: 33719098 DOI: 10.1002/gps.5526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To (1) describe the prescription and administration of regular and 'as required' (pro re nata [PRN]) analgesics in English care homes, (2) investigate individual and care home factors associated with analgesic use. METHODS We collected data (2014-2016) at 0-, 4-, and 12-months nested in a longitudinal cohort study of 86 English care homes about residents with diagnosed or probable dementia. We describe analgesics prescribed as regular or PRN medication, by class, and PRN administration. We explored individual differences (sociodemographic; dementia severity [Clinical Dementia Rating]), and care home differences (type; ownership; number of beds; dementia-registered/specialist; Care Quality Commission rating) in prescription and administration using multilevel regression models. RESULTS Data were available for 1483 residents. At baseline, 967 residents (67.9%) were prescribed analgesics: 426 residents (28.7%) prescribed regular analgesics and 670 (45.2%) prescribed PRN. Paracetamol was the most prescribed analgesic (56.7%), with PRN prescriptions more common than regular (39.7% vs. 16.6%). Across all study visits, 344 residents (mean = 41.9%) with a PRN prescription did not receive any analgesic in the 2 weeks prior to data collection. Male residents and those with severe dementia received fewer analgesics. Care homes differences in PRN administration were not explained by the modelled variables. CONCLUSIONS Pain management in English care homes largely relies on PRN paracetamol that is frequently prescribed but infrequently administered. Care homes differ in how often they administer PRN analgesics. Some care home residents particularly those with more severe dementia are likely to have untreated pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca La Frenais
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, UK
- Marie Curie Palliative Care Research Department, University College London, London, UK
| | - Victoria Vickerstaff
- Marie Curie Palliative Care Research Department, University College London, London, UK
| | - Claudia Cooper
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, UK
- Camden and Islington NHS Foundation Trust, St. Pancras Hospital, London, UK
| | - Gill Livingston
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, UK
- Camden and Islington NHS Foundation Trust, St. Pancras Hospital, London, UK
| | - Patrick Stone
- Marie Curie Palliative Care Research Department, University College London, London, UK
| | - Elizabeth L Sampson
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, UK
- Marie Curie Palliative Care Research Department, University College London, London, UK
- Barnet Enfield and Haringey Mental Health Trust Liaison Team, North Middlesex University Hospital, London, UK
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Hamada S, Kojima T, Hattori Y, Maruoka H, Ishii S, Okochi J, Akishita M. Use of psychotropic drugs and drugs with anticholinergic properties among residents with dementia in intermediate care facilities for older adults in Japan: a cohort study. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e045787. [PMID: 34468334 PMCID: PMC8039256 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-045787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To evaluate the prescription and discontinuation of psychotropic drugs (PD) and drugs with anticholinergic properties (DAP) in residents with dementia admitted to Roken, a major type of long-term care facility in Japan. DESIGN Cohort study. SETTING A nationwide questionnaire survey across 3598 Roken in Japan in 2015 (up to five randomly selected residents per facility). PARTICIPANTS This study included 1201 residents from 343 Roken (response rate: 10%). We determined the presence and severity of dementia using a nationally standardised measure. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES Prescriptions of PD and DAP at admission and 2 months after admission were evaluated. Multivariable logistic regression was used to evaluate the associations of residents' baseline characteristics with prescriptions or discontinuation. RESULTS Prescription rates decreased for antidementia drugs (19.4% to 13.0%), hypnotics (25.1% to 22.6%) and anxiolytics (12.3% to 10.7%), whereas those for other PD, such as antipsychotics (13.2% to 13.6%), antidepressants (7.4% to 6.7%), antiepileptic drugs (7.1% to 7.8%) and DAP (35.2% to 36.6%) did not statistically significantly decrease. Some factors were associated with the prescriptions, for example, for antipsychotics, older age (≥85 years) (adjusted OR (aOR), 0.60; 95% CI 0.43 to 0.85) and being bedridden (aOR 0.67; 95% CI 0.47 to 0.97) were associated with a lower use of antipsychotics, whereas severe dementia was associated with a higher use of antipsychotics (aOR 3.26; 95% CI 2.26 to 4.70). At an individual level, a quarter of residents prescribed PD or DAP at admission had discontinued at least one PD or DAP, respectively, 2 months after admission. Antidementia drug use in severe dementia (aOR 1.86; 95% CI 1.04 to 3.31) and PD use in older age (aOR 1.61; 95% CI 1.00 to 2.60; in residents with disabling dementia) were associated with discontinuation. CONCLUSIONS There is possible scope for deprescribing PD and DAP in Roken residents with dementia to mitigate the risks of adverse events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shota Hamada
- Research Department, Institute for Health Economics and Policy, Association for Health Economics Research and Social Insurance and Welfare, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Health Services Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
- Department of Home Care Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Taro Kojima
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yukari Hattori
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Maruoka
- Yokohama Aobanosato Geriatric Health Services Facility, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Shinya Ishii
- Department of Medicine for Integrated Approach to Social Inclusion, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Jiro Okochi
- Department of Home Care Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- Tatsumanosato Geriatric Health Services Facility, Daito, Japan
| | - Masahiro Akishita
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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Sharma M, Wong XY, Bell JS, Corlis M, Hogan M, Sluggett JK. Trajectories of pro re nata (PRN) medication prescribing and administration in long-term care facilities. Res Social Adm Pharm 2020; 17:1463-1468. [PMID: 33223395 DOI: 10.1016/j.sapharm.2020.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Little is known about changes in pro re nata (PRN) medication prescribing and administration in residential aged care facilities (RACFs) over time. OBJECTIVE To determine the prevalence and factors associated with PRN medication administration in RACFs and examine changes over 12-months. METHODS Secondary analyses utilizing data from the SIMPLER randomized controlled trial (n = 242 residents, 8 RACFs) was undertaken. PRN medication data were extracted from RACF medication charts. Factors associated with PRN medication administration in the preceding week were explored using multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS At baseline, 211 residents (87.2%) were prescribed ≥1 PRN medication, with 77 (36.5%) administered PRN medication in the preceding week. PRN administration was more likely in non-metropolitan areas, and less likely among residents with more severe dementia symptoms and greater dependence with activities of daily living. No significant differences in overall PRN prescribing or administration in 162 residents alive at 12-month follow-up were observed. CONCLUSIONS Despite being frequently prescribed, the contribution of PRNs to overall medication use in RACFs is small. PRN prescribing and administration was relatively static over 12-months despite likely changes in resident health status over this period, suggesting further exploration of PRN prescribing in relation to resident care needs may be warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Sharma
- University of South Australia, UniSA Clinical and Health Sciences, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Xin Yee Wong
- University of South Australia, UniSA Clinical and Health Sciences, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - J Simon Bell
- Centre for Medicine Use and Safety, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Megan Corlis
- University of South Australia, UniSA Allied Health and Human Performance, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Michelle Hogan
- Helping Hand Aged Care, North Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Janet K Sluggett
- Centre for Medicine Use and Safety, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; University of South Australia, UniSA Allied Health and Human Performance, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia; Registry of Senior Australians (ROSA), Health Ageing Research Consortium, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.
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Vaismoradi M, Jordan S, Vizcaya-Moreno F, Friedl I, Glarcher M. PRN Medicines Optimization and Nurse Education. PHARMACY 2020; 8:E201. [PMID: 33114731 PMCID: PMC7712763 DOI: 10.3390/pharmacy8040201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2020] [Revised: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 10/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Medicines management is a high-risk and error prone process in healthcare settings, where nurses play an important role to preserve patient safety. In order to create a safe healthcare environment, nurses should recognize challenges that they face in this process, understand factors leading to medication errors, identify errors and systematically address them to prevent their future occurrence. ''Pro re nata'' (PRN, as needed) medicine administration is a relatively neglected area of medicines management in nursing practice, yet has a high potential for medication errors. Currently, the international literature indicates a lack of knowledge of both the competencies required for PRN medicines management and the optimum educational strategies to prepare students for PRN medicines management. To address this deficiency in the literature, the authors have presented a discussion on nurses' roles in medication safety and the significance and purpose of PRN medications, and suggest a model for preparing nursing students in safe PRN medicines management. The discussion takes into account patient participation and nurse competencies required to safeguard PRN medication practice, providing a background for further research on how to improve the safety of PRN medicines management in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mojtaba Vaismoradi
- Faculty of Nursing and Health Sciences, Nord University, 8049 Bodø, Norway
| | - Sue Jordan
- Department of Nursing, Swansea University, Swansea SA2 8PP, UK;
| | - Flores Vizcaya-Moreno
- Nursing Department, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Alicante, 03080 Alicante, Spain;
| | - Ingrid Friedl
- Hospital Graz II, A Regional Hospital of the Health Care Company of Styria, 8020 Graz, Austria;
| | - Manela Glarcher
- Institute of Nursing Science and Practice, Paracelsus Medical University, 5020 Salzburg, Austria;
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Kverno K. First Do No Harm: Psychotropic Prescribing Principles and Guidelines for Older Adults. J Psychosoc Nurs Ment Health Serv 2020; 58:12-16. [PMID: 32744642 DOI: 10.3928/02793695-20200722-01] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The drive to prescribe to alleviate symptoms and ease suffering is prevalent in health care. In psychiatry, it is no different. Although monotherapy remains the preferred approach to treating psychiatric disorders, especially when combined with nonpharmacological approaches, in practice, a focus on remission of symptoms over patient preferences and quality of life can result in higher doses than necessary and polypharmacy from the addition of drugs for augmentation or treatment of adverse effects. This is especially concerning for older adults who are likely to have comorbid medical disorders, eventually leading to prescribing cascades as different providers address different symptoms. Whereas we generally look to best practice guidelines to treat identified disorders, the approach to treating older adults with multimorbidities requires collaboration among the patient, the family (if appropriate), and the provider to re-evaluate goals based on the patient's priorities, and to examine tradeoffs, reduce medication overload, and simplify care. Fortunately, many resources are available to help the clinician in this process. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 58(8), 12-16.].
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Picton L, Ilomäki J, Keen CS, Lalic S, Adams B, Clinnick LM, Kirkpatrick CM, Ryan-Atwood T, Turner JP, Bell JS. Rates of PRN Medication Administration in Australian Residential Aged Care. J Am Med Dir Assoc 2020; 22:117-123.e1. [PMID: 32611523 DOI: 10.1016/j.jamda.2020.04.033] [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] [Received: 12/28/2019] [Revised: 04/25/2020] [Accepted: 04/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate administration of pro re nata (PRN) medications and nurse-initiated medications (NIMs) in Australian aged care services over a 12-month period. DESIGN Twelve-month longitudinal audit of medication administrations. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS Three hundred ninety-two residents of 10 aged care services in regional Victoria, Australia. METHODS Records of PRN and NIM administration were extracted from electronic and hard copy medication charts. Descriptive statistics were used to calculate medication administration per person-month. Poisson regression was used to estimate predictors of PRN administration. RESULTS Over a median follow-up of 12 months (interquartile range 10-12 months), 93% of residents were administered a PRN medication and 41% of residents an NIM on 21,147 and 552 occasions, respectively. The mean number of any PRN administration was 5.85 per person-month. The most frequently administered PRN medications per person-month were opioids 1.54, laxatives 0.96, benzodiazepines 0.72, antipsychotics 0.48, paracetamol 0.46, and topical preparations 0.42. Three-quarters of residents prescribed a PRN opioid or PRN benzodiazepine and two-thirds of residents prescribed a PRN antipsychotic had the medication administered on 1 or more occasions over the follow-up. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Most residents were administered PRN medications. Administration was in line with Australian regulations and institutional protocols. However, the high frequency of PRN analgesic, laxative, and psychotropic medication administration highlights the need for regular clinical review to ensure ongoing safe and appropriate use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonie Picton
- Centre for Medicine Use and Safety, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Jenni Ilomäki
- Centre for Medicine Use and Safety, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Claire S Keen
- Centre for Medicine Use and Safety, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Samanta Lalic
- Centre for Medicine Use and Safety, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia; Pharmacy Department, Monash Health, Melbourne, Australia
| | | | - Lisa M Clinnick
- Ballarat Health Services, Ballarat, Australia; School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedicine, Australian Catholic University, Ballarat, Australia
| | - Carl M Kirkpatrick
- Centre for Medicine Use and Safety, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Taliesin Ryan-Atwood
- Centre for Medicine Use and Safety, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Justin P Turner
- Centre for Medicine Use and Safety, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia; Centre de recherche, Institut universitaire de gériatrie de Montréal, University of Montreal, Montreal, Canada
| | - J Simon Bell
- Centre for Medicine Use and Safety, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.
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Vaismoradi M, Vizcaya Moreno F, Sletvold H, Jordan S. PRN Medicines Management for Psychotropic Medicines in Long-Term Care Settings: A Systematic Review. PHARMACY 2019; 7:pharmacy7040157. [PMID: 31775262 PMCID: PMC6958522 DOI: 10.3390/pharmacy7040157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2019] [Revised: 11/19/2019] [Accepted: 11/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Many medications are prescribed and administered PRN (pro re nata, as needed). However, there are few integrative reviews to inform PRN psychotropic medication use in long-term care facilities and nursing or care homes. Accordingly, this integrative systematic review aimed to improve our understanding of PRN medicines management with a focus on psychotropic medications (antipsychotics, sedatives, anxiolytics, and hypnotics) in long-term care settings. Keywords relating to PRN in English, Norwegian, and Spanish were used, and articles published between 2009 and 2019 were retrieved. Based on the inclusion criteria, eight articles were used for data analysis and synthesis. This review offers a description of PRN prescription and administration of psychotropic medications in long-term care. Variations were observed in the management of PRN psychotropic medications based on residents’ underlying health conditions and needs, duration of use, and changes between medications and doses. Neither the reasons for PRN prescription and administration nor the steps taken to identify and manage any associated adverse reactions or adverse drug events were reported. Further initiatives are needed to improve PRN medicines management to explore factors that affect PRN prescription and administration and to develop appropriate PRN guidelines to prevent harm and improve the safety of people living in long-term care facilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mojtaba Vaismoradi
- Faculty of Nursing and Health Sciences, Nord University, 8049 Bodø, Norway;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +47-75517813
| | | | - Hege Sletvold
- Faculty of Nursing and Health Sciences, Nord University, 8049 Bodø, Norway;
| | - Sue Jordan
- College of Human and Health Sciences, Swansea University, Swansea SA2 8PP, UK;
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