1
|
Ali S, Peterson GM, Curtain CM, Wilson A, Salahudeen MS. Adverse Drug Event-Related Hospital Admissions among Australian Aged Care Residents: A Cross-Sectional Study. J Am Med Dir Assoc 2024; 25:105041. [PMID: 38796163 DOI: 10.1016/j.jamda.2024.105041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/28/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate the proportion, characteristics, causality, severity, preventability, and independently associated factors for adverse drug event (ADE)-related admissions in aged care residents admitted to the major public hospitals in Tasmania, Australia. DESIGN Retrospective cross-sectional study. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS Residential aged care facility (RACF) patients aged ≥65 years who had an unplanned admission to one of the 4 Tasmanian public hospitals between July 1, 2018, and June 30, 2021. METHODS We accessed the medical records of RACF patients. The ADEs were initially identified via chart review and a trigger tool. Hospitalizations attributable to ADEs were then determined by expert consensus. The causality, preventability, and severity of each ADE admission were assessed using standard criteria. RESULTS Ninety-one residents (18.2%) of 500 randomly selected experienced potential ADE-related hospitalizations. ADEs were considered possible (n = 58, 64%) or definite/probable (n = 33, 36%). The most common ADEs were falls (n = 19, 21%), hypotension (n = 16, 18%), and confusion or delirium (n = 10, 11%). ADEs were frequently associated with renin-angiotensin system inhibitors (n = 43, 47.3%), opioids (n = 43, 47.3%), and diuretics (n = 40, 44%). Most ADEs were of moderate severity (n = 90, 99%) and considered not preventable (n = 60, 66%). Rheumatologic disease [odds ratio (OR) 1.89, 95% CI 1.09-3.30; P = .024] and previous adverse drug reaction (ADR) (OR 12.91, 95% CI 6.84-24.37; P < .001) were associated with ADE hospitalizations. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS This study highlights that hospitalization for moderately severe ADEs is common among RACF residents. Opioids and antihypertensives were the common drug classes associated with harm. Rheumatologic disease (due to opioids) and previous ADR were identified as independently associated factors, which may warrant tailored interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sheraz Ali
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia.
| | - Gregory M Peterson
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Colin M Curtain
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Andrea Wilson
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Royal Hobart Hospital, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Mohammed S Salahudeen
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Balqis-Ali NZ, Jawahir S, Chan YM, Lim AWY, Azlan UW, Shaffie SSM, Fun WH, Lee SWH. The impact of long-term care interventions on healthcare utilisation among older persons: a scoping review of reviews. BMC Geriatr 2024; 24:484. [PMID: 38831269 PMCID: PMC11145838 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-024-05097-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND As the ageing population grows, the demand for long-term care (LTC) services will rise, concurrently amplifying healthcare utilisation. This review aims to examine and consolidate information on LTC interventions that influence healthcare utilisation among older persons. METHODS A scoping review was performed through a systematic search in PubMed, EBSCO CINAHL, EBM Reviews - Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Embase, APA PsycInfo, EBM Reviews - Health Technology Assessment, and EBM Reviews - NHS Economic Evaluation Database. Systematic reviews with meta-analyses published between 1 January 2010 and 2 June 2022 among older persons aged 60 and above were included. The characteristics of LTC interventions were mapped to the World Health Organization (WHO) Healthy Ageing Framework. The effect sizes of healthcare utilisations for LTC interventions were recalculated using a random-effects model. The methodological quality was assessed with the AMSTAR-2 checklist, while the quality of evidence for each association was evaluated using GRADE. RESULTS Thirty-seven meta-analyses were included. The most prominent domain of the healthy ageing framework was managing chronic conditions. One hundred twelve associations between various LTC interventions and healthcare utilisations were identified, with 22 associations impacting healthcare utilisation. Four interventions were supported by suggestive or convincing evidence. Preventive home visits were found to reduce hospital admission (OR: 0.73, 95% CI: 0.59, 0.91, p = 0.005), caregiver integration during discharge planning (OR: 0.68, 95% CI: 0.57, 0.81, p < 0.001), and continuity of care (OR: 0.76, 95% CI: 0.61, 0.95, p = 0.018) reduced hospital readmission, and perioperative geriatric interventions reduced the length of hospital stay (MD: -1.50, 95% CI: -2.24, -0.76, p < 0.001). None of the associations impacted emergency department visits, medication use, and primary care utilisations with convincing evidence. Most reviews received low methodological quality. CONCLUSION The findings suggest that LTC interventions could benefit from transitioning to a community-based setting involving a multidisciplinary team, including carers. The spectrum of services should incorporate a comprehensive assessment to ensure continuous care.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nur Zahirah Balqis-Ali
- Institute for Health Systems Research, National Institutes of Health, Ministry of Health, Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Suhana Jawahir
- Institute for Health Systems Research, National Institutes of Health, Ministry of Health, Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia.
| | - Yee Mang Chan
- Institute for Public Health, National Institutes of Health, Ministry of Health, Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Amanda Wei-Yin Lim
- Institute for Clinical Research, National Institutes of Health, Ministry of Health, Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Ummi Wahidah Azlan
- Institute for Health Systems Research, National Institutes of Health, Ministry of Health, Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Sal Sabila Mohd Shaffie
- Institute for Health Systems Research, National Institutes of Health, Ministry of Health, Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Weng Hong Fun
- Institute for Health Systems Research, National Institutes of Health, Ministry of Health, Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Shaun Wen Huey Lee
- School of Pharmacy, Monash University Malaysia, Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
- School of Pharmacy, Taylor's University Lakeside Campus Malaysia, Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Laird C, Williams KA, Benson H. Osteoporosis management in Australian aged care facilities: a mixed method study. Arch Osteoporos 2024; 19:37. [PMID: 38744716 PMCID: PMC11093840 DOI: 10.1007/s11657-024-01401-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Osteoporosis is a common but sub-optimally managed disease amongst aged care residents. Pharmacists undertaking comprehensive medication reviews is one strategy to improve osteoporosis management. Analysis of pharmacist medication review recommendations has identified common clinical practice issues that can be addressed to optimise osteoporosis management for aged care residents. PURPOSE This study investigates the prevalence of osteoporosis medicine use amongst Australian aged care residents and explores drug-related problems (DRPs) identified during medication reviews and pharmacist recommendations to resolve them. METHODS Resident demographics, medications, diagnoses, osteoporosis related DRPs, and recommendations to resolve them were extracted from medication review reports. A mixed methods approach was taken to analysis, involving descriptive statistical analysis and content analysis. RESULTS Medication review reports relating to 980 residents were collected. Antiresorptive therapies were used by 21.7% of residents, of which 87.2% were prescribed denosumab. Osteoporosis related DRPs represented 14.0% of all DRPs identified by pharmacists. Vitamin D was involved in 55.4% of these DRPs, the remainder concerned antiresorptive therapies (23.4%), medications contributing to osteoporosis (16.3%), and calcium (4.9%). Frequent deviations in practice from aged care clinical guidelines and consensus recommendations concerning vitamin D and calcium were found. DRPs and accompanying recommendations relating to denosumab revealed inadequate monitoring and inadvertent therapy disruptions. CONCLUSION Pharmacist identified DRPs and recommendations revealed common aspects of clinical practice that can be addressed to improve osteoporosis management for aged care residents. A need to raise awareness of aged care-specific consensus recommendations concerning vitamin D and calcium is evident. Facility protocols and procedures must be developed and implemented to ensure safe and effective use of denosumab.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Laird
- Graduate School of Health, University of Technology Sydney, PO Box 123, Sydney, NSW, 2007, Australia.
| | - Kylie A Williams
- Graduate School of Health, University of Technology Sydney, PO Box 123, Sydney, NSW, 2007, Australia
| | - Helen Benson
- Graduate School of Health, University of Technology Sydney, PO Box 123, Sydney, NSW, 2007, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Cross AJ, Hawthorne D, Kouladjian O'Donnell L, Lee K, Page AT. Pharmacists working in residential aged care: a survey of pharmacist interest and perceived preparedness. Int J Clin Pharm 2024; 46:506-514. [PMID: 38315305 PMCID: PMC10960889 DOI: 10.1007/s11096-023-01686-7] [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: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pharmacists involvement in residential aged care facilities has traditionally been limited to that of an external contractor providing medication reviews, or medication supply. AIM To explore Australian pharmacists' interest and perceived preparedness to work as on-site pharmacists in residential aged care. METHOD National cross-sectional anonymous online survey open for two weeks (September 17th to October 1st 2022) consisting of Likert-type, multiple choice and multiple selection questions. Australian pharmacists were recruited using a broad advertising strategy which included social and traditional media platforms, and snowball sampling. Data were collected on pharmacist self-reported interest and perceived preparedness to work as on-site aged care pharmacists in residential aged care. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics. RESULTS Responses were received from 720 participants, 643 were eligible. Most participants were female (n = 466, 73%) and mean (SD) age was 43.5 (SD 12.5) years. Over half the participants were interested or extremely interested in working as an on-site aged care pharmacist (56%, n = 360), and agreed or strongly agreed (n = 475, 76%) that they felt prepared to work as an on-site aged care pharmacist. Most pharmacists felt prepared to engage in a variety of roles within the facilities (> 73% for each role), including resident and system level roles, and the majority agreed they felt prepared to engage with stakeholders, including general practitioners (93%) and medical specialists (86%). CONCLUSION Pharmacists reported they are interested and feel prepared to work as on-site aged care pharmacists. These findings will inform the roll-out of this new model of care to enhance multidisciplinary collaboration in residential aged care.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amanda J Cross
- Centre for Medicine Use and Safety, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, 381 Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia.
| | - Deborah Hawthorne
- Western Australian Centre for Health & Ageing, School of Allied Health, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Lisa Kouladjian O'Donnell
- Laboratory of Ageing and Pharmacology, Kolling Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney and the Northern Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, Australia
| | - Kenneth Lee
- Centre for Optimisation of Medicines, School of Allied Health, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Australia
| | - Amy Theresa Page
- Western Australian Centre for Health & Ageing, School of Allied Health, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
- Centre for Optimisation of Medicines, School of Allied Health, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Klimentidis D. Effectiveness of clinical pharmacist interventions in optimizing pharmacotherapy for somatic comorbidities in serious mental illness: A clinical audit. EXPLORATORY RESEARCH IN CLINICAL AND SOCIAL PHARMACY 2024; 13:100427. [PMID: 38455672 PMCID: PMC10918557 DOI: 10.1016/j.rcsop.2024.100427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2023] [Revised: 02/10/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Clinical pharmacists significantly improve pharmacotherapy outcomes. Patients with serious mental illness (SMI) represent a group particularly vulnerable to medication mismanagement, potentially benefiting from pharmaceutical care targeting medication appropriateness. Objective This study aimed to assess the prevalence of inappropriate medication for somatic comorbidities in SMI patients and to evaluate the impact of clinical pharmacist-led interventions. Methods A pre-post intervention audit involving clinical pharmacist intervention was conducted on SMI patients with somatic comorbidities in a psychiatric clinic in Greece. A comprehensive medication review was undertaken by a clinical pharmacist. The Medicines Appropriateness Index (MAI) and Assessment of Underutilization of medication (AOU) instruments were used to gauge pharmacotherapy appropriateness before and after intervention. Physician acceptance rates and clinical significance were also noted. Statistical analysis employed descriptive and inferential methods, with a significance level set at α = 0.05. Results A total of 58 patients were reviewed. Most patients (75.86%) were being inappropriately treated at baseline, versus 15.52% post-intervention. The pharmacist proposed 107 interventions of which 104 (97.2%) were physician-accepted. Changes in MAI and AOU identified improved medication appropriateness post-intervention [χ2 = 33.029, p < 0.005]. Pharmacist interventions resulted in more (52.1%, n = 25), less (16.7%, n = 8) and no changes (31.2%, n = 15) in the total number of prescribed medicines [median difference:1, p < 0.005]. From 49 medication initiation recommendations, the most prescribed medicines were statins for primary or secondary prevention (n = 21, 42.8%), aspirin for primary or secondary prevention (n = 9, 18.36%) and metformin (n = 4, 8.2%). Conclusion SMI patients had a high prevalence of physical comorbidities, mainly cardiovascular disease, and a high ratio of inappropriate medication treatment. Intervention by a clinical pharmacist significantly improved medication appropriateness and led to the adoption of a new standard of care, to be checked with re-auditing.
Collapse
|
6
|
Cross AJ, Bell JS, Steeper M, La Caze A. Embedded on-site aged care pharmacists in Australia: Insights from early adopters of a new workforce model. Australas J Ageing 2024; 43:79-90. [PMID: 37877349 DOI: 10.1111/ajag.13254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore the roles of early adopters of Australia's embedded on-site pharmacist model in supporting quality use of medications in residential aged care facilities (RACFs). METHODS Qualitative semistructured interviews were conducted with 15 pharmacists working as embedded on-site pharmacists, or beyond the scope of traditional consultant pharmacist roles in Australian RACFs. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed and thematically analysed independently by two investigators using an inductive approach. Deductive analysis was also undertaken using a knowledge broker framework: knowledge manager, linkage agent and capacity builder. RESULTS Dominant themes were roles and benefits of embedded pharmacists, factors associated with success and challenges. Roles and benefits included (1) resident-level interventions and an enhanced ability to provide collaborative outcome-focussed resident-centred care, including timely input and follow-up, and improved relationships with residents, family and interdisciplinary team; and (2) system-level interventions such as contributing to clinical governance and quality improvement. Factors associated with success included personal capabilities and approach of the pharmacist, and organisational culture and sector-wide support. Challenges included pharmacist workforce shortages, perceived lack of pharmacist readiness and difficulty determining an appropriate service model. Deductive coding demonstrated roles of embedded pharmacists were consistent with all three activities of a knowledge broker. CONCLUSIONS This study highlights the resident- and system-level roles and benefits of embedded on-site pharmacists, and provides a framework for defining this emerging workforce model in Australian RACFs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amanda J Cross
- Centre for Medicine Use and Safety, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Science, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - J Simon Bell
- Centre for Medicine Use and Safety, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Science, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Michelle Steeper
- Centre for Medicine Use and Safety, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Science, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Adam La Caze
- School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Gonçalves JR, Sleath BL, Cerdeira M, Cavaco AM. Older people, medication usage and long-term care pharmacists: a retrospective cohort study. Eur J Hosp Pharm 2023:ejhpharm-2023-003908. [PMID: 37758319 DOI: 10.1136/ejhpharm-2023-003908] [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: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the impact of the presence of a pharmacist on medication usage in long-term care facilities. METHODS The study followed a retrospective cohort design, with a sample of patients aged ≥65 years admitted to three long-term care facilities over 30 months. Data on age, gender, type of stay, the presence or absence of a pharmacist and pharmacotherapeutic profile at admission and discharge were obtained for study patients. Variations in the number of medicines, anticholinergic burden and potentially inappropriate medications at admission and discharge were assessed as outcome variables. Anticholinergic burden and potentially inappropriate medications were assessed using the Anticholinergic Cognitive Burden scale and the EU(7)-PIM List, respectively. One-sample t-tests were used to compare the mean values of the outcome variables. A four-way ANOVA was used to test the association between background and outcome variables. Partial eta squared (η2) was used to measure the effect size. RESULTS A total of 1366 patients were studied. All outcome variables showed a statistically significant increase at discharge compared with admission. The presence of a pharmacist was statistically significant in improving the number of medicines (p<0.001) and the anticholinergic burden score (p<0.001), while no statistically significant value was reached on potentially inappropriate medications (p=0.642). Small effect size values were obtained for the impact of the pharmacist on the number of medicines and anticholinergic burden scores (η2=0.021 and η2=0.011, respectively). CONCLUSION These findings suggest that the presence of a long-term care pharmacist can positively impact the use of medication associated with poor health outcomes. An integrated interprofessional approach is needed to address potentially inappropriate medications, anticholinergic burden and polypharmacy in long-term care settings, particularly at the time of discharge.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Betsy L Sleath
- UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Mariana Cerdeira
- Pharmacy Services, Residências Montepio - Serviços de Saúde S.A, Lisbon, Portugal
| | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Laird C, Williams KA, Benson H. Perceptions and practices of aged care pharmacists regarding osteoporosis management: a qualitative study. Int J Clin Pharm 2023; 45:913-921. [PMID: 37162657 PMCID: PMC10366014 DOI: 10.1007/s11096-023-01586-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Osteoporosis is a common but sub-optimally managed disease among aged care residents. Although pharmacists are one of the key healthcare providers responsible for osteoporosis medication management there is limited research on their involvement. AIM This study explored the perceptions and practices of Australian pharmacists regarding osteoporosis management for aged care residents. METHOD Semi-structured interviews were conducted with aged care pharmacists. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analysed using a constructivist grounded theory approach. RESULTS Twenty-one aged care pharmacists were interviewed. Three main themes were identified: osteoporosis is highly prevalent but given low priority, factors affecting pharmacists' management of osteoporosis, and optimism for the future role of pharmacists in osteoporosis management. The complexity of aged care residents' healthcare needs and the silent, insidious nature of osteoporosis contribute to the low priority it is afforded. Barriers identified by pharmacists included their current practice model, limited access to residents' medical histories and difficulties accessing bone mineral density (BMD) testing. Interdisciplinary collaboration and education regarding osteoporosis management were seen as facilitators. Pharmacists were optimistic that an embedded practice model would improve their capacity to influence osteoporosis management. CONCLUSION The high prevalence and low priority of osteoporosis in the aged care setting presents pharmacists with an opportunity to improve medication management and reduce fracture risk. Barriers to osteoporosis management identified by pharmacists can be addressed by interdisciplinary collaboration and education. Pharmacists being embedded in aged care could enable more opportunities to contribute to the interdisciplinary team and become champions of osteoporosis management.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Laird
- Graduate School of Health, University of Technology Sydney, PO Box 123, Sydney, NSW, 2007, Australia.
| | - Kylie A Williams
- Graduate School of Health, University of Technology Sydney, PO Box 123, Sydney, NSW, 2007, Australia
| | - Helen Benson
- Graduate School of Health, University of Technology Sydney, PO Box 123, Sydney, NSW, 2007, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Alharthi M, Wright D, Scott S, Birt L. Barriers and enablers to deprescribing for older people in care homes: The theory-based perspectives of pharmacist independent prescribers. Res Social Adm Pharm 2023; 19:746-752. [PMID: 36732210 DOI: 10.1016/j.sapharm.2023.01.013] [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: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Over 70% of care home residents are prescribed potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) associated with morbidity and mortality. Deprescribing is a common recommendation by pharmacists performing medication reviews in care homes, however requiring prescriber authorisation is a barrier. Care home Independent Pharmacist Prescribing Study (CHIPPS), a cluster randomised control trial integrated pharmacist independent prescriber (PIPs) into care homes to improve medication management, providing a unique opportunity to identify their barriers and enablers to deprescribing. OBJECTIVES To identify barriers and enablers to PIPs deprescribing medications in care homes. METHODS Secondary qualitative framework analysis was performed on interviews with CHIPPS' PIPs. A maximum variation sampling approach was used to select from the 14 PIPs included in the process evaluation to achieve diversity of PIPs' contextual factors e.g., previous experience in care homes. Transcripts were coded inductively for barriers and enablers to deprescribing and then mapped to Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF). RESULTS Eleven PIP's interviews were sampled. Factors acted as enablers and barriers were PIP relationship with General Practitioner (GP), care home staff and residents/families, awareness of the PIP role and family trust in PIPs' deprescribing activities (social influences); PIPs' independent prescribing confidence, previous experience and ability dealing with residents' medications (beliefs about capabilities); understanding of PIP role and PIP confidence in their role as an independent prescriber (Social/professional role and identity); access to residents' records, deprescribing decision support, regular follow-up from care home staff, resident difficulties with medications, teamwork, and time restraints (Environmental context and resources). One factor acted as a barrier: believing negatives of deprescribing outweigh benefits regarding certain medications (Beliefs about consequences). CONCLUSION PIPs' involvement in deprescribing within care homes is influenced by multiple barriers and enablers. Data mapped to TDF domains represent barriers that need addressing and enablers that should be highlighted to enhance PIPs' effectiveness in future interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Alharthi
- School of Healthcare, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK; College of Pharmacy, Taif University, Taif, Saudi Arabia.
| | - David Wright
- School of Healthcare, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Sion Scott
- School of Healthcare, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Linda Birt
- School of Healthcare, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Cross AJ, Hawthorne D, Lee K, O'Donnell LK, Page AT. Factors influencing pharmacist interest and preparedness to work as on-site aged care pharmacists: Insights from qualitative analysis of free-text survey responses. Arch Gerontol Geriatr 2023; 110:104971. [PMID: 36842404 DOI: 10.1016/j.archger.2023.104971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND High rates of suboptimal medication use exist in residential aged care facilities (RACFs). Pharmacist interventions can improve medication appropriateness. In 2023 there will be a phased implementation of pharmacists working on-site in Australian RACFs. OBJECTIVE To explore factors influencing Australian pharmacists' interest and perceived preparedness to work as on-site pharmacists in RACFs. METHODS A national cross-sectional anonymous online survey of Australian pharmacists was conducted. Pharmacists were recruited using a broad advertising strategy. The 36-question survey included three free-text questions that are the focus of this study. The questions asked participants (1) what influenced their interest in the role, (2) what influenced how prepared they felt for the role, and (3) if they had any other comments about the role. Responses were thematically analysed by two investigators using an inductive approach. RESULTS Most survey respondents (n=546, 84.9%) answered at least one free-text questions. Four factors influenced interest: on-site pharmacist role, aged care setting, individual pharmacist circumstances and employment model. Four factors influenced preparedness: familiarity with aged care setting, resident-level clinical skills; ability to communicate and work with a multidisciplinary team, and experience with system-level quality use of medicines activities. Four factors important for successful roll-out emerged from the 'other comments': pharmacist attributes, pharmacist workforce planning, resources and support, and RACF stakeholder engagement. CONCLUSION Key factors influencing pharmacist interest and preparedness to work on-site in RACFs and factors important for success were identified. These findings will support the national roll-out of the role, particularly as most identified factors are currently modifiable.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amanda J Cross
- Centre for Medicine Use and Safety, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Science, Monash University, 381 Royal Parade, Parkville, Vic 3052, Australia.
| | - Deborah Hawthorne
- Western Australian Centre for Health & Ageing, School of Allied Health, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Kenneth Lee
- Western Australian Centre for Health & Ageing, School of Allied Health, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Lisa Kouladjian O'Donnell
- Departments of Clinical Pharmacology and Ageing, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Kolling Institute, The University of Sydney and the Northern Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Amy T Page
- Western Australian Centre for Health & Ageing, School of Allied Health, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia; Centre for Optimisation of Medicines, School of Allied Health, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Heinrich CH, McHugh S, McCarthy S, Donovan MD. Barriers and enablers to deprescribing in long-term care: A qualitative investigation into the opinions of healthcare professionals in Ireland. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0274552. [PMID: 36520798 PMCID: PMC9754218 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0274552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The prevalence of polypharmacy increases with age, increasing the exposure of older adults to potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs). Deprescribing has been shown to reduce PIMs for older residents in long-term care; however, deprescribing is not universally implemented. This study aims to identify the barriers and enablers to deprescribing in Irish long-term care facilities from the healthcare professionals' (HCPs) perspective. METHODS A qualitative descriptive approach was conducted using semi-structured interviews with HCPs working in long-term care (general practitioners, pharmacists and nurses). Purposive sampling with maximum variation was applied to select long-term care sites to identify HCPs, supplemented with convenience sampling of post-graduate HCPs from University College Cork. Data was thematically analysed and mapped to a framework of deprescribing barriers and enablers informed by the Theoretical Domains Framework. RESULTS Twenty-six HCPs participated from 13 long-term care facilities. The main barriers and enablers identified mapped to five domains. Barriers included insufficient resources, lack of co-ordination between healthcare settings and negative social influences. Additional barriers exist in private settings including deprescribing awareness, commitment and the need for incentives. Deprescribing enablers included interprofessional support and patient social influence. To encourage deprescribing, potential enablers include HCP education, pharmacist role expansion and tailored deprescribing guidelines within a structured process. CONCLUSION Interventions to support deprescribing should build on existing systems, involve stakeholders and utilise guidelines within a structured process. Any intervention must account for the nuanced barriers and enablers which exist in both public and private settings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Clara H. Heinrich
- School of Pharmacy, University College Cork, Cork City, Co. Cork, Ireland
- * E-mail:
| | - Sheena McHugh
- School of Public Health, University College Cork, Cork City, Co. Cork, Ireland
| | - Suzanne McCarthy
- School of Pharmacy, University College Cork, Cork City, Co. Cork, Ireland
| | - Maria D. Donovan
- School of Pharmacy, University College Cork, Cork City, Co. Cork, Ireland
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Birt L, Wright DJ, Blacklock J, Bond CM, Hughes CM, Alldred DP, Holland R, Scott S. Enhancing deprescribing: A qualitative understanding of the complexities of pharmacist-led deprescribing in care homes. HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE IN THE COMMUNITY 2022; 30:e6521-e6531. [PMID: 36336895 PMCID: PMC10100492 DOI: 10.1111/hsc.14099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Revised: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The English National Overprescribing Review identified that older people often take eight or more medicines a day. The report recommended pharmacists in primary care should take responsibility for addressing polypharmacy. Overprescribing is a safety concern in care homes as approximately half of older care home residents are prescribed at least one medicine that is unnecessary or now harmful. This predisposes them to adverse outcomes including hospitalisation and mortality. Deprescribing is the planned activity of stopping or reducing a medicine that may no longer be appropriate. Deprescribing, when performed by a pharmacist, is a multidisciplinary activity requiring close communication with general practitioners (GPs) and care home staff. A recently completed trial that integrated pharmacists with prescribing rights into older peoples' care homes found significant variation in proactive deprescribing activity. The aim of the current study was to specifically explore beliefs and practices of deprescribing in care homes. A qualitative approach was adopted to examine individual, social and contextual factors that acted as enablers and barriers to pharmacist deprescribing in care homes. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with participants of the previous study (16 pharmacists, 6 GPs and 7 care home staff from Northern Ireland, Scotland and England). Using thematic analysis, we identified two themes: (a) Structures and systems affecting deprescribing, that is the context in which deprescribing happened, including team involvement and routine practices in GP surgeries and care homes; (b) Balancing risks when deprescribing, that is the perception of individual risk and social barriers were mitigated by understanding the medical background of residents. This supported the clinical understanding that risks from overprescribing were greater than risks from deprescribing. While deprescribing can involve all health professionals in the primary care team, these results suggest the pharmacist is well placed to lead the process; by having both clinical competence and professional willingness to drive this activity forward.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Linda Birt
- School Allied Health ProfessionalsUniversity of LeicesterLeicesterUK
| | - David J. Wright
- Allied Health ProfessionalsUniversity of LeicesterLeicesterUK
| | | | - Christine M. Bond
- Institute of Applied Health SciencesUniversity of AberdeenLeicesterUK
| | | | | | | | - Sion Scott
- Allied Health ProfessionalsUniversity of LeicesterLeicesterUK
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Jun K, Lee S, Lee AY, Ah YM, Lee JY. Development of a medication review tool for residents in Korean long-term care facilities. Ther Adv Chronic Dis 2022; 13:20406223221128444. [PMID: 36225669 PMCID: PMC9549204 DOI: 10.1177/20406223221128444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Residents in long-term care facilities (LTCFs) are likely to suffer from drug-related problems, such as inappropriate polypharmacy and potential prescribing omissions due to multimorbidity and high-level frailty. Medication reviews are thus necessary to identify and resolve drug-related problems in LTCF residents. In this study, we aimed to develop a medication review tool for older adults in LTCFs in Korea. METHODS We did a systematic review to identify previously developed explicit criteria and devised preliminary potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) list for the LTCF elderly from previous tools. Each item on this list was categorized into 23 underlying diseases/conditions, and the interventions necessary for each PIM were included. A two-round modified Delphi survey was performed sequentially for consensus evaluation of clinical appropriateness and feasibility of the list items by 12 experts (seven physicians in different specialties and five pharmacists specialized in geriatrics) and seven pharmacists, respectively. RESULTS We identified 22 existing tools and devised a preliminary PIM list including 100 items. Ninety-one items were derived from the two-round Delphi survey for clinical appropriateness. In the feasibility test, 77 items were integrated into the final medication review tool for the LTCF elderly. The final list was composed of items relating to PIMs in general (18), potential drug interactions (14), PIMs under specific diseases/conditions (26), a need for dose adjustment (2), and potential omissions (17). CONCLUSIONS We developed a disease-category-based explicit medication review tool for detecting PIM use for LTCF residents. This tool may be helpful in implementing medication review practices to assist pharmacists or physicians for the elderly in LTCFs. Further research is required to validate the effectiveness of our tool in clinical practice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kwanghee Jun
- College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University,
Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Soojin Lee
- College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University,
Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ah young Lee
- College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University,
Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Mi Ah
- College of Pharmacy, Yeungnam University,
Gyeongsan, Republic of Korea
| | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Sluggett JK, Caughey GE, Air T, Moldovan M, Lang C, Martin G, Carter SR, Jackson S, Stafford AC, Wesselingh SL, Inacio MC. Provision of a comprehensive medicines review is associated with lower mortality risk for residents of aged care facilities: a retrospective cohort study. Age Ageing 2022; 51:6632479. [PMID: 35794851 PMCID: PMC9259960 DOI: 10.1093/ageing/afac149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background no studies have examined the impact of residential medication management review (RMMR, a 24-year government subsidised comprehensive medicines review program) in Australian residential aged care facilities (RACFs) on hospitalisation or mortality. Objective to examine associations between RMMR provision in the 6–12 months after RACF entry and the 12-month risk of hospitalisation and mortality among older Australians in RACFs. Design retrospective cohort study. Subjects individuals aged 65–105 years taking at least one medicine, who entered an RACF in three Australian states between 1 January 2012 and 31 December 2015 and spent at least 6 months in the RACF (n = 57,719). Methods Cox regression models estimated adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for associations between RMMR provision and mortality. Adjusted subdistribution hazard ratios were estimated for associations between RMMR provision and next (i) emergency department (ED) presentation or unplanned hospitalisation or (ii) fall-related ED presentation or hospitalisation. Results there were 12,603 (21.8%) individuals who received an RMMR within 6–12 months of RACF entry, of whom 22.2% (95%CI 21.4–22.9) died during follow-up, compared with 23.3% (95%CI 22.9–23.7) of unexposed individuals. RMMR provision was associated with a lower risk of death due to any cause over 12-months (aHR 0.96, 95%CI 0.91–0.99), but was not associated with ED presentations or hospitalisations for unplanned events or falls. Conclusions provision of an RMMR in the 6–12 months after RACF entry is associated with a 4.4% lower mortality risk over 12-months but was not associated with changes in hospitalisations for unplanned events or falls.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Janet K Sluggett
- Address correspondence to: Janet K. Sluggett, UniSA Allied Health and Human Performance, University of South Australia, GPO Box 2471, Adelaide South Australia 5001, Australia.
| | - Gillian E Caughey
- UniSA Allied Health and Human Performance, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Registry of Senior Australians, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Tracy Air
- Registry of Senior Australians, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Max Moldovan
- Registry of Senior Australians, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Biometry Hub, Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Technology, The University of Adelaide, Urrbrae, South Australia, Australia
| | - Catherine Lang
- Registry of Senior Australians, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Grant Martin
- Australian Association of Consultant Pharmacy, Fyshwick, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Stephen R Carter
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Shane Jackson
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Andrew C Stafford
- Curtin Medical School, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Steve L Wesselingh
- Registry of Senior Australians, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Maria C Inacio
- UniSA Allied Health and Human Performance, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Registry of Senior Australians, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Bhagavathula AS, Bandari DK, Areman BS, Fialova D. Pharmacy students knowledge about aging and rational geriatric pharmacotherapy in India: A cross-sectional study. GERONTOLOGY & GERIATRICS EDUCATION 2022; 43:346-359. [PMID: 33550943 DOI: 10.1080/02701960.2021.1885397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
This study was conducted to compare the knowledge of aging and rational geriatric pharmacotherapy among Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm) and Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) students in Telangana state, India. A multi-school, cross-sectional study was conducted among final year BPharm and PharmD students from 136 institutions between February and June 2017. A 15-item Geriatric Knowledge Assessment Scale (GKAS) was used to assess aging and rational geriatric pharmacotherapy knowledge among 600 pharmacy students. A total of 530 students participated in the survey, with a response rate of 88.3%, and their mean age was 23.5 (0.5 standard deviation) years. Three-fourth (73%) of the participants were PharmD and 27% were BPharm students. Adequate knowledge about aging was identified in only 41.1% of PharmD students and 16.1% of BPharm students. Both PharmD (73.1%) and BPharm (86.7%) demonstrated poor rational geriatric pharmacotherapy knowledge. Male gender [Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR): 2.9, 95% CI (1.46-5.71)], students aged <22 years [AOR: 3.5, (2.08-6.03)] and studying PharmD [AOR: 3.3, (1.87-5.78)] were significantly associated with higher knowledge on aging and geriatric pharmacotherapy. Inadequate knowledge may be due to a lack of geriatric content in the pharmacy curriculum and insufficient training in this area.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Deepak Kumar Bandari
- Department of Social and Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Hradec Králové, Czech Republic
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Vaagdevi Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Warangal, Telangana, India
| | - Bhagya Sri Areman
- Department of Social and Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Hradec Králové, Czech Republic
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Vaagdevi Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Warangal, Telangana, India
| | - Daniela Fialova
- Department of Social and Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Hradec Králové, Czech Republic
- Department of Geriatrics and Gerontology, 1st Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Entsuah N, Early N, Hanson L, Brucato B, Fairman KA, Naberhaus T. Outcomes of Pharmacist-Conducted Admission Medication-Regimen Reviews in Long-term Care Facilities. Sr Care Pharm 2022; 37:146-156. [PMID: 35337429 DOI: 10.4140/tcp.n.2022.146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Objective To assess the outcomes of pharmacist-completed aMRRs. The 2018 installation of the Improving Medicare Post-Acute Care Transformation (IMPACT) Act requires medication regimen reviews (aMRR) upon admission to long-term care (LTC) hospitals, nursing facilities, and inpatient-rehabilitation facilities. While the legislation does not require that pharmacists perform the reviews, pharmacists are aptly suited to add value to this practice. Design Retrospective analysis of residents admitted to LTC facilities. Setting Twenty-four LTC facilities located in Arizona served by one pharmacist-consult service. Patients, Participants Cohort of 603 LTC residents whose medical records were reviewed by consultant pharmacists during March 2020. Results For 603 residents, 1092 aMRRs were completed and 921 interventions were made. The most prevalent interventions were medication monitoring (N = 276), medications without appropriate indication (N = 130), and overdosage (N = 116). Of 921 interventions, 41 were classified as ECA Level 6, avoided hospital admission, and 30 as Level 7, avoided life-threatening event. Of 165 recommendations rated by both pharmacy student assessors and a supervising postgraduate year 2 resident, agreement occurred in 161 (97.6% agreement, kappa reliability = 0.934). Conclusion Pharmacist-conducted aMRRs identified clinically important threats to patient safety. Study results demonstrate potential for positive economic and resident care outcomes from pharmacist-performed aMRR interventions.
Collapse
|
17
|
Alruthea S, Bowman P, Tariq A, Hinchcliff R. Interventions to Enhance Medication Safety in Residential Aged-care Settings: An Umbrella Review. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2021; 88:1630-1643. [PMID: 34652833 DOI: 10.1111/bcp.15109] [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: 06/08/2021] [Revised: 10/03/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM To conduct a systematic synthesis of existing evidence reviews on interventions to enhance medication safety in residential aged-care settings (RACS) to establish and compare their effectiveness. METHOD This umbrella review included examination of meta-analyses, scoping and systematic reviews. Four electronic databases were examined for eligible reviews. Two authors critically appraised those meeting the inclusion criteria using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Instrument. RESULTS Fifteen reviews covering 171 unique, primary studies were included. Of the variety of interventions identified in the literature, five main categories of interventions were commonly reported to be effective in promoting medication safety in RACS (medication review, staff education, multidisciplinary team meetings, computerised clinical decision support systems and miscellaneous). Most reviews showed mixed evidence to support intervention effectiveness due to the significant heterogeneity between studies in their sites, sample sizes and intervention periods. In all intervention categories, pharmacists' collaboration was most beneficial, showing definitive evidence for improving medication safety and quality of prescribing in RACS. Eight reviews recommended multicomponent interventions, particularly medication reviews and staff education, but specific details were infrequently provided. Only five reviews presented insights into implementation facilitators and barriers, while the sustainability of interventions was only discussed in one review. CONCLUSION There is strong evidence to support the four main categories of interventions identified. However, limited details are available regarding the most appropriate design and implementation of multicomponent interventions and the sustainability of all interventions, thus solid recommendations cannot be made. Future research in this field should focus on producing theoretically informed, methodologically robust, original research, particularly regarding the design, implementation and sustainability of multicomponent interventions, which appears the most promising approach.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shadi Alruthea
- Department of Health Administration, College of Public Health and Health Informatics, Al Bukayriyah, Qassim University, Saudi Arabia.,School of Public Health & Social Work, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, QLD, Australia
| | - Paula Bowman
- School of Public Health & Social Work, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, QLD, Australia
| | - Amina Tariq
- Australian Centre for Health Services Innovation and Centre for Healthcare Transformation, School of Public Health & Social Work, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, QLD, Australia
| | - Reece Hinchcliff
- Australian Centre for Health Services Innovation and Centre for Healthcare Transformation, School of Public Health & Social Work, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, QLD, Australia.,Centre for Health Management, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Delgado-Silveira E, Bermejo-Vicedo T. The role of pharmacists in geriatric teams: the time is now. Eur Geriatr Med 2021; 12:1119-1121. [PMID: 34591278 DOI: 10.1007/s41999-021-00501-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- E Delgado-Silveira
- Servicio de Farmacia. Hospital, Universitario Ramón y Cajal. Ctra. Irycis, Colmenar Viejo, km 9,100, 28034, Madrid, Spain.
| | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
Ali S, Salahudeen MS, Bereznicki LRE, Curtain CM. Pharmacist-led interventions to reduce adverse drug events in older people living in residential aged care facilities: A systematic review. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2021; 87:3672-3689. [PMID: 33880786 DOI: 10.1111/bcp.14824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2021] [Revised: 02/14/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS We aimed to investigate the efficacy and effectiveness of pharmacist-led interventions to reduce adverse drug events (ADEs) in older people living in residential aged care facilities (RACFs). METHODS We systematically searched MEDLINE via PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and PsycINFO from their inceptions to July 2020. We investigated experimental study designs that employed a control group, or quasi-experimental studies conducted in RACFs. RESULTS We screened 3826 records and included 23 studies. We found seven single-component and 16 multicomponent pharmacist-led interventions to reduce ADEs in older people living in RACFs. The most frequent single-component pharmacist-led intervention was medication review. Medication review and education provision to healthcare professionals were the most common components in many pharmacist-led multicomponent interventions. Thirteen studies (56%) showed no effect, whereas ten studies (43%) reported significant reductions in ADEs following pharmacist-led interventions either as a sole intervention or as a part of a multi-component intervention. Many interventions focused on reducing the incidence of falls (39%). CONCLUSIONS This systematic review suggests that pharmacist-led interventions have the potential to reduce the incidence of ADEs in older people living in RACFs. Medication review and educational programmes, particularly academic detailing, either as a single component or as part of multicomponent interventions were the most common approaches to reducing drug-related harm in older people living in RACFs. The lack of a positive association between interventions and ADE in many studies suggests that targeted and tailored pharmacist-led interventions are required to reduce ADEs in older people in RACFs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sheraz Ali
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart, 7005, Australia
| | - Mohammed S Salahudeen
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart, 7005, Australia
| | - Luke R E Bereznicki
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart, 7005, Australia
| | - Colin M Curtain
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart, 7005, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Gonçalves JR, Ramalhinho I, Sleath BL, Lopes MJ, Cavaco AM. Probing pharmacists' interventions in Long-Term Care: a systematic review. Eur Geriatr Med 2021; 12:673-693. [PMID: 33743169 DOI: 10.1007/s41999-021-00469-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Long-Term Care (LTC) systems have experienced recent developments driven by changes in healthcare and demography (e.g. population ageing). As well, pharmacists are changing from traditional roles to more patient-oriented services. The present study aimed to identify and assess pharmacists' and/or pharmacy-based interventions in institutional LTC settings, also mapping relevant medications. METHODS The review was undertaken in general accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA), using three main literature databases (PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Knowledge). A set of 16 keywords, divided into three domains (professional, type of care and type of setting), were combined into search equations. Selected studies were assessed through the Quality Assessment Tool for Quantitative Studies. RESULTS Twenty-six studies met the inclusion criteria, out of 794 initial hits. Most studies (12) described pharmacist/pharmacy-driven interventions assessing Medication Management Reviews' impact in different endpoints or outcomes. Other studies (3) assessed pharmacists' interventions on specific medication groups. Good Administration Practices, new pharmaceutical care models, antibiotic stewardship programs, and studies assessing other pharmacists' interventions, such as pharmacy-managed informatics and education, were addressed by 11 other papers. Six studies were classified as Strong after quality assessment. CONCLUSION LTC is a clinically complex type of care benefiting from interdisciplinary work. Despite the overall lower quality of the identified studies, pharmacists perform in a wide array of LTC areas. The broad implementation of pharmaceutical activities in institutional LTC settings opens opportunities to optimise medicines' use.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- João R Gonçalves
- iMed.ULisboa, Social Pharmacy Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lisbon, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003, Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Isabel Ramalhinho
- Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139, Faro, Portugal
| | - Betsy L Sleath
- Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Manuel J Lopes
- College of Nursing S. João de Deus, University of Évora, 7000-811, Évora, Portugal
| | - Afonso M Cavaco
- iMed.ULisboa, Social Pharmacy Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lisbon, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003, Lisboa, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Visacri MB, Figueiredo IV, Lima TDM. Role of pharmacist during the COVID-19 pandemic: A scoping review. Res Social Adm Pharm 2021; 17:1799-1806. [PMID: 33317760 PMCID: PMC7334137 DOI: 10.1016/j.sapharm.2020.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 07/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Since the start of the new Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak in December 2019, pharmacists worldwide are playing a key role adopting innovative strategies to minimize the adverse impact of the pandemic. OBJECTIVES To identify and describe core services provided by the pharmacist during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS A literature search was performed in MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, and LILACS for studies published between December 1st, 2019 and May 20th, 2020 without language restriction. Studies that reported services provided by pharmacists during the COVID-19 pandemic were included. Two independent authors performed study selection and data extraction with a consensus process. The pharmacist's intervention identified in the included studies were described based on key domains in the DEPICT v.2. RESULTS A total of 1189 records were identified, of which 11 studies fully met the eligibility criteria. Most of them were conducted in the United States of America (n = 4) and China (n = 4). The most common type of publication were letters (n = 4) describing the workplace of the pharmacist in hospitals (n = 8). These findings showed the different roles of pharmacists during the COVID-19 pandemic, such as disease prevention and infection control, adequate storage and drug supply, patient care and support for healthcare professionals. Pharmacists' interventions were mostly conducted for healthcare professionals and patients (n = 7), through one-to-one contact (n = 11), telephone (n = 6) or video conference (n = 5). The pharmacists' main responsibility was to provide drug information for healthcare professionals (n = 7) as well as patient counseling (n = 8). CONCLUSIONS A reasonable number of studies that described the role of the pharmacists during the COVID-19 pandemic were found. All studies reported actions taken by pharmacists, although without providing a satisfactory description. Thus, future research with more detailed description as well as an evaluation of the impact of pharmacist intervention is needed in order to guide future actions in this and/or other pandemic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Isabel Vitória Figueiredo
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; Coimbra Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Translational Research, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Tácio de Mendonça Lima
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, RJ, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
A New Care Model Reduces Polypharmacy and Potentially Inappropriate Medications in Long-Term Care. J Am Med Dir Assoc 2020; 22:141-147. [PMID: 33221164 DOI: 10.1016/j.jamda.2020.09.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Revised: 09/23/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Assess the impact of a new pharmaceutical care model on (1) polypharmacy and (2) potentially inappropriate medication (PIM) use in long-term care facilities (LTCFs). DESIGN Pragmatic quasi-experimental study with a control group. This multifaceted model enables pharmacists and nurses to increase their professional autonomy by enforcing laws designed to expand their scope of practice. It also involves a strategic reorganization of care, interdisciplinary training, and systematic medication reviews. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS Two LTCFs exposed to the model (409 residents) were compared to 2 control LTCFs (282 residents) in Quebec, Canada. All individuals were aged 65 years or older and residing in included LTCFs. MEASURES Polypharmacy (≥10 medications) and PIM (2015 Beers criteria) were analyzed throughout 12 months between March 2017 and June 2018. Groups were compared before and after implementation using repeated measures mixed Poisson or logistic regression models, adjusting for potential confounding variables. RESULTS Over 12 months, for regular medications, polypharmacy decreased from 42% to 20% (exposed group) and from 50% to 41% (control group) [difference in differences (DID): 13%, P < .001]. Mean number of PIMs also decreased from 0.79 to 0.56 (exposed group) and from 1.08 to 0.90 (control group) (DID: 0.05, P = .002). CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Compared with usual care, this multifaceted model reduced the probability of receiving ≥10 medications and the mean number of PIMs. Greater professional autonomy, reorganization of care, training, and medication review can optimize pharmaceutical care. As the role of pharmacists is expanding in many countries, this model shows what could be achieved with increased professional autonomy of pharmacists and nurses in LTCFs.
Collapse
|