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Kow CS, Ramachandram DS, Hasan SS, Thiruchelvam K. Comment on: "Polypharmacy and Antibody Response to SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination in Residents of Long-Term Care Facilities: the GeroCovid Study". Drugs Aging 2024; 41:283-285. [PMID: 38416396 DOI: 10.1007/s40266-024-01106-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Chia Siang Kow
- School of Pharmacy, International Medical University, 126 Jalan Jalil Perkasa 19, Bukit Jalil, 57000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | | | - Syed Shahzad Hasan
- School of Applied Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield, UK
| | - Kaeshaelya Thiruchelvam
- School of Pharmacy, International Medical University, 126 Jalan Jalil Perkasa 19, Bukit Jalil, 57000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
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Jeong HN, Chang SJ, Kim JR, Choi GW. Similarities and Differences of Interventions to Promote Physical and Psychological Health Between Prefrail and Frail Older Women: A Systematic Review. J Gerontol Nurs 2023; 49:20-28. [PMID: 37768583 DOI: 10.3928/00989134-20230915-05] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
The current review aimed to explore similarities and differences in the properties of interventions that promote physical and psychological health between prefrail and frail older women. Ten databases were searched for studies published from database inception to May 2023. Two Cochrane tools were used to assess the risk of bias in experimental and quasi-experimental studies. Twenty-three studies were selected, including 11 studies on prefrailty and 12 studies on frailty. Exercise interventions were predominant, but the contents and standards of exercise intensity were inconsistent between prefrail and frail women. For the main outcomes of the interventions, balance ability and biochemical factors were measured more frequently for frail older women than prefrail older women. Psychological health was less measured for prefrail and frail older women compared to physical health. Future research needs to consider balance training, as well as the evaluation of biochemical factors and psychological health among prefrail or frail older women. [Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 49(10), 20-28.].
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Jamieson H, Nishtala P, Bergler HU, Weaver S, Pickering J, Ailabouni N, Abey-Nesbit R, Gullery C, Deely J, Gee S, Hilmer S, Mangin D. Deprescribing Anticholinergic and Sedative Drugs to Reduce Polypharmacy in Frail Older Adults Living in the Community: A Randomized Controlled Trial. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci 2023; 78:1692-1700. [PMID: 36692224 PMCID: PMC10460556 DOI: 10.1093/gerona/glac249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Polypharmacy is associated with poor outcomes in older adults. Targeted deprescribing of anticholinergic and sedative medications may improve health outcomes for frail older adults. Our pharmacist-led deprescribing intervention was a pragmatic 2-arm randomized controlled trial stratified by frailty. We compared usual care (control) with the intervention of pharmacists providing deprescribing recommendations to general practitioners. METHODS Community-based older adults (≥65 years) from 2 New Zealand district health boards were recruited following a standardized interRAI needs assessment. The Drug Burden Index (DBI) was used to quantify the use of sedative and anticholinergic medications for each participant. The trial was stratified into low, medium, and high-frailty. We hypothesized that the intervention would increase the proportion of participants with a reduction in DBI ≥ 0.5 within 6 months. RESULTS Of 363 participants, 21 (12.7%) in the control group and 21 (12.2%) in the intervention group had a reduction in DBI ≥ 0.5. The difference in the proportion of -0.4% (95% confidence interval [CI]: -7.9% to 7.0%) provided no evidence of efficacy for the intervention. Similarly, there was no evidence to suggest the effectiveness of this intervention for participants of any frailty level. CONCLUSION Our pharmacist-led medication review of frail older participants did not reduce the anticholinergic/sedative load within 6 months. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) lockdown measures required modification of the intervention. Subgroup analyses pre- and post-lockdown showed no impact on outcomes. Reviewing this and other deprescribing trials through the lens of implementation science may aid an understanding of the contextual determinants preventing or enabling successful deprescribing implementation strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamish Jamieson
- Department of Medicine, Burwood Hospital, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Prasad S Nishtala
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Centre for Therapeutic Innovation, University of Bath, Bath, UK
| | - Hans Ulrich Bergler
- Department of Medicine, Burwood Hospital, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Susan K Weaver
- Department of Medicine, Burwood Hospital, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - John W Pickering
- Department of Medicine, Burwood Hospital, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Nagham J Ailabouni
- The Pharmacy Australian Centre of Excellence (PACE), School of Pharmacy, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, South Australia, Australia
- UniSA Clinical and Health Sciences, Quality Use of Medicines and Pharmacy Research Centre, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Rebecca Abey-Nesbit
- Department of Medicine, Burwood Hospital, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Carolyn Gullery
- Planning, Funding and Decision Support, Canterbury District Health Board, General Manager of Planning, Funding and Decision Support; Lightfoot Solutions, Healthcare Systems, Specialist Advisor, Berkshire, UK
| | - Joanne Deely
- Burwood Academy Trust, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Susan B Gee
- Psychiatry of Old Age Academic Unit, Canterbury District Health Board, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Sarah N Hilmer
- Geriatric Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Northern Clinical School, Kolling Institute, University of Sydney and Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Dee Mangin
- Primary Care Research Group, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand
- Department of Family Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
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Polypharmacy and Multimorbidity in the Urogynecology Population and Their Effect on Pelvic Floor Symptoms. UROGYNECOLOGY (HAGERSTOWN, MD.) 2023; 29:80-87. [PMID: 36548108 DOI: 10.1097/spv.0000000000001262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Polypharmacy and multimorbidity are common in older adults but has not been well studied in the urogynecologic patient population. OBJECTIVES The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of polypharmacy and multimorbidity in a diverse outpatient urogynecologic population and to examine whether polypharmacy and/or multimorbidity were associated with lower urinary tract symptoms, pelvic organ prolapse, defecatory distress, and/or female sexual dysfunction. STUDY DESIGN This is a secondary analysis of a dual-center cross-sectional study of new patients presenting for evaluation of pelvic floor disorders at 2 urban academic outpatient urogynecology clinics. Baseline demographics and clinical characteristics were obtained from the electronic medical record. Validated surveys were administered to determine severity of lower urinary tract symptoms (Overactive Bladder Validated 8-Question Screener, Urogenital Distress Inventory-6), pelvic floor dysfunction (Pelvic Organ Prolapse Distress Inventory-6, Colorectal-Anal Distress Inventory-8), and sexual dysfunction (6-item Female Sexual Function Index). Standard statistical techniques were used. RESULTS One hundred ninety-seven women with mean age 58.8 years (SD, 13.4 years) were included, and most were of minority race/ethnicity (Black, 34.0%; Hispanic, 21.8%). The majority of participants met criteria for polypharmacy (58.4%) and multimorbidity (85.8%), with a mean prescription number of 6.5 (SD, ± 4.9) and mean number of medical comorbidities of 4.9 (SD, ± 3.3). Polypharmacy and multimorbidity were significantly associated with higher CRADI-8 scores. Specifically, polypharmacy was associated with straining with bowel movements and painful stools, whereas multimorbidity was associated with incomplete emptying and fecal urgency. There was no significant association between polypharmacy and multimorbidity with urinary symptoms, prolapse, or sexual dysfunction. CONCLUSIONS Polypharmacy and multimorbidity are common in the urogynecologic population. There is a relationship between greater defecatory distress and polypharmacy and multimorbidity.
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Murphy M, Bennett K, Wright M, O’Reilly M, Conroy M, Hughes C, McLean S, Cadogan CA. Potentially inappropriate prescribing in older adults with cancer receiving specialist palliative care: a retrospective observational study. Int J Clin Pharm 2023; 45:174-183. [PMID: 36378404 PMCID: PMC9664032 DOI: 10.1007/s11096-022-01506-4] [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: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Older adults (≥ 65 years) with cancer receiving palliative care often have other health conditions requiring multiple medications. AIM To describe and assess the appropriateness of prescribing for older adults with cancer in the last seven days of life in an inpatient palliative care setting. METHOD Retrospective observational study of medical records for 180 patients (60.6% male; median age: 74 years; range 65-94 years) over a two-year period. Medication appropriateness was assessed using: STOPPFrail, OncPal deprescribing guideline and criteria for identifying Potentially Inappropriate Prescribing in older adults with Cancer receiving Palliative Care (PIP-CPC). RESULTS 94.5% of patients had at least one other health condition (median 3, IQR 2-5). The median number of medications increased from five (IQR 3-7) seven days before death, to 11 medications on the day of death (IQR 9-15). The prevalence of PIP varied depending on the tool used: STOPPFrail (version 1: 17.2%, version 2: 19.4%), OncPal (12.8%), PIP-CPC (30%). However, the retrospective nature of the study limited the applicability of the tools. Increasing number of medications had a statistically significant effect on risk of PIP across all tools (STOPPFrail (version 1: 1.29 (1.13-1.37), version 2: 1.30 (1.16-1.48)); OncPal 1.13 (1.01-1.27); PIP-CPC 0.70 (0.61-0.82)). CONCLUSION This study found that the number of medications prescribed to older adults with cancer increased as time to death approached, and the prevalence of PIP varied with the application of different tools. The study also highlights the difficulties of examining PIP in this patient cohort.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie Murphy
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Kathleen Bennett
- Data Science Centre, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | | | | | - Carmel Hughes
- School of Pharmacy, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | | | - Cathal A. Cadogan
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, D02PN40 Ireland
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Toh JJY, Zhang H, Soh YY, Zhang Z, Wu XV. Prevalence and health outcomes of polypharmacy and hyperpolypharmacy in older adults with frailty: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Ageing Res Rev 2023; 83:101811. [PMID: 36455791 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2022.101811] [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: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 11/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Polypharmacy is a prevalent issue in older adults, associated with a wide range of adverse health outcomes, amplified in those with frailty. This review aims to synthesize current literature on the prevalence and health outcomes of polypharmacy and hyperpolypharmacy in older adults with frailty. A systematic search was carried out within ten databases till December 2021. Data was extracted using a piloted data extraction form, and methodological quality was assessed using JBI critical appraisal checklists. Meta-analyses were conducted for prevalence, and narrative synthesis was conducted for the health outcomes of polypharmacy and hyperpolypharmacy in older adults with frailty. Heterogeneity was assessed using Chi2 and I2 statistics, with sensitivity and subgroup analyses performed to explore sources of heterogeneity. Sixty-six studies were included for this review. The overall pooled prevalence of polypharmacy and hyperpolypharmacy was 59% and 22% respectively. When stratifying the studies by setting, WHO regions, in eighteen frailty assessment instruments, and by its year of publication, subgroup analysis found the highest rates of prevalence in the hospital setting (71%), in the European region (68%), when Reported Edmonton Frail Scale was used (96%), and in studies published in 2015 (86%). Additionally, frail older adults with polypharmacy were less likely to experience an improvement in frailty states, had higher risks of mortality, were more likely to suffer adverse hospital-related outcomes, and required additional assistance compared to those without polypharmacy. Therefore, the high prevalence and poorer health outcomes urges the healthcare providers and health policymakers to develop and implement preventative and restorative measures targeted at the adverse outcomes associated with polypharmacy and hyperpolypharmacy in older adults with frailty.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janice Jia Yun Toh
- Alice Lee Centre for Nursing Studies, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Level 2, Clinical Research Centre, Block MD 11,10 Medical Drive, 117597, Singapore.
| | - Hui Zhang
- Alice Lee Centre for Nursing Studies, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Level 2, Clinical Research Centre, Block MD 11,10 Medical Drive, 117597, Singapore; St Andrew's Community Hospital, 8 Simei Street 3, 529895, Singapore.
| | - Yang Yue Soh
- Alice Lee Centre for Nursing Studies, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Level 2, Clinical Research Centre, Block MD 11,10 Medical Drive, 117597, Singapore.
| | - Zeyu Zhang
- Institute for Hospital Management, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, People's Republic of China.
| | - Xi Vivien Wu
- Alice Lee Centre for Nursing Studies, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Level 2, Clinical Research Centre, Block MD 11,10 Medical Drive, 117597, Singapore; NUSMED Healthy Longevity Translational Research Programme, National University of Singapore, 28 Medical Drive, 117456, Singapore.
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Thiruchelvam K, Byles J, Hasan SS, Egan N, Kairuz T. Impact of medication reviews on potentially inappropriate medications and associated costs among older women in aged care. Res Social Adm Pharm 2022; 18:3758-3765. [DOI: 10.1016/j.sapharm.2022.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Revised: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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Thiruchelvam K, Byles J, Hasan SS, Egan N, Kairuz T. Home Medicines Review and frailty among community-dwelling older women. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACY PRACTICE 2021; 29:548-555. [PMID: 34463322 DOI: 10.1093/ijpp/riab054] [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: 03/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Home Medicines Reviews (HMRs) can optimize medications for frail older adults. This study aimed to determine the use of HMRs according to frailty status and the association between frailty and use of HMRs. METHODS The study included 9139 female participants enrolled in the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health from 2003 (aged 77-82 years) to 2017 (aged 91-96 years). Generalized estimating equations (GEEs) using log-binomial regressions were used to determine associations using repeated measures on individuals over time. KEY FINDINGS The majority of participants in the study remained non-frail and did not receive HMRs from 2003 [7116 (77.86%)] to 2017 [1240 (71.31%)]. The use of HMRs was low in both groups with 33 (1.68%; 95% CI, 1.16 to 2.36) frail and 64 (0.89%; 95% CI, 0.69 to 1.14) non-frail participants receiving HMRs in 2003; by 2017, 19 (4.19%; 95% CI, 2.54 to 6.46) frail and 45 (3.50%; 95% CI, 2.57 to 4.66) non-frail participants received HMRs. Frailty was not associated with receiving a HMR (RR 1.06; 95% CI, 0.95 to 1.20), although for every 1-year increase, participants were 10% more likely to receive a HMR (RR 1.10; 95% CI, 1.09 to 1.11). Participants with continuous polypharmacy, ≥4 chronic diseases, >4 general practitioner visits and Department of Veterans Affairs coverage were more likely to receive a HMR. CONCLUSIONS Despite the proven value of HMRs for frail older people, HMRs were not used for most frail and non-frail community-dwelling women in this study. Reasons for low use of the service should be explored, with interventions to raise awareness of the benefits of the service.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaeshaelya Thiruchelvam
- University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.,School of Pharmacy, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Julie Byles
- University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.,Priority Research Centre for Generational Health and Ageing, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Syed Shahzad Hasan
- University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.,Department of Pharmacy, University of Huddersfield, Queensgate, Huddersfield, UK
| | - Nicholas Egan
- University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.,Priority Research Centre for Generational Health and Ageing, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Therese Kairuz
- University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.,School of Pharmacy, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Thiruchelvam K, Byles J, Hasan SS, Egan N, Kairuz T. Residential Medication Management Reviews and continuous polypharmacy among older Australian women. Int J Clin Pharm 2021; 43:1619-1629. [PMID: 34091857 DOI: 10.1007/s11096-021-01294-3] [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: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Background Polypharmacy is an important consideration for the provision of Residential Medication Management Reviews (RMMRs) among older women given their enhanced risk of medication-related problems and admission to residential aged care (RAC). Objectives To determine the prevalence of the use of RMMRs among older women in RAC, and the association between RMMRs and polypharmacy, medications, and costs. Setting Older Australian women aged 79-84 years in 2005 who had at least one Medicare Benefits Schedule and Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme record, received a service in aged care, and consented to data linkage. Methods Generalised estimating equations were used to determine the association between polypharmacy and RMMRs, while adjusting for confounding variables. Main outcome measures Prevalence of the use of RMMRs among older women in RAC, association between RMMRs and polypharmacy, medications, and costs. Results Most participants did not have continuous polypharmacy and did not receive RMMRs from 2005 [451 (67.4%)] until 2017 [666 (66.6%)]. Participants with continuous polypharmacy were 17% more likely to receive a RMMR (risk ratio 1.17; 95% confidence interval 1.11, 1.25). Participants in their final year of life and residing in outer regional/remote/very remote Australia were less likely to receive RMMRs. Out-of-pocket medication costs increased over time, and alendronate and aspirin were common contributors to polypharmacy among participants who received RMMRs. Conclusion Polypharmacy was associated with receiving RMMRs and around two-thirds of women who are entitled to a RMMR never received one. There is potential to improve the use of medicines by increasing awareness of the service among eligible individuals, their carers and health care professionals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaeshaelya Thiruchelvam
- University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia. .,International Medical University, 126 Jalan Jalil Perkasa 19, Bukit Jalil, 57000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
| | - Julie Byles
- University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia.,Priority Research Centre for Generational Health and Ageing, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, 2305, Australia
| | - Syed Shahzad Hasan
- University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia.,University of Huddersfield, Queensgate, Huddersfield, HD1 3DH, UK
| | - Nicholas Egan
- University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia.,Priority Research Centre for Generational Health and Ageing, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, 2305, Australia
| | - Therese Kairuz
- University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia.,International Medical University, 126 Jalan Jalil Perkasa 19, Bukit Jalil, 57000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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