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Browning S, Raleigh RA, Hattingh HL. Medicine communication from hospital to residential aged care facilities: a cross-sectional survey of aged care facility staff. Int J Clin Pharm 2024:10.1007/s11096-024-01801-2. [PMID: 39347845 DOI: 10.1007/s11096-024-01801-2] [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: 07/20/2024] [Accepted: 09/03/2024] [Indexed: 10/01/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Continuity of medicines management can be compromised when older people are transferred between hospital and residential aged care facilities. AIM This study explored medicines management practices at facilities during patients' transfer of care from hospital, and staff experiences with medicines information handover from hospitals. METHOD An electronic cross-sectional questionnaire sent to all residential aged care facilities within a metropolitan region in Australia, in February 2022. The questionnaire comprised 23 questions covering facilities' profiles, medicines management practices, and medicines management at transfer of care from 2 public hospitals. RESULTS Of 53 listed facilities, 31 [58.5%] responded. Facilities varied in size ranging between < 50 and up to 200 beds. Twenty-seven [87.1%] facilities offered more than one level of care. Of those 27 facilities, 26 [96.3%] offered dementia care, and 23 [85.2%] offered palliative care. Six (19.4%) solely used hardcopy medication charts. Handover from hospitals to manage patients' medicines at transfer was inconsistent with only 15 [48.4%] reporting consistently receiving appropriate documentation. CONCLUSION Residential aged care facilities varied in size and level of care. Diverse processes exist for medicines management. There is inconsistency in information received when residents transfer from hospital to facilities, potentially compromising patient safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Browning
- Pharmacy Department, Gold Coast University Hospital, Gold Coast Health, A Block Lower Ground, 1 Hospital Boulevard, Gold Coast, Southport, QLD, 4215, Australia.
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, 4222, Australia.
| | - Rachael A Raleigh
- Pharmacy Department, Gold Coast University Hospital, Gold Coast Health, A Block Lower Ground, 1 Hospital Boulevard, Gold Coast, Southport, QLD, 4215, Australia
- School of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, 4000, Australia
| | - H Laetitia Hattingh
- Pharmacy Department, Gold Coast University Hospital, Gold Coast Health, A Block Lower Ground, 1 Hospital Boulevard, Gold Coast, Southport, QLD, 4215, Australia
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, 4222, Australia
- School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4102, Australia
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2
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Snoswell CL, De Guzman KR, Barras M. Advanced-scope pharmacist roles in medical outpatient clinics: a cost-consequence analysis. Intern Med J 2024; 54:404-413. [PMID: 38050932 DOI: 10.1111/imj.16280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is a growing body of evidence that supports the clinical effectiveness of pharmacist roles in outpatient settings. However, limited studies have investigated the economic efficiency of advanced-scope outpatient pharmacist roles, particularly in the Australian setting. Assessing the overall costs and benefits of these outpatient pharmacist roles is needed to ensure service sustainability. AIMS To use a cost-consequence approach to evaluate the advanced-scope outpatient pharmacist roles across multiple clinic disciplines from the hospital perspective. METHODS A cost-consequence analysis was undertaken using data from a previous clinical-effectiveness study. All outpatient pharmacist consults conducted from 1 June 2019 to 31 May 2020 across 18 clinic disciplines were evaluated. Consequences from the pharmacist services included number of consults conducted, number of medication-related activities and number of resolved recommendations. RESULTS The overall cost to the hospital for the outpatient pharmacist service across all clinics was AU$1 991 122, with a potential remuneration of AU$3 895 247. There were 10 059 pharmacist consults undertaken for the 12-month period. Medication-related activities performed by pharmacists primarily included 6438 counselling and education activities and 4307 medication list activities. When the specialist pharmacist roles were added to the outpatient clinics, several health service benefits were also realised. CONCLUSIONS The addition of pharmacist roles to outpatient clinics can increase the cost of services; however, they also can increase medication optimisation activities. Future research should examine a societal perspective that includes broader cost and effectiveness outcomes. This study could justify the implementation of advanced-scope outpatient pharmacist roles in other Australian hospitals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Centaine L Snoswell
- Pharmacy Department, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Centre for Health Services Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Centre for Online Health, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Keshia R De Guzman
- Pharmacy Department, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Centre for Health Services Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Centre for Online Health, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Michael Barras
- Pharmacy Department, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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Risk factors predictive of adverse drug events and drug-related falls in aged care residents: secondary analysis from the ReMInDAR trial. Drugs Aging 2023; 40:49-58. [PMID: 36422825 PMCID: PMC9686455 DOI: 10.1007/s40266-022-00983-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Residents of aged-care facilities have high rates of adverse drug events. This study aimed to identify risk factors for adverse drug events in aged-care residents. METHOD This was a secondary study using data from a multicentre randomised controlled trial. Data from 224 residents for whom there was 6 months of baseline information were analysed. We assessed the risk of adverse drug events and falls (post hoc) in the subsequent 6 months. Adverse events were identified via a key word search of the resident care record and adjudicated by a multidisciplinary panel using a modified version of the Naranjo criteria. Covariates identified through univariable logistic regression, including age, sex, medicines, physical activity, cognition (Montreal Cognitive Assessment), previous adverse events and health service use were included in multivariable models. RESULTS Overall, 224 residents were included, with a mean age of 86 years; 70% were female. 107 (48%) residents had an adverse drug event during the 6-month follow-up. Falls and bleeding were experienced by 73 (33%) and 28 (13%) residents, respectively. Age (odds ratio [OR] 1.05, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01-1.10), weight (OR 1.02, 95% CI 1.002-1.04), previous fall (OR 2.58, 95% CI 1.34-4.98) and sedative or hypnotic medicine use (OR 1.98, 95% CI 1.52-2.60) were associated with increased risk of adverse drug events. Increased cognition (OR 0.89, 95% CI 0.83-0.95) was protective. Risk factors for falls were previous fall (OR 3.27, 95% CI 1.68-6.35) and sedative or hypnotic medicines (OR 3.05, 95% CI 1.14-8.16). Increased cognition (OR 0.88, 95% CI 0.83-0.95) was protective. CONCLUSION Our results suggest residents with a previous fall, reduced cognition, and prescription of sedative or hypnotic medicines were at higher risk of adverse drug events and should be considered for proactive prevention.
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Snoswell CL, De Guzman KR, Barras M. Pharmacists reducing medication risk in medical outpatient clinics: a retrospective study of 18 clinics. Intern Med J 2023; 53:95-103. [PMID: 34487409 DOI: 10.1111/imj.15504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2021] [Revised: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The role of pharmacists in hospital inpatient settings is well recognised; however, pharmacists are relatively new to outpatient clinic settings in Australia. Evidence to justify the clinical effectiveness of pharmacists, in terms of identifying and resolving medication-related problems in an outpatient setting in Australia is limited. AIMS To investigate the clinical effectiveness of outpatient clinic pharmacists across multiple medical disciplines. METHODS A retrospective observational study was conducted by auditing medical records for patients who had an outpatient clinic pharmacist consult between June 2019 and February 2020 in a large quaternary hospital. All pharmacist recommendations targeting a medication-related problem were audited. Recommendations were considered 'resolved' if accepted and actioned by the patient and/or a clinician. The resolved recommendations were risk rated using a validated tool for medication-related patient harm. RESULTS There were 18 clinic pharmacist roles across multiple medical disciplines, of which 46 pharmacists conducted outpatient consults. A total of 7599 consults was conducted and a purposeful random sample of 572 (8%) consults was audited for 552 unique patients. There were 399 recommendations recorded in the notes by clinic pharmacists, a mean (standard deviation) of 0.95 (0.97) per patient. Of these, 328 (82%) were resolved; 269 (82%) were classified as low or moderate risk and 59 (18%) were classified as high-risk recommendations. CONCLUSIONS Clinic pharmacists in multidisciplinary outpatient clinics are effective at identifying and resolving medication-related problems. Our research demonstrated that 18% of these resolved recommendations prevented a high-risk medication-related harm event.
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Affiliation(s)
- Centaine L Snoswell
- Pharmacy Department, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,Centre for Online Health, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,Centre for Health Services Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Keshia R De Guzman
- Pharmacy Department, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,Centre for Online Health, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,Centre for Health Services Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Michael Barras
- Pharmacy Department, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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5
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Rodrigues AR, Teixeira-Lemos E, Mascarenhas-Melo F, Lemos LP, Bell V. Pharmacist Intervention in Portuguese Older Adult Care. Healthcare (Basel) 2022; 10:1833. [PMID: 36292280 PMCID: PMC9602367 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare10101833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2022] [Revised: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 09/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Healthy ageing has become one of the most significant challenges in a society with an increasing life expectancy. Older adults have a greater prevalence of chronic disease, with the need for multiple medications to appropriately control these issues. In addition to their health concerns, ageing individuals are prone to loneliness, dependence, and economic issues, which may affect their quality of life. Governments and health professionals worldwide have developed various strategies to promote active and healthy ageing to improve the quality of life of older adults. Pharmacists are highly qualified health professionals, easily accessible to the population, thus playing a pivotal role in medication management. Their proximity to the patient puts them in a unique position to provide education and training to improve therapeutic adherence and identify medication-related problems. This paper aims to address the importance of Portuguese community pharmacists in the medication management of older adults, emphasising their intervention in health promotion, patient education, medication-related problems, deprescription, dose administration aids, and medication review and reconciliation. We also discuss home delivery services and medication management in long-term care facilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Rita Rodrigues
- Laboratory of Social Pharmacy and Public Health, Faculty of Pharmacy of the University of Coimbra, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Edite Teixeira-Lemos
- CERNAS-IPV Research Centre, Polytechnic Institute of Viseu, 3504-510 Viseu, Portugal
| | - Filipa Mascarenhas-Melo
- Drug Development and Technology Laboratory, Faculty of Pharmacy of the University of Coimbra, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- REQUIMTE/LAQV, Group of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy of the University of Coimbra, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Luís Pedro Lemos
- Nuclear Medicine Department, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Victoria Bell
- Laboratory of Social Pharmacy and Public Health, Faculty of Pharmacy of the University of Coimbra, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
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Evaluation approaches, tools and aspects of implementation used in pharmacist interventions in residential aged care facilities: A scoping review. Res Social Adm Pharm 2022; 18:3714-3723. [DOI: 10.1016/j.sapharm.2022.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Revised: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Snoswell CL, Cossart AR, Chevalier B, Barras M. Benefits, challenges and contributors to the introduction of new hospital-based outpatient clinic pharmacist positions. EXPLORATORY RESEARCH IN CLINICAL AND SOCIAL PHARMACY 2022; 5:100119. [PMID: 35478521 PMCID: PMC9029912 DOI: 10.1016/j.rcsop.2022.100119] [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: 05/31/2021] [Revised: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Pharmacists working within interprofessional teams in the outpatient setting are well placed to address medication-related problems before and after hospital admission. Therefore, exploration of these roles is warranted. Objective(s) To explore pharmacists' and other health professionals' perspectives of the impact of pharmacists working within interprofessional teams in outpatient clinics. Furthermore, we endeavoured to identify both the challenges and contributors to success with the introduction of pharmacists into these settings. Methods This qualitative study involved semi-structured interviews with both hospital outpatient clinic pharmacists and other clinic health professionals to gain an in-depth understanding of how the introduction of pharmacists into clinics impacted clinic processes, patient care, and relationships with other health professionals. Participants were recruited from the outpatient clinics who had recently added a pharmacist to their service. Participants involved in setting up the roles were invited to participate in a voluntary interview, the transcripts from which were analysed into themes and sub-themes using an inductive and deductive approach. Results A total of 34 staff were interviewed of which 68% were female and 74% were aged between 31 and 50 years. The cohort included 16 outpatient pharmacists, nine pharmacist team leaders, five clinic nurses and four clinic doctors (specialist consultant or registrar). Three overall themes were identified: the benefits, the contributors, and the challenges of introducing clinical pharmacy services to outpatient clinics. When establishing a clinic role, pharmacists' awareness, adaptability, and strong communication were shown to be key traits to building rapport and trustworthiness with the established clinic team. Conclusions When pharmacists are integrated into multidisciplinary outpatient clinics they and their colleagues believe that they provide benefits to the patients and the clinics. Decision makers need to be cognizant of factors that contribute to, as well as those that impede, the successful implementation of outpatient pharmacist roles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Centaine L. Snoswell
- Pharmacy Department, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, Australia
- Centre for Health Services Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- Corresponding author at: Centre for Online Health, Centre for Health Services Research, The University of Queensland, Ground Floor Building 33, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia.
| | - Amelia R. Cossart
- School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Bernadette Chevalier
- School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Michael Barras
- Pharmacy Department, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, Australia
- School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
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Suzuki R. Development of a drug distribution support device and survey of medication management burden on group home staff. Home Health Care Serv Q 2021; 40:218-230. [PMID: 34292134 DOI: 10.1080/01621424.2021.1947927] [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] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
In Japan, the mean time spent on preparing and administering medications each day for everyone in care facilities has been reported to be 163 min. Most caregivers that administer medications to the elderly in care facilities have reported that this responsibility is a burden. We developed a drug distribution support device (DDSD) for caregivers, which was then installed in a group home and a 3-month monitoring experiment was conducted. Caregivers then answered a questionnaire survey on medication management burden pre- and post-DDSD use. The caregivers reported no difficulties associated with medication distribution using DDSD. The DDSD reduced the daily dispensing duration by an average of 3.5 min. The questionnaire survey showed no differences in items related to the reduction of errors, and the Family Caregiver Medication Administration Hassles Scale showed no reduction of burden on caregivers. However, whether the DDSD reduces medication management burden remains undetermined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryoji Suzuki
- Department of Healthcare Informatics, Takasaki University of Health and Welfare, Takasaki, Japan
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9
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Snoswell CL, Draper MJ, Barras M. An evaluation of pharmacist activity in hospital outpatient clinics. JOURNAL OF PHARMACY PRACTICE AND RESEARCH 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/jppr.1729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Centaine L. Snoswell
- Pharmacy Department Princess Alexandra Hospital Brisbane Australia
- School of Pharmacy The University of Queensland Brisbane Australia
- Centre for Health Services Research The University of Queensland Brisbane Australia
| | - Megan J. Draper
- School of Pharmacy The University of Queensland Brisbane Australia
| | - Michael Barras
- Pharmacy Department Princess Alexandra Hospital Brisbane Australia
- School of Pharmacy The University of Queensland Brisbane Australia
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10
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Kosari S, Koerner J, Naunton M, Peterson GM, Haider I, Lancsar E, Wright D, Niyonsenga T, Davey R. Integrating pharmacists into aged care facilities to improve the quality use of medicine (PiRACF Study): protocol for a cluster randomised controlled trial. Trials 2021; 22:390. [PMID: 34116708 PMCID: PMC8193166 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-021-05335-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Medication management in residential aged care facilities is an ongoing concern. Numerous studies have reported high rates of inappropriate prescribing and medication use in aged care facilities, which contribute to residents' adverse health outcomes. There is a need for new models of care that enhance inter-disciplinary collaboration between residential aged care facility staff and healthcare professionals, to improve medication management. Pilot research has demonstrated the feasibility and benefits of integrating a pharmacist into the aged care facility team to improve the quality use of medicines. This protocol describes the design and methods for a cluster randomised controlled trial to evaluate the outcomes and conduct economic evaluation of a service model where on-site pharmacists are integrated into residential aged care facility healthcare teams to improve medication management. METHODS Intervention aged care facilities will employ on-site pharmacists to work as part of their healthcare teams 2 to 2.5 days per week for 12 months. On-site pharmacists, in collaboration with facility nurses, prescribers, community pharmacists, residents and families will conduct medication management activities to improve the quality use of medicines. Aged care facilities in the control group will continue usual care. The target sample size is 1188 residents from a minimum of 13 aged care facilities. The primary outcome is the appropriateness of prescribing, measured by the proportion of residents who are prescribed at least one potentially inappropriate medicine according to the 2019 Beers Criteria. Secondary outcomes include hospital and emergency department presentations, fall rates, prevalence and dose of antipsychotics and benzodiazepines, Anticholinergic Cognitive Burden Score, staff influenza vaccination rate, time spent on medication rounds, appropriateness of dose form modification and completeness of resident's allergy and adverse drug reaction documentation. A cost-consequence and cost-effectiveness analysis will be embedded in the trial. DISCUSSION The results of this study will provide information on clinical and economic outcomes of a model that integrates on-site pharmacists into Australian residential aged care facilities. The results will provide policymakers with recommendations relevant to further implementation of this model. TRIAL REGISTRATION ACTRN12620000430932 . Registered on 1 April 2020 with ANZCTR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sam Kosari
- Discipline of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, Bruce, ACT, Australia.
| | - Jane Koerner
- Health Research Institute, Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, Bruce, ACT, Australia
| | - Mark Naunton
- Discipline of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, Bruce, ACT, Australia
| | - Gregory M Peterson
- Discipline of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, Bruce, ACT, Australia.,School of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia
| | - Ibrahim Haider
- Health Research Institute, Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, Bruce, ACT, Australia
| | - Emily Lancsar
- Department of Health Services Research and Policy, Research School of Population Health, Australian National University, Acton, ACT, Australia
| | - David Wright
- School of Pharmacy, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
| | - Theo Niyonsenga
- Health Research Institute, Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, Bruce, ACT, Australia
| | - Rachel Davey
- Health Research Institute, Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, Bruce, ACT, Australia
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11
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Canaries in the coalmine: Stakeholder perspectives of medication management reviews for residents with dementia. Res Social Adm Pharm 2020; 16:1220-1227. [DOI: 10.1016/j.sapharm.2019.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2019] [Revised: 11/20/2019] [Accepted: 12/02/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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12
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Christensen L, Turner JR, Peterson GM, Naunton M, Thomas J, Yee KC, Kosari S. Identification of Risk of QT Prolongation by Pharmacists When Conducting Medication Reviews in Residential Aged Care Settings: A Missed Opportunity? J Clin Med 2019; 8:E1866. [PMID: 31689908 PMCID: PMC6912304 DOI: 10.3390/jcm8111866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2019] [Revised: 10/22/2019] [Accepted: 10/31/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
QT interval prolongation is associated with torsade de pointes and sudden cardiac death. QT prolongation can be caused by many drugs that are commonly prescribed in elderly residential aged care populations. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of use of QT-prolonging drugs and to identify interventions made by pharmacists to reduce the risk of QT prolongation when conducting medication reviews in aged care. A retrospective analysis of 400 medication reviews undertaken by Australian pharmacists in aged care settings was conducted. The assessment included the risk of QT prolongation due to prescribed medications and other risk factors and the recommendations made by pharmacists to reduce the risk of QT prolongation. There was a high prevalence of the use of QT-prolonging medication, with 23% of residents (92 out of 400) taking at least one medication with a known risk of QT prolongation. Amongst the 945 prescribed drugs with any risk of QT prolongation, antipsychotics were the most common (n = 246, 26%), followed by antidepressants (19%) and proton pump inhibitors (13%). There appeared to be low awareness amongst the pharmacists regarding the risk of QT prolongation with drugs. Out of 400 reviews, 66 residents were categorised as high risk and were taking at least one medication associated with QT prolongation; yet pharmacists intervened in only six instances (9%), mostly when two QT-prolonging medications were prescribed. There is a need to increase awareness amongst pharmacists conducting medication reviews regarding the risk factors associated with QT prolongation, and further education is generally needed in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise Christensen
- Discipline of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, Bruce, ACT 2617, Australia.
| | - J Rick Turner
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Campbell University College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences, 239 J.P. Riddle Building, PO Box 1090, Buies Creek, NC 27506, USA.
| | - Gregory M Peterson
- Discipline of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, Bruce, ACT 2617, Australia.
- Faculty of Health, University of Tasmania, Hobart 7005, Tasmania, Australia.
| | - Mark Naunton
- Discipline of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, Bruce, ACT 2617, Australia.
| | - Jackson Thomas
- Discipline of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, Bruce, ACT 2617, Australia.
| | - Kwang Choon Yee
- Discipline of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, Bruce, ACT 2617, Australia.
| | - Sam Kosari
- Discipline of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, Bruce, ACT 2617, Australia.
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