1
|
Rafhi E, Stupans I, Stevens JE, Soo Park J, Wang KN. The influence of beliefs and health literacy on medication-related outcomes in older adults: A cross-sectional study. Res Social Adm Pharm 2025; 21:47-55. [PMID: 39426938 DOI: 10.1016/j.sapharm.2024.10.003] [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: 07/11/2024] [Revised: 10/07/2024] [Accepted: 10/08/2024] [Indexed: 10/21/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Older adults often manage multiple chronic diseases which necessitates the use of multiple medicines. Nevertheless, they also face an elevated risk of harm when medicines are used inappropriately. Studies indicate that socioeconomic disadvantage, beliefs, and health literacy may correlate with non-adherence and inappropriate medicine use. However, older adults are underrepresented in the current body of literature. OBJECTIVE To investigate the influence of beliefs and health literacy on medication-related outcomes in older adults. METHODS Participants ≥65 years living in the community were invited to complete a survey. Participants were asked to report demographics, medicines and complete three questionnaires: Self-Efficacy for Appropriate Medication use Scale (SEAMS), Beliefs about Medicines Questionnaire (BMQ) and Health Literacy Questionnaire (HLQ). Descriptive statistics, regressions and correlations were calculated. RESULTS A total of 154 participants were included in the analysis (35.7 % male, age range 65-110 y). Mean SEAMS score was 33.2 out of 39 (standard deviation (SD) = 8.0), reflecting high self-efficacy for adherence. Mean HLQ scores were high across the four scales measured in the survey (scales 1, 5, 6, and 9). Sixty-two participants (44.0 %) were using five or more medicines (polypharmacy) and 18 (15.4 %) reported use of a potentially inappropriate medicine. Regarding beliefs, mean BMQ-specific scores were as follows: necessity score 17.5 (SD = 5.1) and concern score 12.0 (SD = 4.0), indicating strong beliefs in the necessity of medicines and few concerns. Results of the regression analysis indicated that where the BMQ-Necessity scores were employed as the independent variable, there was statistical significance with polypharmacy (p < 0.001). Additionally, moderate positive correlations were identified between (1) necessity beliefs and both polypharmacy (r = 0.401, p < 0.001) and adherence (r = 0.477, p < 0.001), and (2) adherence and HLQ scale 5 (r = 0.343, p < 0.001), scale 6 (r = 0.326, p < 0.001) and scale 9 (r = 0.320, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION Older adults who perceive their medicines as necessary are more inclined to report use of multiple medicines, leading to polypharmacy. Additionally, older adults with stronger beliefs in the necessity of medicines and higher levels of health literacy demonstrate greater self-efficacy for adherence. Health professionals should consider evaluating necessity beliefs in older adults to manage potential non-adherence, reduce the risk of polypharmacy, and thereby mitigate the risk of suboptimal medicine use.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eman Rafhi
- Pharmacy, School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, VIC, 3083, Australia; School of Allied Health, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia.
| | - Ieva Stupans
- Pharmacy, School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, VIC, 3083, Australia
| | - Julie E Stevens
- Pharmacy, School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, VIC, 3083, Australia; Adelaide Medical School, Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia; Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - Joon Soo Park
- School of Engineering, Information Technology and Physical Sciences, Federation University Australia, Ballarat, VIC, 3350, Australia; Institute for Sustainable Industries & Liveable Cities, Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC, 8001, Australia
| | - Kate N Wang
- Pharmacy, School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, VIC, 3083, Australia; School of Allied Health, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Wabe N, Urwin R, Seaman K, Westbrook JI. Longitudinal cohort study of discrepancies between prescribed and administered polypharmacy rates: implications for National Aged Care Quality Indicator Programs. BMJ Qual Saf 2024; 33:780-789. [PMID: 39013597 DOI: 10.1136/bmjqs-2023-017042] [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: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/18/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Polypharmacy is frequently used as a quality indicator for older adults in Residential Aged Care Facilities (RACFs) and is measured using a range of definitions. The impact of data source choice on polypharmacy rates and the implications for monitoring and benchmarking remain unclear. We aimed to determine polypharmacy rates (≥9 concurrent medicines) by using prescribed and administered data under various scenarios, leveraging electronic data from 30 RACFs. METHOD A longitudinal cohort study of 5662 residents in New South Wales, Australia. Both prescribed and administered polypharmacy rates were calculated biweekly from January 2019 to September 2022, providing 156 assessment times. 12 different polypharmacy rates were computed separately using prescribing and administration data and incorporating different combinations of items: medicines and non-medicinal products, any medicines and regular medicines across four scenarios: no, 1-week, 2-week and 4-week look-back periods. Generalised estimating equation models were employed to identify predictors of discrepancies between prescribed and administered polypharmacy. RESULTS Polypharmacy rates among residents ranged from 33.9% using data on administered regular medicines with no look-back period to 63.5% using prescribed medicines and non-medicinal products with a 4-week look-back period. At each assessment time, the differences between prescribed and administered polypharmacy rates were consistently more than 10.0%, 4.5%, 3.5% and 3.0%, respectively, with no, 1-week, 2-week and 4-week look-back periods. Diabetic residents faced over two times the likelihood of polypharmacy discrepancies compared with counterparts, while dementia residents consistently showed reduced likelihood across all analyses. CONCLUSION We found notable discrepancies between polypharmacy rates for prescribed and administered medicines. We recommend a review of the guidance for calculating and interpreting polypharmacy for national quality indicator programmes to ensure consistent measurement and meaningful reporting.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nasir Wabe
- Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Rachel Urwin
- Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Karla Seaman
- Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Johanna I Westbrook
- Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Etherton-Beer C, Page A, Criddle D, Somers G, Parkinson L, Clifford R, Mangin D. The Australian Team Approach to Polypharmacy Evaluation and Reduction (AusTAPER) hospital study: effect of a collaborative medication review on the number of current regular medicines for older hospital inpatients. Intern Med J 2024; 54:1719-1732. [PMID: 39207237 DOI: 10.1111/imj.16510] [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: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Potentially harmful polypharmacy is a growing public health concern. This article aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a structured Team Approach to Polypharmacy Evaluation and Reduction (AusTAPER) framework. METHODS We recruited patients at metropolitan hospitals for a randomised controlled trial with 12 months of follow-up. The intervention included a comprehensive medicines history, multidisciplinary meeting and medicines review prior to discharge, with engagement with the participants' general practitioner extending after discharge. The primary outcome was the change in the number of regular medicines used at 12 months from baseline. A cost consequence was performed to estimate costs per participant during the study period. RESULTS There were 98 participants enrolled in the study. The number of regular medicines was significantly reduced from baseline in both groups (-1.7 ± 4.3, t = 2.38, P = 0.02 in the control group vs -2.7 ± 3.6, t = 4.48, P = 0.0001 in the intervention group), although there was no statistical difference detected between the two groups (1.0 (SE 0.9), t = 1.03, P = 0.31). The intervention was estimated to cost AU$644.17 and was associated with cost savings of AU$552.53 per participant in sustained reduced medicines cost. Health outcomes and healthcare costs were similar in both groups. DISCUSSION Medicines were significantly reduced in both groups, with a trend to a larger reduction in medicines at 12 months in the intervention group. The intervention cost was approximately offset by sustained reduced medicines cost, although these results should be regarded cautiously because of the absence of significance in the differences in outcomes between groups.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Amy Page
- Medical School, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- School of Allied Health, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Deirdre Criddle
- Complex Needs Coordination Team, South Metropolitan Health Service, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - George Somers
- School of Rural Health, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Lynne Parkinson
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Rhonda Clifford
- School of Allied Health, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Dee Mangin
- Family Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- General Practice, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Quek HW, Page A, Lee K, Lee G, Hawthorne D, Clifford R, Potter K, Etherton-Beer C. The effect of deprescribing interventions on mortality and health outcomes in older people: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2024; 90:2409-2482. [PMID: 39164070 DOI: 10.1111/bcp.16200] [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: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 07/16/2024] [Accepted: 07/18/2024] [Indexed: 08/22/2024] Open
Abstract
AIMS Previous systematic reviews suggest that deprescribing may improve survival, particularly in frail older people. Evidence is rapidly accumulating, suggesting a need for an updated review of the literature. METHODS We updated a 2016 systematic review and meta-analysis to include studies published from inception to 26 April 2024 from specified databases. Studies in which older people had at least one medication deprescribed were included and grouped by study designs and targeted medications. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane tool and the Newcastle-Ottawa tool. Odds ratios (OR) or mean differences were calculated as the effect measures using either the Mantel-Haenszel or generic inverse-variance method with fixed- or random-effects meta-analyses. The primary outcome was mortality. Secondary outcomes were adverse drug withdrawal events, physical health, cognitive function, quality of life and effect on medication regimen. Subgroup analyses were performed based on age and intervention types. RESULTS A total of 259 studies (reported in 286 papers) were included in this updated review. Deprescribing polypharmacy did not result in a significant reduction in mortality in both randomized (OR 0.96, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.84-1.09) and non-randomized studies (OR 0.70, 95% CI 0.36-1.38). Further subgroup analyses of randomized studies on deprescribing polypharmacy demonstrated a significant reduction in mortality in the young old (aged 65-79) (OR 0.71, 95% CI 0.51-0.99) and when patient-specific interventions were applied (OR 0.79, 95% CI 0.63-0.99). CONCLUSIONS Deprescribing can be achieved with potentially important benefits in terms of improved survival, particularly when patient-specific interventions are applied and initiated early in the young old.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hui Wen Quek
- School of Allied Health, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Amy Page
- School of Allied Health, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Kenneth Lee
- School of Allied Health, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Georgie Lee
- School of Allied Health, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Deborah Hawthorne
- School of Allied Health, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Rhonda Clifford
- School of Allied Health, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
| | | | - Christopher Etherton-Beer
- Western Australian Centre for Health and Ageing, The University of Western Australia and Royal Perth Hospital, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Jänese J, Žēpers L, Lublóy Á. Cost savings from medication reviews in community pharmacies for nursing home residents in Estonia: a case study. BMC Health Serv Res 2024; 24:1119. [PMID: 39334081 PMCID: PMC11429337 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-024-11504-z] [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: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 08/28/2024] [Indexed: 09/30/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of this study is to assess the cost savings from medication reviews conducted for individuals living in nursing homes in Estonia. Medication reviews performed as part of the automated dose dispensing (ADD) service by community pharmacies might help identify suboptimal medicine regimens. METHODS We use a case study approach to identify suboptimal use of medication in treatment plans and estimate the potential cost saving from medication reviews. To achieve this, we assess 101 treatment plans submitted for medication review by nursing homes in Estonia between 2021 and 2023. Additionally, we run OLS regressions to identify the most important determinants of medication cost savings. RESULTS We estimate an average direct cost saving of €43.62 per patient per year, which corresponds to 8.27% of the average annual medication costs. If medication reviews were conducted for all elderly individuals over 75 years old who use six or more prescription medicines, nearly 2% of Estonia's pharmaceutical budget could be saved. Regression analysis indicates that the most significant contributors to these cost savings are suboptimal use of generics, incorrect dosages (too high), and the elimination of incorrect medications. CONCLUSIONS Our study suggests that annual medication reviews conducted as part of the ADD service might help reduce medication expenditure when offered to a wider public.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jürgen Jänese
- Apotheka Mustamäe Apteek OÜ, Laagri Ärimaja, Vae 16, Laagri, Harjumaa, 76401, Estonia
- Stockholm School of Economics in Riga, Strēlnieku iela 4a, Rīga, LV-1010, Latvia
| | - Lauris Žēpers
- Stockholm School of Economics in Riga, Strēlnieku iela 4a, Rīga, LV-1010, Latvia
| | - Ágnes Lublóy
- Stockholm School of Economics in Riga, Strēlnieku iela 4a, Rīga, LV-1010, Latvia.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Chang BCC, Lai IH, Ng YY, Wu SC. Potentially Inappropriate Medication Use in Older Adults With Multimorbidity in Taiwan. Pharmacoepidemiol Drug Saf 2024; 33:e70000. [PMID: 39212181 DOI: 10.1002/pds.70000] [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: 05/24/2024] [Revised: 06/28/2024] [Accepted: 08/07/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Medication-related problem is a concerning issue in older adults with multimorbidity due to complexity of disease conditions and polypharmacy, and may lead to increase in risk for adverse health outcomes. This study aims to investigate the prevalence and associated factors of potentially inappropriate medication use among the growing population of older adults with multimorbidity in Taiwan. METHOD The study population was composed of patients who were aged 65 years or older with multimorbidity (two or more chronic diseases) and had at least one outpatient clinic visit with drug prescription in 2018 identified from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database. Potentially inappropriate medication use was defined using the 2019 Beers criteria for drugs to be avoided for older adults. Multiple logistic regression model was conducted to examine patient-related and prescriber-related factors associated with PIM use. RESULTS A total of 2 432 416 patients (69.7% of the entire older adult population) had multimorbidity and received at least one drug prescription at the outpatient clinic in Taiwan in 2018. The prevalence of having at least one PIM in this population was found to be 85.6%. Patient-related factors (age, sex, specific chronic diseases, frequency of outpatient visits) and prescriber-related factors (physician characteristics, healthcare setting, total number of medications, prior PIM use) were found to be associated with use of PIM. CONCLUSION High prevalence of PIM use was found in older patients with multimorbidity in Taiwan. Both patient-related and prescriber-related factors had been found to be predictors of PIM use, and should be addressed when trying to improve the medication quality in this population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Betty Chia-Chen Chang
- Department of Family Medicine, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei City, Taiwan
- Institute of Health and Welfare Policy, School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - I-Hua Lai
- Institute of Health and Welfare Policy, School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Yee-Yung Ng
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Shiao-Chi Wu
- Institute of Health and Welfare Policy, School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei City, Taiwan
- Department of Long-term Care, College of Nursing, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Okati L, Lo S, Gnjidic D, Li SJ, Thillainadesan J. Mobile applications on app stores for deprescribing: A scoping review. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2024. [PMID: 39098993 DOI: 10.1111/bcp.16191] [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: 03/28/2024] [Revised: 07/09/2024] [Accepted: 07/11/2024] [Indexed: 08/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Deprescribing is an evidence-based intervention to reduce potentially inappropriate medication use. Yet its implementation faces barriers including inadequate resources, training and time. Mobile applications (apps) on app stores could address some barriers by offering educational content and interactive features for medication assessment and deprescribing guidance. A scoping review was undertaken to examine existing deprescribing apps, identifying features including interactive and artificial intelligence (AI) elements. A comprehensive search was conducted in August 2023 to identify mobile apps with deprescribing content within the Apple and Google Play Stores. The apps found were screened for inclusion, and data on their features were extracted. Quality assessment was undertaken using the Mobile App Rating Scale. Six deprescribing-related apps were identified: the American Geriatrics Society Beers Criteria 2023, Dementia Training Australia Medications, Evidence-Based Medicine Guide, Information Assessment Method Medical Guidelines, MedGPT-Medical AI App, and Polypharmacy: Manage Medicines. These apps focused primarily on educating both patients/carers and healthcare professionals about deprescribing. Amongst them, two apps included interactive features, with one incorporating AI technology. While these features allowed for search queries and input of patient-level details, the apps provided limited personalised deprescribing advice. In terms of quality, the apps scored highly on functionality and information, and poorly on engagement and aesthetics. This review found deprescribing apps, despite being educational, have limitations in personalization and user engagement. Future research should prioritize evaluating their feasibility and user experience in clinical settings, and further explore how AI and interactivity could enhance the usefulness of these apps for deprescribing practices.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lina Okati
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, Sydney, Australia
| | - Sarita Lo
- Centre for Education and Research on Ageing, Concord Hospital, Concord, Sydney, Australia
- Clinical Pharmacology, Kolling Institute of Medical Research, The University of Sydney and Northern Sydney Local Health District, St Leonards, Sydney, Australia
| | - Danijela Gnjidic
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, Sydney, Australia
| | - Susan Jiayu Li
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Concord Hospital, Concord, Sydney, Australia
| | - Janani Thillainadesan
- Centre for Education and Research on Ageing, Concord Hospital, Concord, Sydney, Australia
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Concord Hospital, Concord, Sydney, Australia
- Sydney Medical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, Sydney, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Rafhi E, Al-Juhaishi M, Stupans I, Stevens JE, Park JS, Wang KN. The influence of patients' beliefs about medicines and the relationship with suboptimal medicine use in community-dwelling older adults: a systematic review of quantitative studies. Int J Clin Pharm 2024; 46:811-830. [PMID: 38704779 PMCID: PMC11286706 DOI: 10.1007/s11096-024-01727-9] [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: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Medication use in older adults is increasing, therefore, reducing the risk of suboptimal medicine use is imperative in achieving optimal therapeutic outcomes. Research suggests that factors such as personal beliefs and beliefs about medicines may be associated with non-adherence and inappropriate medicine use. AIM To systematically review and identify quantitative research on the influence of beliefs about medicines and the relationship with suboptimal medicine use in older adults. METHOD Searches were conducted on PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, and PsycINFO for quantitative studies (inception to March 2023). INCLUSION CRITERIA (1) exposure: participants' beliefs (personal, cultural, and medication-related), (2) outcomes: polypharmacy, potentially inappropriate medicines use, or non-adherence, and (3) participants: community-dwelling adults 65 years or above. Study selection, data extraction and quality appraisal (Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal checklist) were completed independently by two investigators. Data were combined in a narrative synthesis and presented in a summary of findings table. RESULTS Nineteen articles were included: 15 cross-sectional and four cohort studies. Outcomes of included papers were as follows; adherence (n = 18) and potentially inappropriate medicine use (n = 1). Ten studies found stronger beliefs in the necessity of medicines and/or fewer concerns led to better adherence, with one paper contradicting these findings. Three studies did not find associations between adherence and beliefs. One study confirmed an association between unnecessary drug use and a lack of belief in a "powerful other" (e.g. doctor). CONCLUSION Further investigation is necessary to (1) ascertain the importance of necessity or concern beliefs in fostering adherence and, (2) examine the influence of beliefs on polypharmacy and inappropriate medicine use.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eman Rafhi
- Pharmacy, School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, VIC, 3083, Australia.
| | - Malath Al-Juhaishi
- Pharmacy, School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, VIC, 3083, Australia
| | - Ieva Stupans
- Pharmacy, School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, VIC, 3083, Australia
| | - Julie E Stevens
- Pharmacy, School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, VIC, 3083, Australia
- Adelaide Medical School, Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia
- Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia
| | - Joon Soo Park
- School of Allied Health, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, 6009, Australia
- School of Engineering, Information Technology and Physical Sciences, Federation University Australia, Ballarat, VIC, 3350, Australia
| | - Kate N Wang
- Pharmacy, School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, VIC, 3083, Australia
- School of Allied Health, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, 6009, Australia
- Pharmacy Department, Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Kołodziej-Sobczak D, Sobczak Ł, Łączkowski KZ. Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase 1B (PTP1B): A Comprehensive Review of Its Role in Pathogenesis of Human Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:7033. [PMID: 39000142 PMCID: PMC11241624 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25137033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2024] [Revised: 06/23/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Overexpression of protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) disrupts signaling pathways and results in numerous human diseases. In particular, its involvement has been well documented in the pathogenesis of metabolic disorders (diabetes mellitus type I and type II, fatty liver disease, and obesity); neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease); major depressive disorder; calcific aortic valve disease; as well as several cancer types. Given this multitude of therapeutic applications, shortly after identification of PTP1B and its role, the pursuit to introduce safe and selective enzyme inhibitors began. Regrettably, efforts undertaken so far have proved unsuccessful, since all proposed PTP1B inhibitors failed, or are yet to complete, clinical trials. Intending to aid introduction of the new generation of PTP1B inhibitors, this work collects and organizes the current state of the art. In particular, this review intends to elucidate intricate relations between numerous diseases associated with the overexpression of PTP1B, as we believe that it is of the utmost significance to establish and follow a brand-new holistic approach in the treatment of interconnected conditions. With this in mind, this comprehensive review aims to validate the PTP1B enzyme as a promising molecular target, and to reinforce future research in this direction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dominika Kołodziej-Sobczak
- Department of Chemical Technology and Pharmaceuticals, Faculty of Pharmacy, Collegium Medicum, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Jurasza 2, 85-089 Bydgoszcz, Poland;
| | - Łukasz Sobczak
- Hospital Pharmacy, Multidisciplinary Municipal Hospital in Bydgoszcz, Szpitalna 19, 85-826 Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Z. Łączkowski
- Department of Chemical Technology and Pharmaceuticals, Faculty of Pharmacy, Collegium Medicum, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Jurasza 2, 85-089 Bydgoszcz, Poland;
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Okafor CE, Keramat SA, Comans T, Page AT, Potter K, Hilmer SN, Lindley RI, Mangin D, Naganathan V, Etherton-Beer C. Cost-Consequence Analysis of Deprescribing to Optimize Health Outcomes for Frail Older People: A Within-Trial Analysis. J Am Med Dir Assoc 2024; 25:539-544.e2. [PMID: 38307120 DOI: 10.1016/j.jamda.2023.12.016] [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: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The structured, clinically supervised withdrawal of medicines, known as deprescribing, is one strategy to address inappropriate polypharmacy. This study aimed to evaluate the costs and consequences of deprescribing in frail older people living in residential aged care facilities (RACFs) in Australia. DESIGN A within-trial cost-consequence analysis of a deprescribing intervention-Opti-Med. The Opti-Med double-blind randomized controlled trial of deprescribing included 3 groups: blinded control, blinded intervention, and an open intervention group. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS Seventeen RACFs in Western Australia and New South Wales. Participants were 303 older people living in participating RACFs from March 2014 to February 2019. METHODS Analysis was conducted from the health sector perspective. Health economic outcomes assessed include cost saved from deprescribed medicines and the incremental quality-adjusted life-years. Costs were presented in 2022 Australian dollars. RESULTS The total cost of the Opti-Med intervention was $239.13 per participant. The costs saved through deprescribed medicines over 12 months after adjusting for mortality within the trial period was $328.90 per participant in the blinded intervention group and $164.00 per participant in the open intervention group. On average, the cost of the intervention was more than offset by the cost saved from deprescribed medicines. Extrapolating these findings to the Australian population suggests a potential net cost saving of about $1 to $16 million per annum for the health system nationally. The incremental quality-adjusted life-years were very similar across the 3 groups within the trial period. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Deprescribing for frail older people living in RACFs can be a cost-saving intervention without reducing the quality of life. Systemwide implementation of deprescribing across RACFs in Australia has the potential to improve health care delivery through the cost savings, which could be reapplied to further optimize care within RACFs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Charles E Okafor
- Centre for Health Services Research, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.
| | - Syed Afroz Keramat
- Centre for Health Services Research, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Tracy Comans
- Centre for Health Services Research, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Amy T Page
- Western Australia Centre for Health and Ageing, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | | | - Sarah N Hilmer
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; Kolling Institute, Northern Sydney Local Health District and The University of Sydney, St Leonards, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Richard I Lindley
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; The George Institute for Global Health, Barangaroo, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Dee Mangin
- McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; University of Otago, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Vasi Naganathan
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; Department of Geriatric Medicine, Centre of Education and Research in Ageing, Concord Repatriation Hospital, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Christopher Etherton-Beer
- Western Australia Centre for Health and Ageing, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Cao B, Hogan SL, Derebail VK, Ehlert A, Thorpe CT. Polypharmacy in US Medicare beneficiaries with antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody vasculitis. J Manag Care Spec Pharm 2023; 29:770-781. [PMID: 37404075 PMCID: PMC10387912 DOI: 10.18553/jmcp.2023.29.7.770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Treatment requirements of antineutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibody vasculitis (AV) and high comorbidity burden among patients with AV may lead to higher potential for polypharmacy and its associated adverse outcomes, including adverse drug events, nonadherence, drug-drug interactions, and higher costs. Medication burden and risk factors associated with polypharmacy in patients with AV have not been well-characterized. OBJECTIVE: To characterize medication burden and examine prevalence of and risk factors for polypharmacy in the first year after diagnosis with AV. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study using 2015-2017 Medicare claims to identify incident cases of AV. We counted the number of unique generic products dispensed to patients in each of the 4 quarters after diagnosis and categorized medication count as high (≥10 medications), moderate (5-9 medications), or minimal or no polypharmacy (<5 medications). We used multinomial logistic regression to examine associations of predisposing, enabling, and medical need factors with having high or moderate polypharmacy. RESULTS: In 1,239 Medicare beneficiaries with AV, high or moderate polypharmacy was most common in the first quarter after diagnosis (83.7%), with 43.2% taking 5 - 9 medications and 40.5% taking at least 10. The odds of high polypharmacy were greater in all quarters for patients with eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis compared with granulomatosis with polyangiitis, ranging from 2.02 (95% CI = 1.18 - 3.46) in the third quarter to 2.96 (95% CI = 1.64-5.33) in the second quarter. Older age, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, obesity, a higher Charlson Comorbidity Index score, coverage with Medicaid/Part D low-income subsidy, and living in areas with low education or persistent poverty were risk factors for high or moderate polypharmacy. CONCLUSIONS: Medicare beneficiaries with newly diagnosed AV experienced a high medication burden, with more than 40% taking at least 10 medications and the highest rates among those with eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis. Patients with AV may benefit from medication therapy management interventions to manage complex drug regimens and reduce risks associated with polypharmacy. DISCLOSURES: Dr Derebail receives personal fees from Travere Therapeutics, Pfizer, Bayer, Forma Therapeutics, UpToDate, outside of the submitted work. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health or the Department of Veterans Affairs. Dr Thorpe receives royalties from SAGE Publishing for activities unrelated to the submitted work. This research is supported by internal funds from the University of North Carolina, as well as the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases of the National Institutes of Health under award number R21AI160606 (PI: C. Thorpe).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Binxin Cao
- Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
| | - Susan L Hogan
- UNC Kidney Center, Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
| | - Vimal K Derebail
- UNC Kidney Center, Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
| | - Alexa Ehlert
- Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
| | - Carolyn T Thorpe
- Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
- Veterans Affairs Pittsburgh Healthcare System, PA
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Quek HW, Etherton-Beer C, Page A, McLachlan AJ, Lo SY, Naganathan V, Kearney L, Hilmer SN, Comans T, Mangin D, Lindley RI, Potter K. Deprescribing for older people living in residential aged care facilities: Pharmacist recommendations, doctor acceptance and implementation. Arch Gerontol Geriatr 2023; 107:104910. [PMID: 36565605 DOI: 10.1016/j.archger.2022.104910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Deprescribing is an intervention to address the high prevalence of inappropriate polypharmacy in older people living in residential aged care facilities (RACFs). Many deprescribing interventions are complex and involve several stages including initial pharmacist recommendation, subsequent acceptance of the recommendations by a prescriber and the patient, and then actual implementation. OBJECTIVES This study aimed to investigate pharmacist deprescribing recommendations for residents within RACFs, general practitioner (GP) acceptance, and the actual implementation of the accepted recommendations at 12-month. METHODS The intervention occurred as part of a randomised controlled trial and comprised a pharmacist-led medication review using an evidence-based algorithm, with the focus on identifying medications to potentially deprescribe. Consent to participate was obtained from residents (or surrogate decision-makers), RACF nursing staff and the resident's GP. Deprescribing recommendations were reviewed by GPs before implementation as part of the intervention and control arms of the trial, although control group participants continued to receive their usual medications in a blinded manner. RESULTS There were 303 participants enrolled in the study, and 77% (941/1222) of deprescribing recommendations suggested by the pharmacists were accepted by GPs. Of the recommendations accepted by GPs, 74% (692/ 941) were successfully implemented at the end of the follow-up visit at 12 months. The most common reason for deprescribing was because medications were no longer needed (42%, 513/ 1231). CONCLUSION Pharmacist-led deprescribing recommendations arising from an algorithm-based medication review are acceptable to doctors and can have a significant impact on reducing the number of inappropriate medications consumed by older people in RACFs. TRIAL REGISTRATION Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12613001204730.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hui Wen Quek
- Sydney Pharmacy School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; School of Allied Health, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.
| | - Christopher Etherton-Beer
- Western Australia Centre for Health and Aging, School of Medicine, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Amy Page
- School of Allied Health, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia; Western Australia Centre for Health and Aging, School of Medicine, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Andrew J McLachlan
- Sydney Pharmacy School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Sarita Y Lo
- Centre for Education and Research on Ageing, Department of Geriatric Medicine, Concord Repatriation General Hospital, Concord, New South Wales, Australia; Concord Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; Kolling Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Northern Clinical School, The University of Sydney and Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Vasi Naganathan
- Centre for Education and Research on Ageing, Department of Geriatric Medicine, Concord Repatriation General Hospital, Concord, New South Wales, Australia; Concord Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Leanne Kearney
- Centre for Education and Research on Ageing, Department of Geriatric Medicine, Concord Repatriation General Hospital, Concord, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Sarah N Hilmer
- Kolling Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Northern Clinical School, The University of Sydney and Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Tracy Comans
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, University Drive Meadowbrook, Brisbane, Queensland Australia
| | - Derelie Mangin
- Primary Care Research Unit, Department of Public Health and General Practice, Christchurch School of Medicine & Health Sciences, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Richard I Lindley
- Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales; Australia and The George Institute for Global Health, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Kathleen Potter
- Western Australia Centre for Health and Aging, School of Medicine, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia; Ryman Healthcare, Christchurch, New Zealand
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Wang J, James S, Hilmer SN, Aitken SJ, Soo G, Naganathan V, Kearney L, Thillainadesan J. Optimising Medications in Older Vascular Surgery Patients Through Geriatric Co-management. Drugs Aging 2023; 40:335-342. [PMID: 36862371 PMCID: PMC9979113 DOI: 10.1007/s40266-023-01015-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prescribing of potentially inappropriate medications and under-prescribing of guideline-recommended medications for cardiovascular risk modification have both been associated with negative outcomes in older adults. Hospitalisation represents an important opportunity to optimise medication use and may be achieved through geriatrician-led interventions. OBJECTIVE We aimed to evaluate whether implementation of a novel model of care called Geriatric Comanagement of older Vascular (GeriCO-V) surgery patients is associated with improvements in medication prescribing. METHODS We used a prospective pre-post study design. The intervention was a geriatric co-management model, where a geriatrician delivered comprehensive geriatric assessment-based interventions including a routine medication review. We included consecutively admitted patients to the vascular surgery unit at a tertiary academic centre aged ≥ 65 years with an expected length of stay of ≥ 2 days and who were discharged from hospital. Outcomes of interest were the prevalence of at least one potentially inappropriate medication as defined by the Beers Criteria at admission and discharge, and rates of cessation of at least one potentially inappropriate medication present on admission. In the subgroup of patients with peripheral arterial disease, the prevalence of guideline-recommended medications on discharge was determined. RESULTS There were 137 patients in the pre-intervention group (median [interquartile range] age: 80.0 [74.0-85.0] years, 83 [60.6%] with peripheral arterial disease) and 132 patients in the post-intervention group (median [interquartile range] age: 79.0 (73.0-84.0) years, 75 [56.8%] with peripheral arterial disease). There was no change in the prevalence of potentially inappropriate medication use from admission to discharge in either group (pre-intervention: 74.5% on admission vs 75.2% on discharge; post-intervention: 72.0% vs 72.7%, p = 0.65). Forty-five percent of pre-intervention group patients had at least one potentially inappropriate medication present on admission ceased, compared with 36% of post-intervention group patients (p = 0.11). A higher number of patients with peripheral arterial disease in the post-intervention group were discharged on antiplatelet agent therapy (63 [84.0%] vs 53 [63.9%], p = 0.004) and lipid-lowering therapy (58 [77.3%] vs 55 [66.3%], p = 0.12). CONCLUSIONS Geriatric co-management was associated with an improvement in guideline-recommended antiplatelet agent prescribing aimed at cardiovascular risk modification for older vascular surgery patients. The prevalence of potentially inappropriate medications was high in this population, and was not reduced with geriatric co-management.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jeff Wang
- Centre for Education and Research on Ageing, Concord Hospital, Concord, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Sophie James
- Centre for Education and Research on Ageing, Concord Hospital, Concord, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Sarah N Hilmer
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Concord, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Kolling Institute of Medical Research, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney and Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Sarah J Aitken
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Concord, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Concord Hospital, Concord, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Garry Soo
- Department of Pharmacy, Concord Hospital, Concord, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Vasi Naganathan
- Centre for Education and Research on Ageing, Concord Hospital, Concord, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Concord, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Concord Hospital, Hospital Road, Building 12, Concord, Sydney, NSW, 2139, Australia
| | - Leanne Kearney
- Centre for Education and Research on Ageing, Concord Hospital, Concord, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Janani Thillainadesan
- Centre for Education and Research on Ageing, Concord Hospital, Concord, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Concord, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Concord Hospital, Hospital Road, Building 12, Concord, Sydney, NSW, 2139, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Al-Diery T, Freeman H, Page AT, Cross AJ, Hawthorne D, Lee K. What types of information do pharmacists include in comprehensive medication management review reports? A qualitative content analysis. Int J Clin Pharm 2023:10.1007/s11096-023-01561-5. [PMID: 36932315 DOI: 10.1007/s11096-023-01561-5] [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: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Comprehensive medication management reviews are an established intervention to identify medication-related problems, such as the prescribing of potentially inappropriate medications, and under- and over-prescribing. However, the types of information included in written reports of comprehensive medication management reviews, beyond types of medication-related problems, are unknown. AIM This study aimed to explore the types of information Australian pharmacists include in their written reports following comprehensive medication management reviews. METHOD Australian consultant pharmacists were invited to upload their 10 most recent written reports of their domiciliary-based comprehensive medication management reviews. A random selection of the reports, stratified by each pharmacist, were included for qualitative content analysis. RESULTS Seventy-two de-identified reports from eight consultant pharmacists located in five of the eight Australian States and Territories were included for analysis. From the evaluated reports, four major categories of information were identified: (1) patient details such as date of interview (n = 72, 100%) and medicine history (n = 70, 97%); (2) pharmacist assessment including assessment of the patient (n = 70, 97%), medicines management (n = 68, 94%) and medicine-related issues (n = 60, 83%); (3) pharmacist recommendations, specifically pharmacological recommendations (n = 67, 93%); and (4) patient-centred experiences such as perspectives on medicines (n = 56, 78%). Reporting of patient-centred experiences appeared most variably in the included reports, including patient concerns (n = 38, 53%), willingness for change (n = 27, 38%), patient preferences (n = 13, 18%), and patient goals (n = 7, 10%). CONCLUSION Pharmacists within our study included a wide variety of information in their comprehensive medication management review reports. Aside from medication-related problems, pharmacists commonly provided a holistic assessment of the patients they care for. However, variability across reports has the potential to impact consistent service delivery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Hollie Freeman
- Centre for Optimisation of Medicines, Discipline of Pharmacy, School of Allied Health, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Amy Theresa Page
- Centre for Optimisation of Medicines, Discipline of Pharmacy, School of Allied Health, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia.,Western Australian Centre for Health and Ageing, School of Allied Health, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia.,Consultant Pharmacist Services Research Network, Coherent, Australia
| | - Amanda J Cross
- Consultant Pharmacist Services Research Network, Coherent, Australia.,Centre for Medicine Use and Safety, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Science, Monash University, Parkville, Australia
| | - Deborah Hawthorne
- Centre for Optimisation of Medicines, Discipline of Pharmacy, School of Allied Health, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia.,Western Australian Centre for Health and Ageing, School of Allied Health, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia.,Consultant Pharmacist Services Research Network, Coherent, Australia
| | - Kenneth Lee
- Centre for Optimisation of Medicines, Discipline of Pharmacy, School of Allied Health, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia.,Centre for Medicine Use and Safety, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Science, Monash University, Parkville, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
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
|
16
|
Lee K, Kouladjian O'Donnell L, Cross AJ, Hawthorne D, Page AT. Clinical pharmacists' reported approaches and processes for undertaking Home Medicines Review services: A national survey. Arch Gerontol Geriatr 2023; 109:104965. [PMID: 36821873 DOI: 10.1016/j.archger.2023.104965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Comprehensive medicines reviews are a strategy to reduce medicines-related harm. In Australia, Home Medicines Review services (HMRs) are provided by consultant pharmacists to community-dwelling consumers, on referral from the consumer's medical practitioner. Limited research exists on the processes undertaken by consultant pharmacists when delivering HMRs, particularly as it relates to the information types received, collected, and reported. OBJECTIVE Describe the types of information consultant pharmacists report receiving in HMR referrals, collect before and during consumer consultations, and include in their written reports. MATERIALS AND METHODS We conducted a national online survey of Australian consultant pharmacists who deliver HMRs. Participants were recruited using a broad advertising strategy, including social and traditional media platforms, and snowballing. Data were analysed descriptively. RESULTS Of the 248 eligible participants, 179 (72%) completed the survey. The most commonly included information in the referral was medication list (97%), the least were details of hospitalisations (8%) and specialist letters (5%). Information pertaining to hospitalisation and specialist letters were collected by 20% of participants prior to the consultation. Details of, and history from, community pharmacy was the most sought information prior to consultations. Less than a quarter of participants 'most of the time' or 'always' formally assess adherence using a validated instrument during the consultation. Participants commonly (80%) report consumer concerns in the written report. CONCLUSIONS Consultant pharmacists collect a broad variety of information, beyond medicines-related content. Written HMR reports by consultant pharmacists were often reported to be consumer-centric.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth Lee
- Centre for Optimisation of Medicines, Discipline of Pharmacy, School of Allied Health, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia.
| | - Lisa Kouladjian O'Donnell
- Departments of Clinical Pharmacology and Aged Care, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Kolling Institute, Sydney, Australia
| | - Amanda J Cross
- Centre for Medicine Use and Safety, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Science, Monash University, Parkville, Australia
| | - Deborah Hawthorne
- Centre for Optimisation of Medicines, Discipline of Pharmacy, School of Allied Health, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia; Western Australian Centre for Health & Ageing, School of Allied Health, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Amy Theresa Page
- Centre for Optimisation of Medicines, Discipline of Pharmacy, School of Allied Health, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia; Western Australian Centre for Health & Ageing, School of Allied Health, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Page AT, Potter K, Naganathan V, Hilmer S, McLachlan AJ, Lindley RI, Coman T, Mangin D, Etherton-Beer C. Polypharmacy and medicine regimens in older adults in residential aged care. Arch Gerontol Geriatr 2023; 105:104849. [PMID: 36399891 DOI: 10.1016/j.archger.2022.104849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe medicines regimens used by older people living in residential aged care facilities (RACFs). MATERIALS AND METHODS This cross-sectional study presents baseline data from a randomised controlled trial in seventeen Australian RACFs that recruited residents aged 65 years and older at the participating facilities. The main outcome measures were to evaluation of medicines utilisation, including the number of medicines, medicine regimen complexity, potential under-prescribing and high-risk prescribing (prescribing cascades, anticholinergic or sedative medicines or other potentially inappropriate medicines) with data analysed descriptively. RESULTS Medicines regimens were analysed for 303 residents (76% female) with a mean age of 85.0 ± 7.5 years, of whom the majority were living with dementia (72%). Residents were prescribed an average of 10.3 ± 4.5 regular medicines daily. Most participants (85%) had highly complex regimens. Most residents (92%) were exposed to polypharmacy (five or more medicines). Nearly all, 302 (98%) residents had at least one marker of potentially suboptimal prescribing. At least one instance of potential under-prescribing was identified in 86% of residents. At least one instance of high-risk prescribing was identified in 81% of residents including 16% of participants with at least one potential prescribing cascade. CONCLUSION(S) Potentially suboptimal prescribing affected almost all residents in this study, and most had highly complex medicines regimens. If generalisable, these findings indicate most older people in RACFs may be at risk of medicines-related harm from suboptimal prescribing, in addition to the burden of administration of complex medicines regimens for facility staff and residents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amy Theresa Page
- Centre for Optimisation of Medicines, School of Allied Health, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia; WA Centre for Health and Ageing, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.
| | | | - Vasi Naganathan
- Centre for Education and Research on Ageing (CERA), Department of Geriatric Medicine, Concord Repatriation General Hospital, Concord, New South Wales, Australia; Concord Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Sarah Hilmer
- Kolling Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney and Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Andrew J McLachlan
- ydney Pharmacy School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Richard I Lindley
- University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia and the George Institute for Global Health, Sydney, Australia
| | - Tracy Coman
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, University Drive Meadowbrook, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | | | - Christopher Etherton-Beer
- WA Centre for Health and Ageing, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia; Department of Geriatric Medicine, Royal Perth Hospital, Perth, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Dreischulte T, Sanftenberg L, Hennigs P, Zöllinger I, Schwaiger R, Floto C, Sebastiao M, Kühlein T, Hindenburg D, Gagyor I, Wildgruber D, Hausen A, Janke C, Hölscher M, Teupser D, Gensichen J. Detecting Medication Risks among People in Need of Care: Performance of Six Instruments. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:2327. [PMID: 36767705 PMCID: PMC9915255 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20032327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Numerous tools exist to detect potentially inappropriate medication (PIM) and potential prescribing omissions (PPO) in older people, but it remains unclear which tools may be most relevant in which setting. OBJECTIVES This cross sectional study compares six validated tools in terms of PIM and PPO detection. METHODS We examined the PIM/PPO prevalence for all tools combined and the sensitivity of each tool. The pairwise agreement between tools was determined using Cohen's Kappa. RESULTS We included 226 patients in need of care (median (IQR age 84 (80-89)). The overall PIM prevalence was 91.6 (95% CI, 87.2-94.9)% and the overall PPO prevalence was 63.7 (57.1-69.9%)%. The detected PIM prevalence ranged from 76.5%, for FORTA-C/D, to 6.6% for anticholinergic drugs (German-ACB). The PPO prevalences for START (63.7%) and FORTA-A (62.8%) were similar. The pairwise agreement between tools was poor to moderate. The sensitivity of PIM detection was highest for FORTA-C/D (55.1%), and increased to 79.2% when distinct items from STOPP were added. CONCLUSION Using a single screening tool may not have sufficient sensitivity to detect PIMs and PPOs. Further research is required to optimize the composition of PIM and PPO tools in different settings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Dreischulte
- Institute of General Practice and Family Medicine, University Hospital, LMU Munich, 80336 Munich, Germany
| | - Linda Sanftenberg
- Institute of General Practice and Family Medicine, University Hospital, LMU Munich, 80336 Munich, Germany
| | - Philipp Hennigs
- Institute of General Practice and Family Medicine, University Hospital, LMU Munich, 80336 Munich, Germany
| | - Isabel Zöllinger
- Institute of General Practice and Family Medicine, University Hospital, LMU Munich, 80336 Munich, Germany
| | - Rita Schwaiger
- Institute of General Practice and Family Medicine, University Hospital, LMU Munich, 80336 Munich, Germany
| | - Caroline Floto
- Institute of General Practice, Friedrich-Alexander-University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Maria Sebastiao
- Institute of General Practice, Friedrich-Alexander-University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Thomas Kühlein
- Institute of General Practice, Friedrich-Alexander-University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Dagmar Hindenburg
- Institute of General Practice, University Hospital of Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, 97070 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Ildikó Gagyor
- Institute of General Practice, University Hospital of Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, 97070 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Domenika Wildgruber
- Katholische Stiftungshochschule München/University of Applied Sciences, 81667 Munich, Germany
| | - Anita Hausen
- Katholische Stiftungshochschule München/University of Applied Sciences, 81667 Munich, Germany
| | - Christian Janke
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Medical Center of the University of LMU Munich, 80802 Munich, Germany
| | - Michael Hölscher
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Medical Center of the University of LMU Munich, 80802 Munich, Germany
| | - Daniel Teupser
- Institute of Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital of LMU Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Jochen Gensichen
- Institute of General Practice and Family Medicine, University Hospital, LMU Munich, 80336 Munich, Germany
| | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
Ushkalova EA, Zyryanov SK, Butranova OI. Safety of Mexidol® (ethylmethylhydroxypyridine succinate) in adult patients of different age groups. NEUROLOGY, NEUROPSYCHIATRY, PSYCHOSOMATICS 2022. [DOI: 10.14412/2074-2711-2022-5-77-82] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
To reduce the risk of developing adverse events (AEs) and increase the adherence of elderly patients to treatment, it is recommended to limit maximally the total number of prescribed drugs (DR), using one drug for the treatment of two or more pathologies if possible. The drugs that meet the criteria for use in elderly patients and / or patients with comorbidity include the original Russian drug Mexidol® (ethylmethylhydroxypyridine succinate), which has a multimodal mechanism of action and has multiple pharmacological effects. In order to study the safety of Mexidol in comparison with placebo in different age groups of patients with chronic cerebral ischemia, a post hoc analysis of the international multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled MEMO study with an adaptive design was carried out, which assessed the efficacy and safety of sequential therapy with Mexidol®, a solution for intravenous and intramuscular injection, 50 mg/ml (NPK PHARMASOFT, Russia) and Mexidol® FORTE 250 film-coated tablets, 250 mg (NPK PHARMASOFT, Russia) in patients with chronic cerebral ischemia. The study involved 318 patients aged from 40 to 90 years.Comparable safety and tolerability of Mexidol was demonstrated in middle-aged and elderly people with chronic cerebral ischemia, including patients over 75 years of age.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - S. K. Zyryanov
- RUDN University;
City Clinical Hospital No. 24, Department of Healthcare of Moscow
| | | |
Collapse
|