Pharmacists' Role in Older Adults' Medication Regimen Complexity: A Systematic Review.
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SUBMITTER: Falch C
PROVIDER: S-EPMC8394844 | biostudies-literature |
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
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Project description:ObjectiveTo adapt and automate the medication regimen complexity index (MRCI) within the structure of a commercial medication database in the post-acute home care setting.Materials and methodsIn phase 1, medication data from 89 645 electronic health records were abstracted to line up with the components of the MRCI: dosage form, dosing frequency, and additional administrative directions. A committee reviewed output to assign index weights and determine necessary adaptations. In phase 2 we examined the face validity of the modified MRCI through analysis of automatic tabulations and descriptive statistics.ResultsThe mean number of medications per patient record was 7.6 (SD 3.8); mean MRCI score was 16.1 (SD 9.0). The number of medications and MRCI were highly associated, but there was a wide range of MRCI scores for each number of medications. Most patients (55%) were taking only oral medications in tablet/capsule form, although 16% had regimens with three or more medications with different routes/forms. The biggest contributor to the MRCI score was dosing frequency (mean 11.9). Over 36% of patients needed to remember two or more special instructions (eg, take on alternate days, dissolve).DiscussionMedication complexity can be tabulated through an automated process with some adaptation for local organizational systems. The MRCI provides a more nuanced way of measuring and assessing complexity than a simple medication count.ConclusionsAn automated MRCI may help to identify patients who are at higher risk of adverse events, and could potentially be used in research and clinical decision support to improve medication management and patient outcomes.
| S-EPMC3628060 | biostudies-literature
Project description:Patients with heart failure (HF) take many medications to manage their HF and comorbidities, and 20-50% experience depression. Depressed individuals with more complex medication regimens may be at greater risk for poor adherence. The aim of this study was to assess depressive symptoms as a moderator of the relationship between medication regimen complexity and medication adherence in an observational study of patients with HF. In hierarchical linear regression with the final sample of 299, the interaction of medication regimen complexity and depressive symptoms predicted medication adherence, p < .05. For individuals with higher levels of depressive symptoms [1 standard deviation (SD) above the mean], more regimen complexity was associated with lower adherence. For individuals with low (1 SD below the mean) or average levels of depressive symptoms, regimen complexity was unrelated to medication adherence. Care management strategies, including pillboxes and caregiver involvement, may be valuable in HF patients with depression.
| S-EPMC5873320 | biostudies-literature
Project description:ObjectivesTo give an overview over the associations between self-reported health literacy and medication adherence in older adults.DesignA systematic literature review of quantitative studies published in English and German.Data sourcesMEDLINE via PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Epistemonikos and LIVIVO were searched.Eligibility criteriaIncluded studies had to examine the associations between self-reported health literacy and medication adherence in the elderly (samples including ≥66% of ≥60 years old) and had to use a quantitative methodology and had to be written in English or German.Data extraction and synthesisAll studies were screened for inclusion criteria by two independent reviewers. A narrative synthesis was applied to analyse all included studies thematically. Quality assessment was conducted using the NIH Quality Assessment Tool for Observational Cohort and Cross-Sectional Studies.ResultsWe found 2313 studies, of which nine publications from eight studies were included in this review. Five studies reported a majority of participants with limited health literacy, one study reported a majority of participants with adequate health literacy, and three publications from two studies only reported mean levels of health literacy. Eight publications from seven studies used self-reports to measure medication adherence, while one study used the medication possession ratio. Overall, six publications from five studies reported significantly positive associations between health literacy and medication adherence while two studies reported positive but non-significant associations between both constructs and one study reported mixed results.ConclusionIn this review, associations between self-reported health literacy and medication adherence are rather consistent, indicating positive associations between both constructs in older adults. However, concepts and measures of health literacy and medication adherence applied in the included studies still show a noteworthy amount of heterogeneity (eg, different use of cutoffs). These results reveal the need for more differentiated research in this area.Prospero registration numberCRD42019141028.
| S-EPMC8679075 | biostudies-literature
Project description:Discrepancies between the medicines consumed by patients and those documented in the medical record can affect medication safety. We aimed to characterize medication discrepancies and medication regimen complexity over time in a cohort of outpatients with decompensated cirrhosis, and evaluate the impact of pharmacist-led intervention on discrepancies and patient outcomes. In a randomized-controlled trial (n = 57 intervention and n = 57 usual care participants), medication reconciliation and patient-oriented education delivered over a six-month period was associated with a 45% reduction in the incidence rate of 'high' risk discrepancies (IRR = 0.55, 95%CI = 0.31-0.96) compared to usual care. For each additional 'high' risk discrepancy at baseline, the odds of having ≥ 1 unplanned medication-related admission during a 12-month follow-up period increased by 25% (adj-OR = 1.25, 95%CI = 0.97-1.63) independently of the Child-Pugh score and a history of variceal bleeding. Among participants with complete follow-up, intervention patients were 3-fold less likely to have an unplanned medication-related admission (adj-OR = 0.27, 95%CI = 0.07-0.97) compared to usual care. There was no association between medication discrepancies and mortality. Medication regimen complexity, frequent changes to the regimen and hepatic encephalopathy were associated with discrepancies. Medication reconciliation may improve medication safety by facilitating communication between patients and clinicians about 'current' therapies and identifying potentially inappropriate medicines that may lead to harm.
| S-EPMC8703811 | biostudies-literature
Project description:BackgroundPrevious interventions have shown limited success in improving medication adherence in older adults, and this may be due to the lack of a theoretical underpinning.ObjectiveThis review sought to determine the effectiveness of theory-based interventions aimed at improving medication adherence in older adults prescribed polypharmacy and to explore the extent to which psychological theory informed their development.Data sourcesEight electronic databases were searched from inception to March 2015, and extensive hand-searching was conducted.Eligibility criteriaInterventions delivered to older adults (populations with a mean/median age of ?65 years) prescribed polypharmacy (four or more regular oral/non-oral medicines) were eligible. Studies had to report an underpinning theory and measure at least one adherence and one clinical/humanistic outcome.Review methodsData were extracted independently by two reviewers and included details of intervention content, delivery, providers, participants, outcomes and theories used. The theory coding scheme (TCS) was used to assess the extent of theory use.ResultsFive studies cited theory as the basis for intervention development (social cognitive theory, health belief model, transtheoretical model, self-regulation model). The extent of theory use and intervention effectiveness in terms of adherence and clinical/humanistic outcomes varied across studies. No study made optimal use of theory as recommended in the TCS.ConclusionsThe heterogeneity observed and inclusion of pilot designs mean conclusions regarding effectiveness of theory-based interventions targeting older adults prescribed polypharmacy could not be drawn. Further primary research involving theory as a central component of intervention development is required. The review findings will help inform the design of future theory-based adherence interventions.
| S-EPMC5290062 | biostudies-literature
Project description:Background Polypharmacy is associated with an increased risk of adverse drug events, inappropriate prescribing and medication errors. People with bronchiectasis have frequent pulmonary exacerbations that require antibiotic therapy. Objective This study aimed to measure polypharmacy and medication regimen complexity in bronchiectasis patients and to explore associations between these factors and oral and intravenous (IV) antibiotic use for suspected pulmonary exacerbations. Setting Patients were sampled from the Regional Bronchiectasis Clinic at the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, Northern Ireland. Method Data on medicines were collected from patients' records and used to measure polypharmacy using three thresholds (??4, ??10, and ??15 medicines'). Medication regimen complexity was calculated using the medication regimen complexity index (MRCI). Data analysis investigated differences in outcomes across polypharmacy thresholds and correlations with MRCI. Main outcome measure Primary outcomes were prescriptions for oral antibiotics and IV antibiotics, in the past 6 months and 2 years, respectively. Results Over three-quarters of the sample (N?=?95) were prescribed ??4 medicines (n?=?74; 77.9%), 31 patients were prescribed ??10 medicines (33.0%), and 12 patients (12.8%) were prescribed ??15 medicines. The median MRCI was 26. Patients prescribed ??10 medicines were over three times more likely to have had an IV antibiotic in the past 2 years (adjusted odd ratio 3.44, 95% confidence intervals 1.15-10.31). Conclusion There were significant differences in all outcomes across the '??10 medicines' threshold. MRCI was positively correlated with oral and IV antibiotic usage. These findings also suggest a possible link between polypharmacy and medicines regimen complexity, and poorer outcomes.
| S-EPMC6208574 | biostudies-literature
Project description:BackgroundPolypharmacy, and the associated adverse drug events such as non-adherence to prescriptions, is a common problem for elderly people living with multiple comorbidities. Deprescribing, i.e. the gradual withdrawal from medications with supervision by a healthcare professional, is regarded as a means of reducing adverse effects of multiple medications including non-adherence. This systematic review examines the evidence of deprescribing as an effective strategy for improving medication adherence amongst older, community dwelling adults.MethodsA mixed methods review was undertaken. Eight bibliographic database and two clinical trials registers were searched between May and December 2017. Results were double screened in accordance with pre-defined inclusion/exclusion criteria related to polypharmacy, deprescribing and adherence in older, community dwelling populations. The Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT) was used for quality appraisal and an a priori data collection instrument was used. For the quantitative studies, a narrative synthesis approach was taken. The qualitative data was analysed using framework analysis. Findings were integrated using a mixed methods technique. The review was performed in accordance with the PRISMA reporting statement.ResultsA total of 22 original studies were included, of which 12 were RCTs. Deprescribing with adherence as an outcome measure was identified in randomised controlled trials (RCTs), observational and cohort studies from 13 countries between 1996 and 2017. There were 17 pharmacy-led interventions; others were led by General Practitioners (GP) and nurses. Four studies demonstrated an overall reduction in medications of which all studies corresponded with improved adherence. A total of thirteen studies reported improved adherence of which 5 were RCTs. Adherence was reported as a secondary outcome in all but one study.ConclusionsThere is insufficient evidence to show that deprescribing improves medication adherence. Only 13 studies (of 22) reported adherence of which only 5 were randomised controlled trials. Older people are particularly susceptible to non-adherence due to multi-morbidity associated with polypharmacy. Bio-psycho-social factors including health literacy and multi-disciplinary team interventions influence adherence. The authors recommend further study into the efficacy and outcomes of medicines management interventions. A consensus on priority outcome measurements for prescribed medications is indicated.Trial registrationPROSPERO number CRD42017075315.
| S-EPMC6339421 | biostudies-literature
Project description:ObjectiveCystic fibrosis (CF) patients and caregivers are impacted by the number of pharmacological agents and unique administration needs; however, no data currently assesses how medication regimen complexity impacts clinical outcomes in this population. The objective of this study is to evaluate if an association exists between increased medication regimen complexity and clinical endpoints in pediatric patients with CF.MethodsThis retrospective analysis included all pediatric patients with CF (ages 5-20 years) with at least 2 pharmacist encounters and acceptable pulmonary function tests at our pediatric pulmonary clinic during 2017. Each patient's medication regimen was scored using the validated Medication Regimen Complexity Index (MRCI) tool. The primary outcome was the correlation between MRCI score and lung function. Secondary endpoints included growth, number of infections requiring antibiotics, and hospitalizations.ResultsMRCI scores of the 113 included patients ranged from 2 to 101 points. A negative correlation was found between initial and final MRCI score and initial and final forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1; r = -0.323, p = 0.0005 and r = -0.287, p = 0.0021, respectively). MRCI scores were negatively correlated with BMI percentile for both encounters (r = -0.162 and r = -0.125) but were not significant. Higher MRCI scores were associated with increased use of oral and intravenous antibiotics and hospital admissions.ConclusionsHigher MRCI scores are correlated with a significant decrease in FEV1, increased need for antibiotic therapy, and more hospital admissions in pediatric patients with CF. Larger studies are needed to determine if a correlation exists between MRCI score and growth.
| S-EPMC8021245 | biostudies-literature
Project description:Polypharmacy, the concurrent use of multiple medications, consistently evokes a negative connotation, notably because it is associated with a plethora of adverse events. Nonetheless, the number of individuals exposed to polypharmacy is increasing steeply, especially for older people with multiple diseases. There is a need to carefully study the phenomenon at the population scale to full assess the associated health outcomes. Yet, this reveals a complex task because there exists no consensus indicator of polypharmacy. In fact, the definitions of polypharmacy are heterogeneous and its predisposing factors and associated outcomes are not well defined. The goal of this systematic review is to summarize the literature on polypharmacy in multimorbid individuals aged 65 years and over, targeting three objectives: (1) to identify the definitions of polypharmacy that are used in the context of multimorbidity among older individuals (?65 years); (2) to ascertain predisposing and concurrent factors associated with polypharmacy; and (3) to describe positive and negative outcomes of polypharmacy among older individuals, including hospitalizations, mortality and costs.We will include publications from 2004 to 2016 that target four concepts: polypharmacy, older individuals, multimorbidity and positive/negative outcomes. The search will be performed using EBM Reviews, Embase, Global Health, MEDLINE, AgeLine, CINAHL, Health Policy Reference Center, Public Affairs Index, SocINDEX and Google Scholar. Two independent reviewers will screen the articles, extract the information and evaluate the methodological quality of included studies. The results will be presented in tables and narrative summaries will be performed. We will perform meta-analyses (objective 3) if the heterogeneity is not important.This review will help describe the various ways of conceptualizing polypharmacy and how it is associated with health outcomes. We have selected outcomes most relevant for public surveillance performed with administrative databases. Other positive and negative outcomes have been associated with polypharmacy but may not be included in the review.PROSPERO CRD42014014989.
| S-EPMC5438541 | biostudies-other
Project description:BACKGROUND:Socialization is an important part of the healthy aging process, but natural changes in the lifestyle and health of older people increased risk of loneliness. However, loneliness is not well defined and might differ in different cultures and settings. The main objective of this systematic review is to summarize literature on the topic and propose a definition that might help aging research and practice in the future. METHODS:Eight databases including PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, Web of Science, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Proquest, and Age Line bibliographic will be run individually to retrieve relevant literature on loneliness among elderly population using subject headings and appropriate MeSH terms. Inclusion and exclusion criteria will be developed and refined by the research team. Two reviewers will participate in each search stage including abstract/title and full text screening, data extraction, and appraisal. We will restrict our search to articles published in the English language biomedical journal between 2000 and 2017. The protocol adheres to the standards recommended by the PRISMA-P. DISCUSSION:The results of this systematic review can present a more accurate definition of loneliness for researchers who aim at conducting new primary and secondary studies on this subject. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION:CRD42017058729.
| S-EPMC6335854 | biostudies-other