[Polypharmacy - Solutions for Enhanced Drug Safety]

Dtsch Med Wochenschr. 2017 Jul;142(14):1046-1053. doi: 10.1055/s-0043-100125. Epub 2017 Jul 20.
[Article in German]

Abstract

Polypharmacy (≥ 5 drugs) is common among older people and may lead to falls, ADEs and delirium. Adherence is an important part in the medication management. Simple questions (i. e. for OTC, handling and omission of drugs) are effective. As most old people are treated by general practitioners (GP), they play a key role for drug safety and reducing polypharmacy. The involvement of pharmacists in analyzing one patient's drugs can enhance solutions for drug problems ("two-man rule"). An IT-based medication plan acts as an important communication tool for an enhanced team work between doctors, pharmacists and nursing care.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Drug Monitoring / methods*
  • Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions / prevention & control*
  • Female
  • Geriatric Assessment / methods*
  • Germany
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Polypharmacy*
  • Quality Improvement / organization & administration*
  • Safety Management / organization & administration*