Polypharmacy Risk Reduction
In 2013, the Transitions in Care Frail Seniors Advisory Committee identified Polypharmacy as a project priority. Polypharmacy has been recognized as a key component that contributes to a successful or unsuccessful transition of frail seniors from acute to community. A separate proposal for project was put forward to Shared Care in order to better concentrate on a robust quality improvement process focusing on the reduction of unnecessary medications. Initial project work focused on knowledge and skills related to Polypharmacy for individuals within residential care facilities. The second half of the project work focused on the transitions from acute care settings to community, by establishing a strong foundation around medications prior to discharge for frail seniors.
Research has shown that the risk of an adverse drug event and subsequent Emergency Department visit and hospital admission increases exponentially with the number of medications administered. In 2013, the average individual in BC residential care facilities was on nine mediations. During an individual’s stay at an acute care facility, their medications may be changed, altered or added to. The health care system needs to ensure that during periods of transition, medications are optimized and formalized and in compliance with medical protocols and guidelines and that patients have access to the medications required. This project helps to strengthen frail senior’s transitions as they relate to polypharmacy.
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Resources
Remember, older adults have decreased ability to eliminate medications. While you may be reviewing a specific medication, it is the concomitant use of multiple medications that increases the risk of side effects and drug interactions. Click here to read more.
Additional Tools, Guidelines and Resources
Through experience gained as one of the prototypes for the Polypharmacy Risk Reduction initiative, Mount St. Mary’s (Victoria) has developed tools and guidelines to support a team approach to meaningful medication reviews in residential care. These can be modified to suit your particular care setting if required.
Medical QI and Pharm Review >
Medical QI and Interdisciplinary Team Medication Review >
Chart Review by Medical Coordinator >
Interdisciplinary Team Medication Reviews >
PATH- Short Diabetes Guidelines for the Frail Older Adults >
For more information, please contact:
Thompson Region Division of Family Practice
(250) 372-1621
thompsonregion@divisionsbc.ca