"Take ten minutes": a dedicated ten minute medication review reduces polypharmacy in the elderly.
Affiliation
General Practice Training Unit, Waterford Regional Hospital, Dunmore Rd,, Waterford. elbreathnach@hotmail.comIssue Date
2012-02-01T10:52:18ZMeSH
AgedHumans
*Medication Reconciliation
*Polypharmacy
Prospective Studies
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Ir Med J. 2010 Sep;103(8):236-8.Journal
Irish medical journalPubMed ID
21046863Abstract
Multiple and inappropriate medications are often the cause for poor health status in the elderly. Medication reviews can improve prescribing. This study aimed to determine if a ten minute medication review by a general practitioner could reduce polypharmacy and inappropriate prescribing in elderly patients. A prospective, randomised study was conducted. Patients over the age of 65 (n = 50) underwent a 10-minute medication review. Inappropriate medications, dosage errors, and discrepancies between prescribed versus actual medication being consumed were recorded. A questionnaire to assess satisfaction was completed following review. The mean number of medications taken by patients was reduced (p < 0.001). A medication was stopped in 35 (70%) patients. Inappropriate medications were detected in 27 (54%) patients and reduced (p < 0.001). Dose errors were detected in 16 (32%). A high level of patient satisfaction was reported. A ten minute medication review reduces polypharmacy, improves prescribing and is associated with high levels of patient satisfaction.Language
engISSN
0332-3102 (Print)0332-3102 (Linking)
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