Methods to control the pharmaceutical cost impact of chronic conditions in the elderly. (June 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Vivas-Consuelo, David; Usó-Talamantes, Ruth; Trillo-Mata, José Luis; Mendez-Valera, Pablo
• Is Part Of: Expert review of pharmacoeconomics & outcomes research. Volume 15:Number 3(2015)
• Page Start: 425
• Page End: 437
• Publication Date: 2015-06
• Subjects: Pharmacology -- Economic aspects -- Periodicals; 338.47615105
• DOI: 10.1586/14737167.2015.1017564
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1473-7167

Abstract

<abstract> <title> <x xml:space="preserve">Abstract</x> </title> <p>Multimorbidity is the main cause of polypharmacy in elderly people, with the consequent increment in cost and use of inappropriate medication. To control cost, specific strategies have been implemented in healthcare services to reduce potentially inappropriate prescription. Many interventions are applied online during the prescription process using computerized decision support systems, for example, therapeutic algorithms and alerts. Other interventions can be categorized as offline due to their application before or after the prescription process, the main strategies being financial incentives, medication reviews and organizational change. All these strategies are complementary and multifaceted. There is evidence that some of these interventions are effective, but further research should be directed in this field, including investigation of patient cost and outcomes.</p> </abstract>