Medication Management and the Role of the Geriatric Pharmacist in Interdisciplinary Care Teams. (17th December 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Jensen, Christine; Burnette, Lauren; Zanjani, Faika
• Is Part Of: Innovation in aging. Volume 5(2021)Supplement 1
• Page Start: 575
• Page End: 575
• Publication Date: 2021-12-17
• Subjects: Aging -- Periodicals; Gerontology -- Periodicals; 612.67
• DOI: 10.1093/geroni/igab046.2206
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2399-5300

Abstract

Abstract: Among adults 65 and older, 30% are taking at least five medications to treat acute and chronic health conditions (Gavin, 2020). As the number of medications increases, the more complex the regimen tends to be, which increases risks with proper management and unwanted side effects. Our interdisciplinary geriatric assessment team has been conducting medication reviews for individuals living with dementia, where geriatric pharmacists meet with these individuals and their family caregiver. These sessions build a trusting relationship, where older adults are able to receive education about their prescription and over-the-counter medications, address any concerns and reach shared goals. Pharmacists routinely recommend deprescribing, and all recommendations are sent to the older adults' primary care provider. After the initial appointment, a follow-up takes place six months later to re-examine adherence to recommendations and assess outcomes. Since April 2019, our pharmacists have served over 300 individuals, where nearly 90% would recommend this review to others. Pharmacists have recommended over 250 medication changes, averaging 2.53 per person. A statistically significant decrease in prescription medications (from 12.48 to 12.16) has been identified, in addition to a trending decline for over-the-counter medications (3.91 to 3.79). Medication reviews have successfully reduced the overall number of medications, as 36% of recommendations have been accepted by the patient and their healthcare provider. Comprehensive medication review programs, where pharmacists are integrated into an interdisciplinary care team, offer high quality, best practice healthcare, where safety and quality of life is improved for older adults.