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Drug-Related Problems and Polypharmacy in Nursing Home Residents: A Cross-Sectional Study

Author

Listed:
  • Raquel Díez

    (Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Institute of Biomedicine (IBIOMED), University of León, 24071 León, Spain)

  • Raquel Cadenas

    (Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Institute of Biomedicine (IBIOMED), University of León, 24071 León, Spain)

  • Julen Susperregui

    (Applied Mathematics, Department of Mathematics, University of León, 24071 León, Spain)

  • Ana M. Sahagún

    (Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Institute of Biomedicine (IBIOMED), University of León, 24071 León, Spain)

  • Nélida Fernández

    (Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Institute of Biomedicine (IBIOMED), University of León, 24071 León, Spain)

  • Juan J. García

    (Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Institute of Biomedicine (IBIOMED), University of León, 24071 León, Spain)

  • Matilde Sierra

    (Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Institute of Biomedicine (IBIOMED), University of León, 24071 León, Spain)

  • Cristina López

    (Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Institute of Biomedicine (IBIOMED), University of León, 24071 León, Spain)

Abstract

At present, 19.2% of the Spanish population is aged 65 or older. Polypharmacy is a frequent condition among the elderly, especially in those living in nursing homes, which is associated with adverse outcomes, such as adverse drug events or drug-drug interactions. This study aimed to assess the pattern of polypharmacy in a nursing home in Leon, one of Spain’s most ageing regions, and its relationship with different drug-related problems. A descriptive, observational, and cross-sectional study design was used; 222 residents were involved in this study. Data on drug use were collected from medical charts. Information was screened with the software CheckTheMeds, BOT PLUS and Drug-Reax. Residents were on a median of 7 medicines. Polypharmacy and inappropriate medications were present in 78.8% and 96.8% of residents, respectively. Drug-related problems were present in almost all the populations evaluated. Drug-drug interactions were very common in participants (81.1%), being severe/moderate in 24.7%. A high prevalence of polypharmacy and drug-related problems in the nursing home population assessed has been observed. A significantly higher risk of suffering drug-drug interactions was revealed for increasing polypharmacy and anticholinergic risk. A regular evaluation of drug prescribing in nursing home residents is necessary to minimize drug-related problems risk.

Suggested Citation

  • Raquel Díez & Raquel Cadenas & Julen Susperregui & Ana M. Sahagún & Nélida Fernández & Juan J. García & Matilde Sierra & Cristina López, 2022. "Drug-Related Problems and Polypharmacy in Nursing Home Residents: A Cross-Sectional Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(7), pages 1-11, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:7:p:4313-:d:786669
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Raquel Cadenas & María José Diez & Nélida Fernández & Juan José García & Ana M. Sahagún & Matilde Sierra & Cristina López & Julen Susperregui & Raquel Díez, 2021. "Prevalence and Associated Factors of Polypharmacy in Nursing Home Residents: A Cross-Sectional Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(4), pages 1-9, February.
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