As we age and our bodies change, we tend to face additional health concerns, many of which require medication. However, the effects of polypharmacy — the simultaneous use of multiple drugs — is a growing concern among healthcare providers as well as senior patients and their caregivers. Below is a brief exploration into polypharmacy, common reasons behind it, and a few ways for all involved to reduce unnecessary medication use in seniors.
First things first, how is polypharmacy defined? Varying slightly from source to source, polypharmacy generally refers to the concurrent and routine use of five or more medications. These medications include prescriptions as well as over-the-counter treatments, herbals, and supplements. At times, polypharmacy is necessary for certain multimorbid patients. That being said, the main concern is that the use of overlapping, duplicate, or unnecessary medications has the potential to do more harm than good.
Studies from the past two decades have shown a tremendous increase in the prevalence of polypharmacy, with 42% of today’s seniors 65 or older taking five or more medications. What’s more, an astonishing 18% are chronically on 10 or more drugs. According to a U.S. prescription drug data analysis, these rates are steadily increasing. Patients considered most at risk are those with geriatric cancer, long-term care community residents, low-income seniors, and individuals with limited health literacy.
Typically, the issue of polypharmacy begins during new patient assessment. Whether it’s admittance to the hospital, a nursing home, or otherwise, this fresh look into a patient’s health concerns opens the door for additional medications. As such, patients who visit various physicians, facilities, and pharmacies are often prescribed multiple medications. With each new medication added to a patient’s regime, the risk of experiencing an adverse drug reaction increases exponentially.
Other drivers of polypharmacy include disease-specific clinical guidelines that encourage the use of numerous medications, increased multimorbidity caused by an aging population, and self-medicating patients. Another root issue is care fragmentation. Fragmented care refers to a lack of communication and collaboration among healthcare providers and teams working with the same patient. When this occurs, it compromises the quality of care as well as clinical outcomes.
How can polypharmacy be reduced and the adverse effects avoided? One highly recommended course of action for seniors is to utilize a post-acute healthcare consulting company. These types of organizations help patients navigate the complexities of our ever-changing healthcare environment. For those providing long-term care for a senior loved one, it could be an invaluable resource in meeting the various challenges within the long-term-care industry.
As for physicians and providers, there are many ways to reduce overmedication. One promising tactic is to implement a more holistic and transparent approach to care plans that work to coordinate with all team members. Another is to encourage non-pharmacological solutions as well as making the switch to dietary supplements or natural remedies when possible.
Despite the necessity of modern medications, it is possible to change the way they are prescribed and improve patient outcomes. For further information on reducing unnecessary medication use, please see the accompanying resource.
Infographic Provided by Healthcare Consulting Company, Polaris Group