Prevalence of polypharmacy in a Scottish primary care population

The medication-related burden quality of life (MRB-QoL) Arabic tool: Exploratory factor analysis and psychometric evaluation

BACKGROUND

The Medication-Related Burden Quality of Life (MRB-QoL) is a patient-reported measure of medicines burden on functioning and well-being in people with long-term conditions (LTCs). The Arabic version has demonstrated good content validity; however, no data is available on its other psychometric properties.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the reliability and validity of the Arabic MRB-QoL tool.

METHODS

Four hundred patients (≥18 years) with LTCs were recruited from a tertiary hospital in the United Arab Emirates. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was performed using Principal Axis Factoring for extraction and Oblimin rotation. Cronbach's alpha, intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), and minimum detectable change (MDC) assessed internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and measurement error, respectively. Structural, Known-group, convergent, and discriminant validity were evaluated using EFA, Mann Whitney U test, and Spearman's rank correlations tests, respectively. Convergent validity (r > 0.3, moderate to high correlations) and discriminant validity (r < 0.3, weak correlations) were examined through correlation with the Medication Regimen Complexity Index (MRCI), Drug Burden Index (DBI), and 12-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12) measures. Known-group validity was assessed by comparing MRB-QoL scores across clinically diverse groups.

RESULTS

EFA revealed a 31-item, four-factor structure accounting for 78.5 % of the variance. Reliability results showed good internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.973) and test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.994). The MDC for the total MRB-QoL was 3.89, indicating that a change of more than 4 points between 2 measurements reflects a true difference with 95 % confidence. There were weak correlations between domains of MRB-QoL and MRCI (r 0.120 to 0.152) indicating discriminant validity. Correlations between the mental component summary of the SF-12 and MRB-QoL (r = -0.387) and its domains (r -0.357 to -0.374) suggested convergent validity. Patients with polypharmacy and multimorbidity had higher median MRB-QoL scores, showing known-group validity.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated that the Arabic MRB-QoL is a valid and reliable medication-related burden (MRB) measure with good construct validity, including structural, known-group, convergent, and discriminant validity. It also shows excellent reliability, with high internal consistency, low measurement error, and good test-retest reliability. These findings support its use as a psychometrically robust measure for assessing MRB and facilitating person-centred medicines optimisation services in Arabic-speaking populations.

The association between multimorbidity and out-of-pocket expenditure for prescription medicines among adults in Denmark: A population-based register study

BACKGROUND

Multimorbidity, defined as two or more chronic conditions in an individual, is increasing in prevalence and is associated with polypharmacy. Polypharmacy can lead to increased out-of-pocket payments for prescription medicines. This, in turn, can be associated with cost-related non-adherence and impoverishment. Healthcare in Denmark is mostly free at the point-of-use; prescription medicines are one of the only exceptions.

OBJECTIVE

To examine the association between multimorbidity and annual out-of-pocket prescription medicine expenditure for adults in Denmark.

METHODS

A population-based register study was conducted. The study population included all adults residing in Denmark in 2020. Frequencies and descriptive statistics were used and regression analyses were conducted to assess the association between multimorbidity and annual out-of-pocket prescription medicine expenditure, while controlling for demographic and socioeconomic covariates.

RESULTS

Overall, 1,212,033 (24.2 %) individuals had multimorbidity. Individuals with five or more conditions spent, on average, €320 in out-of-pocket prescription medicines expenditure compared to €187 for those with two conditions and €44 for those with no conditions. Amongst those with any out-of-pocket prescription medicine expenditure, having multimorbidity was associated with 2-4 times greater out-of-pocket prescription medicine expenditure than those with zero conditions. Amongst those in the quantile with the highest expenditure, those with five or more conditions spent €408 more than those with no conditions, and those with two conditions spent €185 more than those with no conditions.

CONCLUSIONS

For adults in Denmark, multimorbidity was associated with significantly higher out-of-pocket prescription medicine expenditure, even after controlling for demographic and socioeconomic covariates. This is similar to patterns in other countries and likely affects those with lowest income the most, given the known socioeconomic patterning of multimorbidity, and raises concerns about cost related non-adherence. Potential protective mechanisms could include subsidies for certain vulnerable patient groups (e.g. those with severe mental illness) and low-income groups.

Assessing the financial burden of multimorbidity among patients aged 30 and above in India

BACKGROUND

Multimorbidity is associated with significant out-of-pocket expenditures (OOPE) and catastrophic health expenditure (CHE), especially in low- and middle-income countries like India. Despite this, there is limited research on the financial burden of multimorbidity in outpatient and inpatient care, and cross-state comparisons of CHE are underexplored.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional analysis using nationally representative data from the National Sample Survey 75th Round 'Social Consumption in India: Health (2017-18)', focusing on patients aged 30 and above in outpatient and inpatient care in India. We assessed multimorbidity prevalence, OOPE, CHE incidence, and CHE intensity. Statistical models, including linear, log-linear, and logistic regressions, were used to examine the financial risk, with a focus on non-communicable diseases (NCDs), healthcare facility choice, and socioeconomic status and Epidemiological Transition Levels (ETLs).

RESULTS

Multimorbidity prevalence in outpatient care (6.1%) was six times higher than in inpatient care (1.1%). It was most prevalent among older adults, higher MPCE quintiles, urban patients, and those with NCDs. Multimorbidity was associated with higher OOPE, particularly in the rich quintile, patients seeking care from private providers, low ETL states, and rural areas. CHE incidence was highest in low ETL states, private healthcare users, poorest quintile, males, and patients aged 70 + years. CHE intensity, measured by mean positive overshoot, was greatest among the poorest quintile, low ETL states, rural, and male patients. Log-linear and logistic regressions indicated that multimorbidity patients with NCDs, those seeking private care, and those in low ETL states had higher OOPE and CHE risk. The poorest rural multimorbidity patients had the greatest likelihood of experiencing CHE. Furthermore, CHE intensity was significantly elevated among multimorbidity patients with NCDs (95% CI: 19.29-45.79), patients seeking care in private, poorest, and from low ETL states (95% CI: 7.36-35.79).

CONCLUSIONS

The high financial burden of OOPE and CHE among multimorbidity patients, particularly those with NCDs, highlight the urgent need for comprehensive health policies that address financial risk at the primary care level. To alleviate the financial burden among multimorbidity patients, especially in low-resource settings, it is crucial to expand public healthcare coverage, incorporate outpatient care into financial protection schemes, advocate for integrated care models and preventive strategies, establish standardized treatment protocols for reducing unnecessary medications linked to polypharmacy, and leverage the support of digital health technologies.

Use of common cardiovascular disease drugs and risk of dementia: A case-control study in Swedish national register data

INTRODUCTION

Cardiovascular drug use may help prevent dementia; however, current evidence is mixed. Using a case-control design, we investigated the association between duration and combination of multiple cardiovascular drug classes and incident dementia.

METHODS

From the Swedish national registers, we included 88,065 incident dementia cases aged ≥ 70 at diagnosis between 2011 and 2016 and 880,650 age- and sex-matched controls. Cardiovascular drug use was ascertained from the Prescribed Drug Register.

RESULTS

Long-term users (≥ 5 years) of antihypertensives, diuretics, lipid-lowering drugs (LLDs), and oral anticoagulants (OACs) had statistically significantly fewer dementia diagnoses (odds ratio [OR] 0.75-0.91) than non-users. Antiplatelets use was associated with more dementia diagnoses (OR 1.13-1.25). Use of antihypertensives in combination with diuretics, LLDs, and OACs for ≥ 5 years was associated with fewer dementia diagnoses (OR 0.66-0.84).

DISCUSSION

Preventing dementia via cardiovascular drug pathways may be possible. It is however important to consider the potential long-term negative cognitive effect of antiplatelets.

HIGHLIGHTS

Use ≥ 5 years of common cardiovascular drugs was associated with lower dementia risk. Common cardiovascular drug combination use was associated with lower dementia risk. Anti-platelet use of any duration was associated with higher dementia risk.

The Arabic medication-related burden quality of life (MRB-QoL) tool: Cross-cultural adaptation and content validation

Background

The Medication-Related Burden Quality of Life (MRB-QoL) is a 31-item valid and reliable patient-reported measure of medicine burden on functioning and well-being in people with long-term conditions (LTC).

Objectives

To translate, culturally adapt, and content validate the MRB-QoL into Arabic.

Methods

A rigorous approach to cross-cultural adaptation proposed by the International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research (ISPOR) guideline was followed. After 3 forward translations and 2 backward translations, a multidisciplinary expert panel assessed the content validity (CV) of the items through a 2-round e-modified Delphi method followed by two-step cognitive debriefings with patients with LTC using think-aloud and probing techniques. An item-content validity index (I-CVI) score of ≥0.78 was considered acceptable. The original questionnaire developers and other researchers, as members of the review committee, reviewed and approved the Arabic version.

Results

Five semantic and 3 cultural translation discrepancies were identified and resolved by rewording the items. The 2 backward translations did not reveal significant problems, and equivalence to the original tool was confirmed following committee review. The Arabic version showed acceptable CV parameters. E-modified Delphi involved 9 experts in round one and 7 in round 2. The I-CVI scores ranged from 0.67 to 1.0, and agreement was reached after 2 rounds. The CVI for the final version of the MRB-QoL was 0.96. Expert panel review showed that the MRB-QoL-Arabic version is relevant (CVI = 0.92), important (CVI = 0.97), clear (CVI = 0.98), and comprehensive in measuring the burden of medicines. Data from 5 cognitive interviews showed that items and concepts included in the Arabic version of the MRB-QoL are relevant to the targeted sample, clear, and easy to understand.

Conclusion

The MRB-QoL Arabic version was developed and content validated. However, further evaluation of its other psychometric properties is necessary before it can be utilized in clinical and research settings. Using this tool will enable a more accurate understanding of the effects of treatment burden on patient well-being, thereby guiding care toward minimally disruptive medicine.

Potentially inappropriate prescribing in polymedicated older adults with atrial fibrillation and multimorbidity: a Swedish national register-based cohort study

Introduction

Current research on potentially inappropriate prescribing (PIP) in polymedicated older adults with atrial fibrillation (AF) and multimorbidity is predominantly focused on PIP of oral anticoagulants (OAC). Our study aimed to assess (i) the overall prevalence of PIP in older multimorbid adults with AF, (ii) potential associated factors of PIP, and (iii) the association of PIP with adverse health outcomes in a nationwide sample of Swedish older adults.

Methods

Swedish national registries were linked to establish a cohort with a 2-year follow-up of older adults (≥65y) who, on 1 January 2017, had a diagnosis of AF and had at least one comorbidity (n = 203,042). PIP was assessed using the reduced STOPP/START version 2 screening tool. The STOPP criteria identify potentially inappropriate prescribed medications (PIM), while the START criteria identify potential prescribing omissions (PPO). PIP is identified as having at least one PIM and/or PPO. Cox regression analyses were conducted to examine the association between PIP and adverse health outcomes: mortality, hospitalisation, stroke, bleeding, and falls.

Results

PIP was highly prevalent in older adults with AF, with both polypharmacy (69.6%) and excessive polypharmacy (85.9%). In the study population, benzodiazepines (22.9%), hypnotic Z-medications (17.8%) and analgesics (8.7%) were the most frequent PIM. Anticoagulants (34.3%), statins (11.1%), vitamin D and calcium (13.4%) were the most frequent PPO. Demographic factors and polypharmacy were associated with different PIM and PPO categories, with the nature of these associations differing based on the specific type of PIM and PPO. The co-occurrence of PIM and PPO, compared to appropriate prescribing, was associated with an increased risk of adverse health outcomes compared to all appropriately prescribed medications: cardiovascular (CV) (Hazard ratio (HR) [95% confidence interval] = 1.97 [1.88-2.07]) and overall mortality (HR = 2.09 [2.03-2.16]), CV (HR = 1.34 [1.30-1.37]) and overall hospitalisation (HR = 1.48 [1.46-1.51]), stroke (HR = 1.93 [1.78-2.10]), bleeding (HR = 1.10 [1.01-1.21]), and falls (HR = 1.63 [1.56-1.71]).

Conclusion

The present study reports a high prevalence of PIP in multimorbid polymedicated older adults with AF. Additionally, a nuanced relationship between prescribing patterns, patient characteristics, and adverse health outcomes was observed. These findings emphasise the importance of implementing tailored interventions to optimise medication management in this patient population.

Polypharmacy in primary care: A population-based retrospective cohort study of electronic health records

BACKGROUND

Polypharmacy, prescription of multiple medications to a patient, is a major challenge for health systems. There have been no peer-reviewed studies of polypharmacy prevalence and medication cost at a population level in England.

AIMS

To determine prevalence and medication cost of polypharmacy, by patient characteristics. Design and setting: Retrospective cohort study of North West London electronic health records.

METHOD

We quantified prevalence and direct cost of polypharmacy (five or more regular medications), stratified by demographics and frailty. We fitted a mixed-effects logistic regression for polypharmacy.

RESULTS

Of 1.7 million adults, 167,665 (9.4%) were on polypharmacy. Age and socio-economic deprivation were associated with polypharmacy (OR 9.24 95% CI 8.99 to 9.50, age 65-74 compared with 18-44; OR 0.68 95% CI 0.65 to 0.71, least deprived compared with most). Polypharmacy prevalence increased with frailty (OR 1.53 95% CI 1.53 to 1.54 per frailty component, for White women). Men had higher odds of polypharmacy than women at average frailty (OR 1.26 95% CI 1.24 to 1.28) and with additional frailty components (OR 1.10 95% CI 1.09 to 1.10). Black people had lower odds of polypharmacy at average frailty (OR 0.82 95% CI 0.79 to 0.85, compared with White), but along with other ethnicities, saw greater odds increases with increasing frailty (OR 1.02 95% CI 1.01 to 1.03). Annual medication cost 8.2 times more for those on polypharmacy compared with not (£370.89 and £45.31).

CONCLUSION

Demographic characteristics are associated with polypharmacy, after adjusting for frailty. Further research should explore why, to reduce health inequities and optimise cost associated with polypharmacy.

Concurrent Medication Adherence in Hypertensive Patients With High-Risk Comorbidities

BACKGROUND

Hypertensive patients with high-risk comorbidities require medications for each condition, leading to greater burden. The number of chronic conditions can affect patients' concurrent medication adherence.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to compare the characteristics of groups based on their concurrent medication adherence and investigate the association between the number of high-risk comorbidities and concurrent medication adherence for patients with hypertension and high-risk comorbidities.

METHODS

A secondary data analysis was performed with the 2018 Korea Health Panel Survey, including 2230 patients with hypertension and at least 1 high-risk comorbidity who were prescribed medications for at least 2 conditions. Using medication adherence for each condition, we identified 3 concurrent medication adherence groups: adherent, suboptimal, and nonadherent groups. Multinominal logistic regression was used to determine the association between the number of high-risk comorbidities and the concurrent medication adherence groups.

RESULTS

Adherent, suboptimal, and nonadherent groups included 85%, 11%, and 4% of the patients, respectively. Whereas having more high-risk comorbidities was associated with belonging to the suboptimal group compared with the adherent group (adjusted odds ratio, 1.46), having fewer high-risk comorbidities was associated with belonging to the nonadherent group compared with the adherent group (adjusted odds ratio, 0.52).

CONCLUSIONS

We identified 3 groups based on their concurrent medication adherence. Our results indicated that the relationship of the number of high-risk comorbidities with the concurrent medication adherence group was inconsistent.

Food Supplements and Their Use in Elderly Subjects-Challenges and Risks in Selected Health Issues: A Narrative Review

The European population is ageing. Food Supplements (FSs) are foods with particular characteristics, consumed by elderly people for various purposes, including combating nutritional deficits. Their consumption in this age group, associated with a high prevalence of polypharmacy, can enhance interactions. Potential drug-food (or food supplements), drug-drug interactions and polypharmacy are common health issues among older adults. The prevalence of polypharmacy is high, and preliminary data also indicate that there is significant FS use, increasing the risk of the duplication of therapies and various adverse reactions as well as drug-FS and FS-FS interactions. Therefore, the intervention of health professionals in mitigating these risks is essential. This review highlights and discusses the association between FSs, polypharmacy, and adverse reactions due to the risk of potential interactions between these products. Moreover, it also provides current scientific evidence regarding the use of FSs by the elderly. A review of the challenges, advantages, and risks of using FSs in elderly people who are malnourished and/or polymedicated, focusing on the good practises needed to support healthy ageing, is presented. In this regard, this paper aims to help health professionals better deal with the issue of the use of multiple FSs and polypharmacy, overcome the malnutrition problem, and improve the health and well-being of older adults.

Multimorbidity clusters potentially superior to individual diseases for stratifying fracture risk in older people: a nationwide cohort study

RATIONALE

Comorbidities are common in fracture patients, but the interaction between fracture and comorbidities remains unclear. This study aimed to define specific multimorbidity clusters in older adults and quantify the association between the multimorbidity clusters and fracture risk.

METHODS

This nationwide cohort study includes 1.7 million adults in Denmark aged ≥50 years who were followed from 2001 through 2014 for an incident low-trauma fracture. Chronic diseases and fractures were identified from the Danish National Hospital Discharge Register. Latent class analysis and Cox's regression were conducted to define the clusters and quantify fracture risk, respectively.

RESULTS

The study included 793 815 men (age: 64 ± 10) and 873 524 women (65.5 ± 11), with a third having ≥1 chronic disease. The pre-existent chronic diseases grouped individuals into low-multimorbidity (80.3% in men, 83.6% in women), cardiovascular (12.5%, 10.6%), malignant (4.1%, 3.8%), diabetic (2.4%, 2.0%) and hepatic clusters (0.7%, men only). These clusters distinguished individuals with advanced, complex, or late-stage disease from those having earlier-stage disease. During a median follow-up of 14 years (IQR: 6.5, 14), 95 372 men and 212 498 women sustained an incident fracture. The presence of multimorbidity was associated with a significantly greater risk of fracture, independent of age and sex. Importantly, the multimorbidity clusters had the highest discriminative performance in assessing fracture risk, whereas the strength of their association with fracture risk equalled or exceeded that of both the individual chronic diseases most prevalent in each cluster and of counts-based comorbidity indices.

CONCLUSIONS

Future fracture prevention strategies should take comorbidities into account. Multimorbidity clusters may provide greater insight into fracture risk than individual diseases or counts-based comorbidity indices.

Interventions to improve medication adherence in adults with mental-physical multimorbidity in primary care: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Medication non-adherence is a notable contributor to healthcare inefficiency, resulting in poor medication management, impaired patient outcomes, and ineffective symptom control.

AIM

To summarise interventions targeting medication adherence for adults with mental-physical multimorbidity in primary healthcare settings.

DESIGN AND SETTING

A systematic review of the literature - published in any language and with any country of origin - was conducted.

METHOD

MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycInfo, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and the Cumulated Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature - more commonly known as CINAHL - were searched for relevant studies. Data were extracted and synthesised using narrative synthesis. The Effective Practice and Organisation of Care (EPOC) taxonomy was used to classify intervention types. Risk of bias was assessed using the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute's quality assessment tool for controlled intervention studies.

RESULTS

Eleven studies, representing 2279 patients, were included. All interventions examined were classified into one EPOC domain, namely 'delivery arrangements'. All included studies examined patients who had a physical condition and depression. Seven studies examining interventions focused on coordination of care and management of care processes reported statistically significant improvements in medication adherence that were attributed to the intervention. Four studies considering the use of information and communication technology observed no changes in medication adherence.

CONCLUSION

Interventions that coordinate and manage healthcare processes may help improve patients' adherence to medication regimes in those with mental-physical multimorbidity. However, it is still necessary to better understand how digital health technology can support patients in following their medication regimes. As the growing challenges of treating multimorbidity are faced, everyone involved in health services - from providers to policymakers - must be receptive to a more integrated approach to healthcare delivery.

Defining, identifying and addressing problematic polypharmacy within multimorbidity in primary care: a scoping review

INTRODUCTION

Polypharmacy and multimorbidity pose escalating challenges. Despite numerous attempts, interventions have yet to show consistent improvements in health outcomes. A key factor may be varied approaches to targeting patients for intervention.

OBJECTIVES

To explore how patients are targeted for intervention by examining the literature with respect to: understanding how polypharmacy is defined; identifying problematic polypharmacy in practice; and addressing problematic polypharmacy through interventions.

DESIGN

We performed a scoping review as defined by the Joanna Briggs Institute.

SETTING

The focus was on primary care settings.

DATA SOURCES

Medline, Embase, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature and Cochrane along with ClinicalTrials.gov, Science.gov and WorldCat.org were searched from January 2004 to February 2024.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

We included all articles that had a focus on problematic polypharmacy in multimorbidity and primary care, incorporating multiple types of evidence, such as reviews, quantitative trials, qualitative studies and policy documents. Articles focussing on a single index disease or not written in English were excluded.

EXTRACTION AND ANALYSIS

We performed a narrative synthesis, comparing themes and findings across the collective evidence to draw contextualised insights and conclusions.

RESULTS

In total, 157 articles were included. Case-finding methods often rely on basic medication counts (often five or more) without considering medical history or whether individual medications are clinically appropriate. Other approaches highlight specific drug indicators and interactions as potentially inappropriate prescribing, failing to capture a proportion of patients not fitting criteria. Different potentially inappropriate prescribing criteria also show significant inconsistencies in determining the appropriateness of medications, often neglecting to consider multimorbidity and underprescribing. This may hinder the identification of the precise population requiring intervention.

CONCLUSIONS

Improved strategies are needed to target patients with polypharmacy, which should consider patient perspectives, individual factors and clinical appropriateness. The development of a cross-cutting measure of problematic polypharmacy that consistently incorporates adjustment for multimorbidity may be a valuable next step to address frequent confounding.

Association of Healthy Lifestyle and Incident Polypharmacy

BACKGROUND

Polypharmacy, commonly defined as taking ≥5 medications, is an undesirable state associated with lower quality of life. Strategies to prevent polypharmacy may be an important priority for patients. We sought to examine the association of healthy lifestyle, a modifiable risk factor, with incident polypharmacy.

METHODS

We performed a secondary analysis of the REasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) cohort study, including 15,478 adults aged ≥45 years without polypharmacy at baseline. The primary exposure was healthy lifestyle at baseline as measured by the Healthy Behavior Score (HBS), a cumulative assessment of diet, exercise frequency, tobacco smoking, and sedentary time. HBS ranges from 0-8, whereby 0-2 indicates low HBS, 3-5 indicates moderate HBS, and 6-8 indicates high HBS. We used multinomial logistic regression to examine the association between HBS and incident polypharmacy, survival without polypharmacy, and death.

RESULTS

Higher HBS (i.e., healthier lifestyle) was inversely associated with incident polypharmacy after adjusting for sociodemographic and baseline health variables. Compared with participants with low HBS, those with moderate HBS had lower odds of incident polypharmacy (odds ratio [OR] 0.85; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.73-0.98) and lower odds of dying (OR 0.74; 95% CI, 0.65-0.83). Participants with high HBS had even lower odds of both incident polypharmacy (OR 0.75; 95% CI, 0.64-0.88) and death (OR 0.62; 95% CI, 0.54-0.70). There was an interaction for age, where the association between HBS and incident polypharmacy was most pronounced for participants aged ≤65 years.

CONCLUSIONS

Healthier lifestyle was associated with lower risk for incident polypharmacy.

Treatment Nonadherence among Multimorbid Chronic Disease Patients: Evidence from 3515 Subjects in Indonesia

Background and Objectives: Multimorbid patients require intensive treatment for their diseases. However, little research has been given to their treatment adherence as part of its management. This study aims to determine the prevalence and characteristics of chronic disease multimorbidity in Indonesia, alongside its treatment nonadherence. Materials and Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study using the fifth Indonesian Family Life Survey database among adult subjects aged ≥ 15 years with multimorbidity. Our descriptive and multivariate analyses include sex, age, formal education, ethnicity, geographic residence, demographic residence, household size, insurance ownership, annual income, current self-perceived health status, missing active days, smoking behavior, and body mass index. Results: We identified 3515 multimorbid patients, constituting 30.8% prevalence across chronic disease patients. Hypertension was found to be a prevalent component of multimorbidity (61.2%), followed by digestive diseases (44.5%) and arthritis (30.3%). We identified that 36.4% of the subjects were nonadherent to their chronic disease treatment. Characteristics associated with nonadherence were found to be a good self-perception of health (aOR 1.79, 95% CI 1.54-2.08), active smoking behavior (aOR 1.51, 95% CI 1.14-1.99), no smoking behavior (aOR 1.44, 95% CI 1.08-1.90), missing seven active/productive days or less in the past month due to poor health (aOR 1.36, 95% CI 1.10-1.68), no insurance ownership (aOR 1.20, 95% CI 1.04-1.39), age of 15-65 years (aOR 1.25, 95% CI 1.01-1.55), income below IDR 40 million (aOR 1.23, 95% CI 1.04-1.46), and household size of 2-6 people (aOR 1.17, 95% CI 1.01-1.36). Conclusions: While the prevalence of multimorbidity in Indonesia is generally similar to that observed in previous studies, we have identified patient characteristics related to nonadherence. We suggest that patient's nonadherence was primarily dictated by their self-perception of health and treatment complexity. With the longstanding issue of nonadherence, this study indicated the need to consider creating patient-tailored treatment programs in clinical practice to improve adherence by considering individual patients' characteristics.

Influence of chronic medical conditions on older patients' willingness to deprescribe medications: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Aging correlates with a heightened prevalence of chronic diseases, resulting in multimorbidity affecting 60% of those aged 65 or older. Multimorbidity often leads to polypharmacy, elevating the risk of potentially inappropriate medication (PIM) use and adverse health outcomes. To address these issues, deprescribing has emerged as a patient-centered approach that considers patients' beliefs and attitudes toward medication and reduces inappropriate polypharmacy in older adults. Our study aims to investigate whether certain chronic medical conditions are associated with older patients' willingness to deprescribe medications.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study enrolled 192 community-dwelling individuals aged 65 or older taking at least one regular medication. Data included demographics, clinical characteristics, and responses to the Portuguese revised Patients' Attitudes Towards Deprescribing (rPATD) questionnaire. Descriptive statistics characterized participants, while multiple binary logistic regression identified associations between chronic medical conditions and willingness to deprescribe.

RESULTS

Among the participants (median age: 72 years, 65.6% female), 91.6% had multimorbidity. The analysis revealed that willingness to deprescribe significantly increased with the presence of gastric disease (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 4.123; 95% CI 1.221, 13.915) and age (aOR = 1.121; 95% CI 1.009, 1.246). Conversely, prostatic pathology (aOR = 0.266; 95% CI 0.077, 0.916), higher scores in the rPATD appropriateness factor (aOR = 0.384; 95% CI 0.190, 0.773), and rPATD concerns about stopping factor (aOR = 0.450; 95% CI 0.229, 0.883) diminished patients' willingness to deprescribe.

CONCLUSIONS

This study highlights the intricate relationship between older patients' attitudes toward deprescribing and chronic medical conditions. We found that gastric disease was associated with an increased willingness to deprescribe medications, while prostate disease was associated with the opposite effect. Future research should explore how patients with specific diseases or groups of diseases perceive deprescribing of medications general and for specific medications, aiding in the development of targeted interventions.

Polypharmacy in Older Patients: A Three-Year Longitudinal Analysis in Primary Care Settings of Aragón, Spain

BACKGROUND

Challenges of polypharmacy and the impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in older patients require further investigation. This retrospective study analyzed the progression of polypharmacy and anticholinergic burden in older patients in a primary care setting before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODS

This 3-year cross-sectional study (2019, 2020, and 2021) comprised a dynamic cohort of individuals aged ≥75 years, who attended the Arrabal Primary Care Center in Zaragoza, Spain. Older patients with polypharmacy (≥5 medications) were identified according to their electronic health records. We collected demographic and clinical data, including medication prescriptions, diagnoses, and anticholinergic risks, and performed descriptive and statistical analyses.

RESULTS

This study included a total of 1,928 patients with a mean age of 83.52±0.30 years. Over the 3-year study period, the mean number of medications prescribed increased, from 9.4 in 2019 to 10.4 in 2021. The prevalence of excessive polypharmacy (≥10 medications) increased from 39% in 2019 to 45% in 2021. The most commonly prescribed drugs were anilides, proton pump inhibitors, benzodiazepine derivatives, and platelet aggregation inhibitors. Women had a higher prevalence of illnesses and anticholinergic drug prescriptions than men.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study highlighted an upward trend in polypharmacy and excessive polypharmacy among older patients in primary care settings. Future research should focus on optimizing medication management and deprescribing strategies and minimizing the adverse effects of polypharmacy in this population.

Short-term prognosis of polypharmacy in elderly patients treated in emergency departments: results from the EDEN project

Background

Polypharmacy is a growing phenomenon among elderly individuals. However, there is little information about the frequency of polypharmacy among the elderly population treated in emergency departments (EDs) and its prognostic effect. This study aims to determine the prevalence and short-term prognostic effect of polypharmacy in elderly patients treated in EDs.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of the Emergency Department Elderly in Needs (EDEN) project's cohort was performed. This registry included all elderly patients who attended 52 Spanish EDs for any condition. Mild and severe polypharmacy was defined as the use of 5-9 drugs and ⩾10 drugs, respectively. The assessed outcomes were ED revisits, hospital readmissions, and mortality 30 days after discharge. Crude and adjusted logistic regression analyses, including the patient's comorbidities, were performed.

Results

A total of 25,557 patients were evaluated [mean age: 78 (IQR: 71-84) years]; 10,534 (41.2%) and 5678 (22.2%) patients presented with mild and severe polypharmacy, respectively. In the adjusted analysis, mild polypharmacy and severe polypharmacy were associated with an increase in ED revisits [odds ratio (OR) 1.13 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.04-1.23) and 1.38 (95% CI: 1.24-1.51)] and hospital readmissions [OR 1.18 (95% CI: 1.04-1.35) and 1.36 (95% CI: 1.16-1.60)], respectively, compared to non-polypharmacy. Mild and severe polypharmacy were not associated with increased 30-day mortality [OR 1.05 (95% CI: 0.89-2.26) and OR 0.89 (95% CI: 0.72-1.12)], respectively.

Conclusion

Polypharmacy was common among the elderly treated in EDs and associated with increased risks of ED revisits and hospital readmissions ⩽30 days but not with an increased risk of 30-day mortality. Patients with polypharmacy had a higher risk of ED revisits and hospital readmissions ⩽30 days after discharge.

Association between changes in potentially inappropriate medication use and adverse outcomes during hospitalization in older adults: A retrospective study

PURPOSE

To evaluate the association between the change in the number of PIMs in older adults during hospitalization and adverse outcomes.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study was conducted in the internal medicine wards of a tertiary teaching hospital between May and December 2017. 3,460 patients (77.5±8.4 years, 60.4% male) were enrolled, and 206 patients died during hospitalization. PIMs were defined using the Beers Criteria as suggested by the American Geriatrics Society. Adverse outcomes studied were functional decline (a loss in 1 or more activities of daily living from admission to discharge), prolonged length of stay (LOS) (≥14 days), and mortality.

RESULTS

2258 patients (65.3%) had increasing PIMs during hospitalization. They tended to be younger (77.0±8.3 versus 78.5±8.5 years, p<0.001) and had lower numbers of PIMs at admission (0.4±0.8 versus 0.8±1.1, p<0.001). Increasing PIM use was strongly associated with greater functional decline (aOR 1.36, 95%CI 1.01-1.67, p=0.005), prolonged LOS (aOR 3.47, 95%CI 2.71-4.44, p<0.001) and higher mortality rate (aOR 2.68, 95%CI 1.75-4.12, p<0.001), even after adjusting for all covariates. We observed a strong association between adverse outcomes and increasing PIMs in older adults during hospitalization (p for trend <0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Older adults with increasing PIMs during hospitalization were at greater risk for functional decline, prolonged LOS, and mortality, especially in those with three or more PIMs. Further studies are needed to better understand the complex interactions and to evaluate the effectiveness of intervention programs to lower PIM number and improve discharge outcomes for patients who had increasing PIM use during hospitalization.

Prevalence and clinical implications of polypharmacy and potentially inappropriate medication in elderly patients with heart failure: results of six months' follow-up

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the prevalence of polypharmacy and potentially inappropriate medication (PIM) in elderly patients with heart failure (HF) and their impact on readmission and mortality.

METHODS

We conducted a study of 274 participants aged 60 years or older with HF. The prevalence of polypharmacy (defined as the use of five or more medications) was calculated, and the 2019 American Geriatrics Society Beers criteria were applied to access PIMs. Medications and PIMs were characterized at admission and discharge, and changes in prescriptions during hospitalization were compared. The impact of polypharmacy and PIM on readmission and mortality were investigated.

RESULTS

The median age of this study population was 68 years old. The median number of prescribed drugs was 7 at admission and 10 at discharge. At discharge, 99.27% of all patients were taking five or more drugs. The incidence of composite endpoint and cardiovascular readmission increased with the number of polypharmacy within 6 months. The use of guideline-directed medical therapy reduced the incidence of composite endpoint events and cardiovascular readmission, while the use of non-cardiovascular medications increased the composite endpoint events. The frequency of PIMs was 93.79% at discharge. The incidence of composite endpoint events increased with the number of PIMs. "PIMs in older adults with caution" increased cardiovascular readmission and "PIMs based on kidney function" increased cardiovascular mortality. Several comorbidities were associated with cardiovascular mortality or non-cardiovascular readmission.

CONCLUSIONS

Polypharmacy and PIM were highly prevalent in elderly patients with HF, and their use was associated with an increased risk of composite endpoint events, readmission and mortality. Non-cardiovascular medications, "PIMs in older adults with caution", "PIMs based on kidney function" and several comorbidities were important factors associated with hospital readmission and mortality. Our findings highlight the importance of medication optimization in the management of HF in elderly patients.

Unexpected lower level of oral periodontal pathogens in patients with high numbers of systemic diseases

Background

Periodontal disease is associated with systemic conditions such as diabetes, arthritis, and cardiovascular disease, all diseases with large inflammatory components. Some, but not all, reports show periopathogens Porphyromonas gingivialis and Tannerella forsythia at higher levels orally in people with one of these chronic diseases and in people with more severe cases. These oral pathogens are thought to be positively associated with systemic inflammatory diseases through induction of oral inflammation that works to distort systemic inflammation or by directly inducing inflammation at distal sites in the body. This study aimed to determine if, among patients with severe periodontal disease, those with multi-morbidity (or many chronic diseases) showed higher levels of periodontal pathogens.

Methods

A total of 201 adult subjects, including 84 with severe periodontal disease were recruited between 1/2017 and 6/2019 at a city dental clinic. Electronic charts supplied self-reported diseases and conditions which informed a morbidity index based on the number of chronic diseases and conditions present. Salivary composition was determined by 16S rRNA gene sequencing.

Results

As expected, patients with severe periodontal disease showed higher levels of periodontal pathogens in their saliva. Also, those with severe periodontal disease showed higher levels of multiple chronic diseases (multimorbidity). An examination of the 84 patients with severe periodontal disease revealed some subjects despite being of advanced age were free or nearly free of systemic disease. Surprisingly, the salivary microbiota of the least healthy of these 84 subjects, defined here as those with maximal multimorbidity, showed significantly lower relative numbers of periodontal pathogens, including Porphyromonas gingivalis and Tannerella Forsythia, after controlling for active caries, tobacco usage, age, and gender. Analysis of a control group with none to moderate periodontal disease revealed no association of multimorbidity or numbers of medications used and specific oral bacteria, indicating the importance of severe periodontal disease as a variable of interest.

Conclusion

The hypothesis that periodontal disease patients with higher levels of multimorbidity would have higher levels of oral periodontal pathogens is false. Multimorbidity is associated with a reduced relative number of periodontal pathogens Porphyromonas gingivalis and Tannerella forsythia.

Competences of internal medicine specialists for the management of patients with multimorbidity. EFIM multimorbidity working group position paper

Patients with multimorbidity increasingly impact healthcare systems, both in primary care and in hospitals. This is particularly true in Internal Medicine. This population associates with higher mortality rates, polypharmacy, hospital readmissions, post-discharge syndrome, anxiety, depression, accelerated age-related functional decline, and development of geriatric syndromes, amongst others. Internists and Hospitalists, in one of their roles as Generalists, are increasingly asked to attend to these patients, both in their own Departments as well as in surgical areas. The management of polypathology and multimorbidity, however, is often complex, and requires specific clinical skills and corresponding experience. In addition, patients' needs, health-care environment, and routines have changed, so emerging and re-emerging specific competences and approaches are required to offer the best coordinated, continuous, and comprehensive integrated care to these populations, to achieve optimal health outcomes and satisfaction of patients, their relatives, and staff. This position paper proposes a set of emerging and re-emerging competences for internal medicine specialists, which are needed to optimally address multimorbidity now and in the future.

Prevalence and Correlates of Polypharmacy, and Drug Utilization Pattern in a Semi-urban Population: Results from the Pars Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Although polypharmacy is considered a major predictor of irrational use of drugs, little is known about polypharmacy in developing regions. We aimed to indicate the prevalence and correlates of polypharmacy and to determine the medication profile at the population level in southern Iran.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, we analyzed data from participants of the Pars Cohort Study (PCS) (aged above 40 years, N=9269). Polypharmacy was defined as using five or more medications concurrently. A Poisson multivariable model was applied to estimate the adjusted prevalence ratios (APRs) of various risk factors. The Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) classification system was used for classifying medications.

RESULTS

Prevalence of polypharmacy was 10.4%, (95% CI: 9.75; 11.08) and it was higher among females (15.0%), older adults (age≥65 years) (16.0%), and individuals with more than two chronic conditions (31%). Being female, educated, married, and not having a low socio-economic class were independently associated with a higher likelihood of polypharmacy. The most prevalent medications among female participants were sex hormones and modulators of the genital system (58.4%), drugs for acid-related disorders (14.6%), and anti-anemic preparations (13.6%,). On the other hand, males were using acid-related disorders (14.6%), anti-inflammatory and anti-rheumatic products (7.8%), and beta-blocking agents (6.3%).

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of polypharmacy in our sample was relatively low, especially among males. Cardiovascular drugs, acid suppressants, hormonal contraceptives, and anti-anemic preparations are drug classes with the highest contribution to polypharmacy.

Multimorbidity in People with Epilepsy

Multimorbidity is an emerging priority in healthcare due to associations with the ageing population, frailty, polypharmacy, health and social care demands. It affects 60-70% of adults and 80% of children with epilepsy. Neurodevelopmental conditions are commonly seen in children with epilepsy, while cancer, cardiovascular and neurodegenerative conditions often afflict older people with epilepsy. Mental health problems are common across the lifespan. Genetic, environmental, social and lifestyle factors contribute to multimorbidity and its consequences. Multimorbid people with epilepsy (PWE) are at higher risk of depression and suicide, premature death, suffer lower health-related quality of life, and require more hospital admissions and health care costs. The best management of multimorbid PWE requires a paradigm shift from the traditional single disease-single comorbidity approach and a refocus on a person-centred approach. Improvements in health care must be informed by assessing the burden of multimorbidity associated with epilepsy, delineating disease clusters, and measuring the effects on health outcomes.

Effect of Comorbidity Burden and Polypharmacy on Poor Functional Outcome in Acute Ischemic Stroke

PURPOSE

Comorbidities and polypharmacy are risk factors for worse outcome in stroke. However, comorbidities and polypharmacy are mostly studied separately with various approaches to assess them. We aimed to analyze the impact of comorbidity burden and polypharmacy on functional outcome in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients undergoing mechanical thrombectomy (MT).

METHODS

Acute ischemic stroke patients with large vessel occlusion (LVO) treated with MT from a prospective observational study were analyzed. Relevant comorbidity burden was defined as a Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) score ≥ 2, polypharmacy as the intake of ≥ 5 medications at time of stroke onset. Favorable outcome was a score of 0-2 on the modified Rankin scale at 90 days after stroke. The effect of comorbidity burden and polypharmacy on favorable outcome was studied via multivariable regression analysis.

RESULTS

Of 903 patients enrolled, 703 AIS patients (mean age 73.4 years, 54.9% female) with anterior circulation LVO were included. A CCI ≥ 2 was present in 226 (32.1%) patients, polypharmacy in 315 (44.8%) patients. Favorable outcome was less frequently achieved in patients with a CCI ≥ 2 (47, 20.8% vs. 172, 36.1%, p < 0.001), and in patients with polypharmacy (69, 21.9% vs. 150, 38.7%, p < 0.001). In multivariable regression analysis including clinical covariates, a CCI ≥ 2 was associated with lower odds of favorable outcome (odds ratio, OR 0.52, 95% confidence interval, 95% CI 0.33-0.82, p = 0.005), while polypharmacy was not (OR 0.81, 95% CI 0.52-1.27, p = 0.362).

CONCLUSION

Relevant comorbidity burden and polypharmacy are common in AIS patients with LVO, with comorbidity burden being a risk factor for poor outcome.

The challenge of managing multimorbid atrial fibrillation: a pan-European European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA) member survey of current management practices and clinical priorities

As part of the EHRS-PATHS study examining comorbidities in atrial fibrillation (AF) across Europe, the aim was (i) to evaluate how multimorbidity is currently addressed by clinicians during AF treatment to characterize the treatment structure and (ii) to assess how the interdisciplinary management of multimorbid AF is currently conducted. An online survey was distributed among European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA) members in Europe that included 21 questions and a free-text option for comments on detection, assessment, and management of AF-related comorbidities. A total of 451 responses were received with 339 responses eligible for inclusion. Of these, 221 were male (66%), 300 (91.5%) were physicians, and 196 (57.8%) were working in academic university teaching hospitals. Half of the respondents managed between 20 and 50 patients per month with multimorbid AF. Varying rates of specialist services and referral to these services were available at each location (e.g. heart failure and diabetes), with a greater number of specialist services available at academic university teaching hospitals compared with non-teaching hospitals [e.g. anticoagulation clinic 92 (47%) vs. 50 (35%), P < 0.03]. Barriers to referring to specialist services for AF comorbidities included lack of integrated care model (n = 174, 51%), organizational or institutional issues (n = 145, 43%), and issues with patient adherence (n = 126, 37%), highlighting the need for organizational restructuring and developing an integrated collaborative evidenced-based approach to multimorbid AF care. The survey and analyses of free-text comments demonstrated the need for systematic, integrated management of AF-related comorbidities, and these results will inform the next phases of the EHRA-PATHS study.

Identifying factors explaining practice variation in secondary stroke prevention in primary care: a cohort study based on all patients with ischaemic stroke in the Stockholm region

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to describe the practice variation in dispensation of secondary stroke preventive drugs among patients at different primary care centres (PCCs) in Stockholm region and to identify factors that may explain the variation.

DESIGN

Cohort study using administrative data from the Stockholm region.

SETTING

Stockholm Health Care Region, Sweden, serving a population of 2.3 million inhabitants, hospital and PCC data.

PARTICIPANTS

All patients (n=9761) with ischaemic stroke treated in hospital from 1 July 2009 to 30 June 2014 were included. Of these, 7562 patients registered with 187 PCCs were analysed. Exclusion criteria were; deceased patients, age <18, haemorrhagic stroke and/or switching PCC.

PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES

As primary outcome the impact of PCC organisation variables and patient characteristics on the dispensation of statins, antiplatelets, antihypertensives and anticoagulants were analysed. Secondarily, the unadjusted practice variation of preventive drug dispensation of 187 PCCs is described.

RESULTS

There was up to fourfold practice variation in dispensation of all secondary preventive drugs. Factors associated with a lower level of dispensed statins were privately run PCCs (OR 0.91 (95% CI 0.82 to 1.00)) and the patient being woman. Increased statin use was associated with a higher number of specialists in family medicine (OR 1.03 (95% CI 1.01 to 1.05)) and a higher proportion of patients registered with a specific physician (OR 1.37 (95% CI 1.11 to 1.68)). Women had on average a lower number of dispensed antihypertensives.

CONCLUSIONS

A high practice variation for dispensation of all secondary preventive drugs was observed. Patient and PCC level factors indicating good continuity of care and high level of general practitioner education were associated with higher use of statins. Findings are of importance to policymakers as well as individual providers of care, and more research and actions are needed to minimise inequality in healthcare.

Monitoring Risk Factors and Improving Adherence to Therapy in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease (Smit-CKD Project): Pilot Observational Study

BACKGROUND

Chronic kidney disease is a major public health issue, with about 13% of the general adult population and 30% of the elderly affected. Patients in the last stage of this disease have an almost uniquely high risk of death and cardiovascular events, with reduced adherence to therapy representing an additional risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Considering the increased penetration of mobile phones, a mobile app could educate patients to autonomously monitor cardiorenal risk factors.

OBJECTIVE

With this background in mind, we developed an integrated system of a server and app with the aim of improving self-monitoring of cardiovascular and renal risk factors and adherence to therapy.

METHODS

The software infrastructure for both the Smit-CKD server and Smit-CKD app was developed using standard web-oriented development methodologies preferring open source tools when available. To make the Smit-CKD app suitable for Android and iOS, platforms that allow the development of a multiplatform app starting from a single source code were used. The integrated system was field tested with the help of 22 participants. User satisfaction and adherence to therapy were measured by questionnaires specifically designed for this study; regular use of the app was measured using the daily reports available on the platform.

RESULTS

The Smit-CKD app allows the monitoring of cardiorenal risk factors, such as blood pressure, weight, and blood glucose. Collected data are transmitted in real time to the referring general practitioner. In addition, special reminders improve adherence to the medication regimen. Via the Smit-CKD server, general practitioners can monitor the clinical status of their patients and their adherence to therapy. During the test phase, 73% (16/22) of subjects entered all the required data regularly and sent feedback on drug intake. After 6 months of use, the percentage of regular intake of medications rose from 64% (14/22) to 82% (18/22). Analysis of the evaluation questionnaires showed that both the app and server components were well accepted by the users.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study demonstrated that a simple mobile app, created to self-monitor modifiable cardiorenal risk factors and adherence to therapy, is well tolerated by patients affected by chronic kidney disease. Further studies are required to clarify if the use of this integrated system will have long-term effects on therapy adherence and if self-monitoring of risk factors will improve clinical outcomes in this population.

Communication about medication management during patient-physician consultations in primary care: a participant observation study

OBJECTIVE

To explore communication about medication management during annual consultations in primary care.

DESIGN

passive participant observations of primary care consultations.

SETTING

Two primary care centres in southern Sweden.

PARTICIPANTS

Consultations between 18 patients (over the age of 60 years) with chronic diseases and 10 general practitioners (GPs) were observed, audio-recorded, transcribed and analysed using content analysis.

RESULTS

Four categories emerged: communication barriers, striving for a shared understanding of medication management, evaluation of the current medication treatment and the plan ahead and behavioural changes in relation to medication management. Misunderstandings in communication, failure to report changes in the medication treatment and use of generic substitutes complicated mutual understanding and agreement on continued treatment. The need for behavioural changes to reduce the need for medication treatment was recognised but should be explored further.

CONCLUSION

Several pitfalls, including miscommunication and inaccurate medication lists, for safe medication management were identified. The purpose of annual consultations should be clarified, individual treatment plans could be used more actively during primary care consultations and efforts are needed to improve verbal communication and information continuity.

Polypharmacy and medical intensive care unit (MICU) admission and 10-year all-cause mortality risk among hospitalized patients with and without HIV

Objective

Medical intensive care unit (MICU) admissions have been declining in people with HIV infection (PWH), but frequency of outpatient polypharmacy (prescription of ≥5 chronic medications) has increased. Among those hospitalized, we examined whether outpatient polypharmacy is associated with subsequent 1-year MICU admission or 10-year all-cause mortality, and if the association varies by HIV status.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Methods

Using a national electronic health record cohort of Veterans in care, we ascertained outpatient polypharmacy during fiscal year (FY) 2009 and followed patients for 1-year MICU admission and 10-year mortality. We assessed associations of any polypharmacy (yes/no and categorized ≤4, 5–7, 8–9, and ≥10 medications) with 1-year MICU admission and 10-year mortality using logistic and Cox regressions, respectively, adjusted for demographics, HIV status, substance use, and severity of illness.

Results

Among 9898 patients (1811 PWH) hospitalized in FY2010, prior outpatient polypharmacy was common (51%). Within 1 year, 1532 (15%) had a MICU admission and within 10 years, 4585 (46%) died. Polypharmacy was associated with increased odds of 1-year MICU admission, in both unadjusted (odds ratio (OR) 1.36 95% CI: (1.22, 1.52)) and adjusted models, aOR (95% CI) = 1.28 (1.14, 1.43) and with 10-year mortality in unadjusted, hazard ratio (HR) (95% CI) = 1.40 (1.32, 1.48), and adjusted models, HR (95% CI) = 1.26 (1.19, 1.34). Increasing levels of polypharmacy demonstrated a dose-response with both outcomes and by HIV status, with a stronger association among PWH.

Conclusions

Among hospitalized patients, prior outpatient polypharmacy was associated with 1-year MICU admission and 10-year all-cause mortality after adjusting for severity of illness in PWH and PWoH.

Age-Related Variation in the Provision of Primary Care Services and Medication Prescriptions for Patients with Cardiovascular Disease

As population aging progresses, demands of patients with cardiovascular diseases (CVD) on the primary care services is inevitably increased. However, the utilisation of primary care services across varying age groups is unknown. The study aims to explore age-related variations in provision of chronic disease management plans, mental health care, guideline-indicated cardiovascular medications and influenza vaccination among patients with CVD over differing ages presenting to primary care. Data for patients with CVD were extracted from 50 Australian general practices. Logistic regression, accounting for covariates and clustering effects by practices, was used for statistical analysis. Of the 14,602 patients with CVD (mean age, 72.5 years), patients aged 65-74, 75-84 and ≥85 years were significantly more likely to have a GP management plan prepared (adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 1.6, 1.88 and 1.55, respectively, p < 0.05), have a formal team care arrangement (aOR: 1.49, 1.8, 1.65, respectively, p < 0.05) and have a review of either (aOR: 1.63, 2.09, 1.93, respectively, p < 0.05) than those < 65 years. Patients aged ≥ 65 years were more likely to be prescribed blood-pressure-lowering medications and to be vaccinated for influenza. However, the adjusted odds of being prescribed lipid-lowering and antiplatelet medications and receiving mental health care were significantly lowest among patients ≥ 85 years. There are age-related variations in provision of primary care services and pharmacological therapy. GPs are targeting care plans to older people who are more likely to have long-term conditions and complex needs.

Translating and Evaluating a Physical Activity Program for Aboriginal Elders on Noongar Boodjar (Country) - A Longitudinal Study

Objective

The primary aim of the study was to translate and evaluate the impact of a Physical Activity (PA) program on the physical function of older Aboriginal Elders on Noongar Boodjar (Country).

Methods

A longitudinal design framed within an Indigenous methodology. Two groups, one metropolitan and one regional, of Aboriginal Elders, aged ≥45 years, participated in the Ironbark PA program. This comprised weekly strength and balance exercises followed by yarning circles. Physical function (primary outcome) and functional ability, cardiovascular risk factors (weight, waist circumference), falls efficacy and health-related quality of life were measured at baseline 6, 12 and 24 months. Data were analyzed using generalized linear mixed effects modeling.

Results

Fifty-two Elders initially enrolled and of those, n = 23 (44.2%) Elders participated regularly for 24 months. There was a 6-month gap in program delivery due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants made significant improvement in physical function at 12 months compared to baseline: [short physical performance battery (SPPB) at baseline, 8.85 points (95% CI 8.10, 9.61); 12 months 10.28 (95% CI 9.44, 11.13), p = 0.001: gait speed at baseline 0.81 ms-1 (95% CI 0.60, 0.93); 12 months 1.14 (95% CI 1.01, 1.27), p < 0.001]. Some sustained improvement compared to baseline was still evident at 24 months after the 6-month gap in attendance [SPPB 9.60 (8.59, 10.60) p = 0.14, gait speed 1.11 (0.95, 1.26) p < 0.001]. Cardiovascular risk factors showed a non-significant improvement at 12 and 24 months compared to baseline. All participants reported that they enjoyed the program, found it culturally appropriate and would recommend it to others.

Conclusion

Older Aboriginal people showed sustained improvements in physical function after engaging in a culturally appropriate PA program. Culturally appropriate PA programs provide safety, security and choice for older Aboriginal people to engage in evidence-based PA.

The patterns and implications of potentially suboptimal medicine regimens among older adults: a narrative review

In the context of an ageing population, the burden of disease and medicine use is also expected to increase. As such, medicine safety and preventing avoidable medicine-related harm are major public health concerns, requiring further research. Potentially suboptimal medicine regimens is an umbrella term that captures a range of indicators that may increase the risk of medicine-related harm, including polypharmacy, underprescribing and high-risk prescribing, such as prescribing potentially inappropriate medicines. This narrative review aims to provide a background and broad overview of the patterns and implications of potentially suboptimal medicine regimens among older adults. Original research published between 1990 and 2021 was searched for in MEDLINE, using key search terms including polypharmacy, inappropriate prescribing, potentially inappropriate medication lists, medication errors, drug interactions and drug prescriptions, along with manual checking of reference lists. The review summarizes the prevalence, risk factors and clinical outcomes of polypharmacy, underprescribing and potentially inappropriate medicines. A synthesis of the evidence regarding the longitudinal patterns of polypharmacy is also provided. With an overview of the existing literature, we highlight a number of key gaps in the literature. Directions for future research may include a longitudinal investigation into the risk factors and outcomes of extended polypharmacy, research focusing on the patterns and implications of underprescribing and studies that evaluate the applicability of tools measuring potentially inappropriate medicines to study settings.

Socioeconomic and health factors related to polypharmacy and medication management: analysis of a Household Health Survey in North West Coast England

OBJECTIVES

To examine the socioeconomic and demographic drivers associated with polypharmacy (5-9 medicines), extreme polypharmacy (9-20 medicines) and increased medication count.

DESIGN, SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS

A total of 5509 participants, from two waves of the English North West Coast, Household Health Survey were analysed OUTCOME MEASURES: Logistic regression modelling was used to find associations with polypharmacy and extreme polypharmacy. A negative binomial regression identified associations with increased medication count. Descriptive statistics explored associations with medication management.

RESULTS

Age and number of health conditions account for the greatest odds of polypharmacy. ORs (95% CI) were greatest for those aged 65+ (3.87, 2.45 to 6.13) and for those with ≥5 health conditions (10.87, 5.94 to 19.88). Smaller odds were seen, for example, in those prescribed cardiovascular medications (3.08, 2.36 to 4.03), or reporting >3 emergency attendances (1.97, 1.23 to 3.17). Extreme polypharmacy was associated with living in a deprived neighbourhood (1.54, 1.06 to 2.26). The greatest risk of increased medication count was associated with age, number of health conditions and use of primary care services. Relative risks (95% CI) were greatest for those aged 65+ (2.51, 2.23 to 2.82), those with ≥5 conditions (10.26, 8.86 to 11.88) or those reporting >18 primary care visits (2.53, 2.18 to 2.93). Smaller risks were seen in, for example, respondents with higher levels of income deprivation (1.35, 1.03 to 1.77). Polypharmic respondents were more likely to report medication management difficulties associated with taking more than one medicine at a time (p<0.001). Furthermore, individuals reporting a mental health condition, were significantly more likely to consistently report difficulties managing their medication (p<0.001).

CONCLUSION

Age and number of health conditions are most associated with polypharmacy. Thus, delaying or preventing the onset of long-term conditions may help to reduce polypharmacy. Interventions to reduce income inequalities and health inequalities generally could support a reduction in polypharmacy, however, more research is needed in this area. Furthermore, increased prevention and support, particularly with medication management, for those with mental health conditions may reduce adverse medication effects.

The MultimorbiditY COllaborative Medication Review And DEcision Making (MyComrade) study: a protocol for a cross-border pilot cluster randomised controlled trial

Background

While international guidelines recommend medication reviews as part of the management of multimorbidity, evidence on how to implement reviews in practice in primary care is lacking. The MultimorbiditY Collaborative Medication Review And Decision Making (MyComrade) intervention is an evidence-based, theoretically informed novel intervention which aims to support the conduct of medication reviews for patients with multimorbidity in primary care. Our aim in this pilot study is to evaluate the feasibility of a trial of the intervention with unique modifications accounting for contextual variations in two neighbouring health systems (Republic of Ireland (ROI) and Northern Ireland (NI)).

Methods

A pilot cluster randomised controlled trial will be conducted, using a mixed-methods process evaluation to investigate the feasibility of a trial of the MyComrade intervention based on pre-defined progression criteria. A total of 16 practices will be recruited (eight in ROI; eight in NI), and four practices in each jurisdiction will be randomly allocated to intervention or control. Twenty people living with multimorbidity and prescribed ≥ 10 repeat medications will be recruited from each practice prior to practice randomisation. In intervention practices, the MyComrade intervention will be delivered by pairs of general practitioners (GPs) in ROI, and a GP and practice-based pharmacist (PBP) in NI. The GPs/GP and PBP will schedule the time to review the medications together using a checklist. Usual care will proceed in practices in the control arm. Data will be collected via electronic health records and postal questionnaires at recruitment and 4 and 8 months after randomisation. Qualitative interviews to assess the feasibility and acceptability of the intervention and explore experiences related to multimorbidity management will be conducted with a purposive sample of GPs, PBPs, practice administration staff and patients in intervention and control practices. The feasibility of conducting a health economic evaluation as part of a future definitive trial will be assessed.

Discussion

The findings of this pilot study will assess the feasibility of a trial of the MyComrade intervention in two different health systems. Evaluation of the progression criteria will guide the decision to progress to a definitive trial and inform trial design. The findings will also contribute to the growing evidence-base related to intervention development and feasibility studies.

Trial registration

ISRCTN Registry, ISRCTN80017020. Date of confirmation is 4/11/2019.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40814-022-01018-y.

Comparing Effects of Polypharmacy on Inflammatory Profiles in Older Adults and Mice: Implications for Translational Ageing Research

Aging and multimorbidity are associated with inflammation. Polypharmacy is common in older people with multimorbidity. Given the potential for interactions between polypharmacy and inflammation, the relationship between inflammation and polypharmacy were studied in older adults with multimorbidity and in healthy aging mice. A cross-sectional analysis of data from the 5-year wave of the Concord Health and Ageing in Men Project, a population-based study of community-dwelling men aged ≥70 years. Serum concentrations of 27 cytokines were measured using a multiplex immunoassay. Associations between polypharmacy (≥5 medications) and cytokines were evaluated using multivariable linear regression adjusting for age, frailty, comorbidities, and individual drug classes. Interaction between polypharmacy and Drug Burden Index (DBI―drugs with anticholinergic and sedative effects) was analyzed. Effects of polypharmacy and DBI on serum levels of 23 cytokines were determined in aging male mice treated with chronic polypharmacy or control. Compared to the nonpolypharmacy group (n = 495), CHAMP participants with polypharmacy (n = 409) had significantly higher concentrations of IL-8, IL-6, CCL3, Eotaxin, IL-1ra, IL-1β, IP-10, and lower concentrations of anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-4. In fully-adjusted multivariable models, polypharmacy was positively associated with concentrations of IL-8 and CCL3. There were no significant differences in inflammatory profiles between control and polypharmacy-treated mice. The relationship was not influenced by DBI in men or in mice. Inflammatory markers associated with polypharmacy in older adults were not seen in healthy aged mice administered polypharmacy, and may be related to underlying diseases. The polypharmacy mouse model provides opportunities for mechanistic investigations in translational research.

Polymorbidity and Polypragmasia in High and Very High Cardiovascular Risk Patients

Aim. Assessment of the level and structure of polymorbidity, features of pharmacotherapy therapy in patients of different age groups, belonging to the category of high and extremely high cardiovascular risk, observed in outpatient clinics.

Material and methods. The single-stage study included 282 patients of high and very high cardiovascular risk who were divided into three groups: (1) age 45-59 years, (2) 60-74 years, (3) ≥75 years. The structure of polymorbidity and features of pharmacotherapy in different age groups patients were evaluated. The frequency of polypragmasia was determined, and treatment adequacy in patients over 65 years of age was analyzed using the STOPP / START criteria and the Beers criteria of 2019.

Results. High and very high cardiovascular risk patients have been found to be highly polymorbid, polimorbidity level increasing with age. Thus, among elderly patients, ischemic heart disease, chronic heart failure (CHF) were more often detected, as well as a high frequency of concomitant and background conditions, especially bone and joint system involvement (osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis). Polypragmasia (administration of ≥5 drugs) was detected in 150 patients (53.2%) and was more common among elderly patients. According to Beers criteria, there were 48 cases of inadequate medication prescribing in 46 (28.0%) elderly patients. According to 80 STOPP criteria, 75 cases of prescribing potentially non-recommended drugs to 55 patients (32.1%) were detected. According to 34 START criteria, 116 cases of non-prescribing of necessary drugs to 52 (30.4%) elderly patients were found. When assessing the frequency of prognosis modifying medication prescribing, patients with CHF in 107 (63.0%) cases received angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, and in 42 cases (24.5%) angiotensin II receptor antagonists had been prescribed.  Thus,  87.5%  CHF patients were receiving renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system blockers. Statins were administered in 225 (79.8%) cases, antiplatelet agents were pre-scribed in 157 (67.9%) cases, and 23 persons (9.9%) were on oral anticoagulants for atrial fibrillation.

Conclusion. In the structure of the studied cohort most of the high and very high cardiovascular risk outpatients were polimorbid, elderly and senile. Polypragmasia has been detected in more than half of elderly outpatients (53%), irrational medication was found in 28% to 30% elderly patients. Most patients with CHF were on statins, antithrombotic therapy, and renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system blockers.

Sleep Medication in Older Adults: Identifying the Need for Support by a Community Pharmacist

Many older adults take benzodiazepines and sedative-hypnotics for the treatment of sleep disorders. With a view to considering the possible discontinuation of hypnotics, the objectives of the present study were to describe bedtime habits and sleep patterns in older adults and to identify the sleep medications taken. An expert group developed a structured interview guide for assessing the patients’ bedtime habits, sleep patterns, and medications. During an internship in a community pharmacy, 103 sixth-year pharmacy students conducted around 10 interviews each with older adults (aged 65 or over) complaining of sleep disorders and taking at least one of the following medications: benzodiazepines, benzodiazepine derivatives (“Z-drugs”), antihistamines, and melatonin. A prospective, observational study was carried out from 4 January to 30 June 2016. The pharmacy students performed 960 interviews (with 330 men and 630 women; mean ± standard deviation age: 75.1 ± 8.8). The most commonly taken hypnotics were the Z-drugs zolpidem (n = 465, 48%) and zopiclone (n = 259, 27%). The vast majority of patients (n = 768, 80%) had only ever taken a single hypnotic medication. The median [interquartile range] prescription duration was 120 (48–180) months. About 75% (n = 696) of the patients had at least 1 poor sleep habit, and over 41% (n = 374) had 2 or more poor sleep habits. A total of 742 of the patients (77%) reported getting up at night—mainly due to nycturia (n = 481, 51%). Further, 330 of the patients (35%) stated that they were keen to discontinue their medication, of which 96 (29%) authorized the pharmacist to contact their family physician and discuss discontinuation. In France, pharmacy students and supervising community pharmacists can identify problems related to sleep disorders by asking simple questions about the patient’s sleep patterns. Together with family physicians, community pharmacists can encourage patients to discuss their hypnotic medications.

Trends and Determinants of Polypharmacy and Potential Drug-Drug Interactions at Discharge From Hospital Between 2009-2015

BACKGROUND

Polypharmacy (PP) and excessive polypharmacy (EPP) are increasingly common and associated with risk of drug-drug interactions (DDIs). We aimed to measure the trends and determinants of PP and DDIs among patients discharged from the Department of Internal Medicine of the Lausanne University Hospital.

METHODS

The retrospective study included 17,742 adult patients discharged between 2009 and 2015. Polypharmacy and EPP were defined as the concomitant prescription of five or more and ten or more drugs, respectively. Drug-drug interactions were defined as any combination of a drug metabolized by a cytochrome P450 or P-glycoprotein, and a drug considered as strong inductor or inhibitor of the corresponding enzyme was defined as a potential interaction.

RESULTS

Three most commonly classes of drugs prescribed were "alimentary tract and metabolism (including insulins)," "nervous system," and "blood and blood forming organs." Polypharmacy decreased from 45% in 2009 to 41% in 2015, whereas EPP increased from 40% to 46%. In 2015, 13% of patients received 15 or more drugs. Age, coming from other health care settings, higher Charlson Index, number of comorbidities, and quartiles of length of stay were significantly and independently associated with PP and EPP. The risk of having at least one DDI decreased from 67.0% (95% confidence interval = 64.8-69.0) in 2009 to 59.3% (57.6-62.0) in 2015 (P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed number of drugs (odds ratio and 95% confidence interval = 3.68 [3.3-4.1], 9.39 [8.3-10.6], and 20.5 [17.3-28.4] for [5-9], [10-14], and 15+ drugs, respectively), gastrointestinal disease (3.13 [2.73-3.58]), and cancer (1.37 [1.18-1.58]) to be positively associated, and lung (0.82 [0.74-0.90]) and endocrinological (0.62 [0.52-0.74]) diseases to be negatively associated with risk of DDI.

CONCLUSIONS

The pattern of drug prescription has changed and most prescribed groups increased during the study period. Excessive polypharmacy is increasing among hospital patients. The decrease in the overall risk of DDI could be due to an improved management of multidrug therapy.

Development of a model of medication review for use in clinical practice: Bristol medication review model

BACKGROUND

Medication review is a core aspect of medicine optimisation, yet existing models of review vary substantially in structure and content and are not necessarily easy to implement in clinical practice. This study aimed to use evidence from the existing literature to identify key medication review components and use this to inform the design of an improved review model.

METHODS

A systematic review was conducted (PROSPERO: CRD42018109788) to identify randomised control trials of stand-alone medication review in adults (18+ years). The review updated that by Huiskes et al. (BMC Fam Pract. 18:5, 2017), using the same search strategy implemented in MEDLINE and Embase. Studies were assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. Key review components were identified, alongside relevant clinical and health service outcomes. A working group (patients, doctors and pharmacists) developed the model through an iterative consensus process (appraisal of documents plus group discussions), working from the systematic review findings, brief evidence summaries for core review components and examples of previous models, to agree on the main purpose of the review model, overarching model structure, review components and supporting material.

RESULTS

We identified 28 unique studies, with moderate bias overall. Consistent medication review components included reconciliation (26 studies), safety assessment (22), suboptimal treatment (19), patient knowledge/preferences (18), adherence (14), over-the-counter therapy (13) and drug monitoring (10). There was limited evidence from studies for improvement in key clinical outcomes. The review structure was underpinned by patient values and preferences, with parallel information gathering and evaluation stages, feeding into the final decision-making and implementation. Most key components identified in the literature were included. The final model was considered to benefit from a patient-centred, holistic approach, which captured both patient-orientated and medication-focused problems, and aligned with traditional consultation methods thus facilitating implementation in practice.

CONCLUSIONS

The Bristol Medication Review Model provides a framework for standardised delivery of structured reviews. The model has the potential for use by all healthcare professionals with relevant clinical experience and is designed to offer flexibility of implementation not limited to a particular healthcare setting.

'Just keep taking them, keep hoping they'll work': A qualitative study of adhering to medications for multimorbidity

OBJECTIVE

Compared to single diseases, health psychology reflects many areas of medical research by affording relatively less attention to the experiences of people self-managing multiple co-occurring conditions and, in particular, the experience of managing the associated complex medication regimens. This study aimed to explore the experience of self-managing multimorbidity among older adults, with a focus on medication adherence.

DESIGN

A qualitative approach was taken, using individual semi-structured interviews.

METHODS

Sixteen people with complex multimorbidity aged 65 years or older were recruited through general practice to take part in semi-structured interviews. Data were analysed following guidelines for reflexive thematic analysis.

RESULTS

Two themes were generated, with each theme comprising three subthemes. Theme one represents the amplified burden arising from multimorbidity that leads to unique challenges for self-management, such as integrating multiple medications into daily life, accumulating new symptoms and treatments, and managing evolving medication regimens. Theme two represents pathways towards relief that reduce this burden and promote medication adherence, such as prioritising certain conditions and treatments, resigning to the need for multiple medications, and identifying and utilising adherence supports.

CONCLUSIONS

We identified factors relevant to medication adherence for older adults with multimorbidity that go beyond single-disease influences and account for the amplified experience of chronic disease that multimorbidity can produce for some people. While evidence of single-disease influences remains fundamental to tailoring behavioural interventions to individuals, the impact of multimorbidity on medication adherence should be accounted for in research and practice.

Chronic Polypharmacy with Increasing Drug Burden Index Exacerbates Frailty and Impairs Physical Function, with Effects Attenuated by Deprescribing, in Aged Mice

Polypharmacy (use of ≥5 medications) and increasing Drug Burden Index (DBI) score (measure of person's total exposure to anticholinergic/sedative medications) are associated with impaired physical function in observational studies of older adults. Deprescribing, the supervised withdrawal of medications for which harms outweigh benefits for an individual, may be a useful intervention. Current knowledge is limited to clinical observational studies that are unable to determine causality. Here, we establish a preclinical model that investigates the effects of chronic polypharmacy, increasing DBI, and deprescribing on global health outcomes in aging. In a longitudinal study, middle-aged (12 months) male C57BL/6J (B6) mice were administered control feed or feed and/or water containing polypharmacy or monotherapy with different DBI scores. At 21 months, each treatment group was subdivided (stratified by frailty at 21 months) to either continue on treatment for life or to have treatment withdrawn (deprescribed). Frailty and physical function were evaluated at 12, 15, 18, and 24 months, and were analyzed using a mixed modeling approach. Polypharmacy with increasing DBI and monotherapy with citalopram caused mice to become frailer, less mobile, and impaired their strength and functional activities. Critically, deprescribing in old age reversed a number of these outcomes. This is the first preclinical study to demonstrate that chronic polypharmacy with increasing DBI augments frailty and impairs function in old age, and that drug withdrawal in old age reversed these outcomes. It was not the number of drugs (polypharmacy) but the type and dose of drugs (DBI) that caused adverse geriatric outcomes.

Prevalence and predictors of medication non-adherence among people living with multimorbidity: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

This systematic review aimed to describe medication non-adherence among people living with multimorbidity according to the current literature, and synthesise predictors of non-adherence in this population.

METHODS

A systematic review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses. PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL and PsycINFO were searched for relevant articles published in English language between January 2009 and April 2019. Quantitative studies reporting medication non-adherence and/or predictors of non-adherence among people with two or more chronic conditions were included in the review. A meta-analysis was conducted with a subgroup of studies that used an inclusive definition of multimorbidity to recruit participants, rather than seeking people with specific conditions. Remaining studies reporting prevalence and predictors of non-adherence were narratively synthesised.

RESULTS

The database search produced 10 998 records and a further 75 were identified through other sources. Following full-text screening, 178 studies were included in the review. The range of reported non-adherence differed by measurement method, at 76.5% for self-report, 69.4% for pharmacy data, and 44.1% for electronic monitoring. A meta-analysis was conducted with eight studies (n=8949) that used an inclusive definition of multimorbidity to recruit participants. The pooled prevalence of non-adherence was 42.6% (95% CI: 34.0 - 51.3%, k=8, I²=97%, p<0.01). The overall range of non-adherence was 7.0%-83.5%. Frequently reported correlates of non-adherence included previous non-adherence and treatment-related beliefs.

CONCLUSIONS

The review identified a heterogeneous literature in terms of conditions studied, and definitions and measures of non-adherence used. Results suggest that future attempts to improve adherence among people with multimorbidity should determine for which conditions individuals require most support. The variable levels of medication non-adherence highlight the need for more attention to be paid by healthcare providers to the impact of multimorbidity on chronic disease self-management.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42019133849.

Translation and adaptation of the STOPP-START screening tool to Portuguese for detecting inappropriate prescriptions in older people: a protocol

INTRODUCTION

Rational prescribing for older adults is a challenge because they usually exhibit multimorbidity and multimedication. One available and reliable tool to tackle this issue consists of the Screening Tool of Older People's Prescriptions (STOPP) and the Screening Tool to Alert to Right Treatment (START), which has been associated with improvements in clinical outcomes. Our goal here is to translate and validate the STOPP-START screening tool for use with Portuguese general practitioners/family physicians.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

The study will be conducted in four phases: phase I-translation of the STOPP-START screening tool to Portuguese; phase II-data collection of patient data; phase III-intrarater reliability and agreement study; and phase IV-inter-rater reliability and agreement study.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Central Health Region of Portugal (where the study will take place). Every participant will sign a written consent form. We intend to publish the full article in a related peer-reviewed journal, conference presentations, reports and in a PhD thesis.

Prevalence and predictors of potentially inappropriate prescribing in middle-aged adults: a repeated cross-sectional study

Background

Potentially inappropriate prescribing (PIP) is common in older adults and known to be associated with polypharmacy and multimorbidity. Less is known about the prevalence and causes of PIP in middle-aged adults.

Aim

To determine the prevalence and predictors of PIP in middle-aged adults.

Design and setting

A repeated cross-sectional study was conducted using primary care data in London.

Method

PIP was defined using the PRescribing Optimally in Middle-aged People’s Treatments (PROMPT) criteria. Prescribing and demographic data were extracted from Lambeth DataNet (LDN), a pseudonymised database of all patients registered at general practices in Lambeth, for those aged 45–64 years prescribed ≥1 medicines in each year from 2014–2019 (n = 46 633–52 582). Prevalence and trends over 6 years were investigated, including the association of PIP with polypharmacy, multimorbidity, deprivation, sex, and age.

Results

The prevalence of PIP decreased from 20% in 2014 to 18% in 2019. The most prevalent PROMPT criteria in 2019 were the use of ≥2 drugs from the same pharmacological class (7.6%), use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for >3 months (7.1%) and use of proton pump inhibitors above recommended maintenance dosages for >8 weeks (3.1%). Over the study period, the prevalence of multimorbidity increased (47–52%) and polypharmacy remained stable (27%). Polypharmacy, multimorbidity, deprivation, and age were independently associated with PIP. Sex was the only variable not associated with PIP.

Conclusion

Almost one-fifth of middle-aged adults prescribed medicines are exposed to PIP, as defined by the PROMPT criteria. This is likely to be linked with exposure to avoidable adverse drug events. The PROMPT criteria may provide a useful aid in interventions to optimise prescribing.

A whole of population retrospective observational study on the rates of polypharmacy in New Zealand 2014 to 2018 Polypharmacy in New Zealand: What is the current status?

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Polypharmacy (≥5 medicines) and hyperpolypharmacy (≥10 medicines) can significantly impact people's health. The literature surrounding polypharmacy focuses on the elderly, particularly rest home populations, with few studies looking into younger age bands. Moreover, there have been no recent studies looking into the rates of polypharmacy in New Zealand. This study aimed to determine whether polypharmacy rates have increased over time in the New Zealand population. Specifically investigating polypharmacy rates across age and ethnicity, and identifying which medicines are most commonly prescribed in people with polypharmacy.

METHODS

A nationwide retrospective observational study was carried out between 2014 and 2018 on 4 697 274 New Zealanders (96% of the population) by linking dispensing data from the Pharmaceutical Collection to patient enrolment data using a National Health Identifier (NHI) to identify the rate of long-term medicine prescribing in New Zealand.

RESULTS

Our study found the rate of polypharmacy to be 9.93% and hyperpolypharmacy to be 1.92% nationwide in 2018, a percentage increase of 4.1% and 7.11% from 2014, respectively. During the same period, we observed the greatest percentage increase (30.37%) in the rate of polypharmacy in the 20 to 29 age band while the rates decreased in older populations. Variation was also noted between ethnicities. Medicines contributing to polypharmacy differed by age group.

CONCLUSION

Current methods for minimizing polypharmacy and optimizing medicines use are narrowly focused on the elderly. Despite an increase in education and awareness raising campaigns, rates continue to rise in New Zealand's population.

The association of polypharmacy and high-risk drug classes with adverse health outcomes in the Scottish population with type 1 diabetes

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

The aim of this work was to map the number of prescribed drugs over age, sex and area-based socioeconomic deprivation, and to examine the association between the number of drugs and particular high-risk drug classes with adverse health outcomes among a national cohort of individuals with type 1 diabetes.

METHODS

Utilising linked healthcare records from the population-based diabetes register of Scotland, we identified 28,245 individuals with a diagnosis of type 1 diabetes on 1 January 2017. For this population, we obtained information on health status, predominantly reflecting diabetes-related complications, and information on the total number of drugs and particular high-risk drug classes prescribed. We then studied the association of these baseline-level features with hospital admissions for falls, diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), and hypoglycaemia or death within the subsequent year using multivariate Cox proportional hazards models.

RESULTS

Not considering insulin and treatment for hypoglycaemia, the mean number of prescribed drugs was 4.00 (SD 4.35). The proportion of individuals being prescribed five or more drugs at baseline consistently increased with age (proportion [95% CI]: 0-19 years 2.04% [1.60, 2.49]; 40-49 years 28.50% [27.08, 29.93]; 80+ years 76.04% [67.73, 84.84]). Controlling for age, sex, area-based socioeconomic deprivation and health status, each additional drug at baseline was associated with an increase in the hazard for hospitalisation for falls, hypoglycaemia and death but not for DKA admissions (HR [95% CI]: falls 1.03 [1.01, 1.06]; DKA 1.01 [1.00, 1.03]; hypoglycaemia 1.05 [1.02, 1.07]; death 1.04 [1.02, 1.06]). We found a number of drug classes to be associated with an increased hazard of one or more of these adverse health outcomes, including antithrombotic/anticoagulant agents, corticosteroids, opioids, antiepileptics, antipsychotics, hypnotics and sedatives, and antidepressants.

CONCLUSIONS

Polypharmacy is common among the Scottish population with type 1 diabetes and is strongly patterned by sociodemographic factors. The number of prescribed drugs and the prescription of particular high-risk drug classes are strong markers of an increased risk of adverse health outcomes, including acute complications of diabetes.

Prevalence and Age Structure of Polypharmacy in Poland: Results of the Analysis of the National Real-World Database of 38 Million Citizens

Introduction: Polypharmacy is a risk factor for adverse health outcomes, higher use of medical services and additional costs. The problem has gained attention as a consequence of aging and related multimorbidity. Therefore, there is an urgent need to adopt effective interventions aimed at reducing its burden. In order to achieve this, in-depth understanding of the prevalence of polypharmacy is required. Of particular interest is, however, assessing prevalence of polypharmacy in various age groups, to reach the right target for these interventions. So far, only limited data on polypharmacy among non-elderly individuals have been available.

Aim of study: To assess overall prevalence of polypharmacy in Poland as well as its distribution in various age groups using real-world data.

Methodology: A retrospective analysis of complete dispensation data of national payer organization for the years 2018–2019. The analyzed dataset included data on dispensation of reimbursed drugs, and exclusively for 2019, also non-reimbursed drugs. Polypharmacy was defined as dispensation of ≥5 prescription medications within six months.

Results: In the analyzed national cohort of 38 million Polish citizens, the prevalence of polypharmacy was found to be 11.7% in 2018 and 11.6% in 2019. With age, the prevalence of polypharmacy increased, reaching the value of 56.0% in those aged 80+ in 2018, and 55.0% in 2019. Altogether, among those aged 65+, the polypharmacy was present in 43.1% in 2018, and 42.1% in 2019. In the youngest group of citizens, i.e., among those aged below 20 years, polypharmacy was found in 0.9%, and 0.8% in 2018 and 2019, respectively. Prevalence of polypharmacy, calculated for 2019 according to dispensation of five or more reimbursed and non-reimbursed drugs for the whole Polish population, was 21.8% for January-June, and 22.4% for July-December 2019. Among those aged 65+, the relevant numbers were 62.3%, and 62.9%, respectively.

Conclusion: This study, being the first nationwide assessment of polypharmacy in Poland, confirmed its high prevalence. We found polypharmacy present in over one fifth of Polish society. Peaking in the elderly, polypharmacy occurred in each age group. These results lay the foundations for future interventions focused on reducing the scope of this problem in Poland.

Polypharmacy in older adults: a narrative review of definitions, epidemiology and consequences

BACKGROUND

The number of older adults has been constantly growing around the globe. Consequently, multimorbidity and related polypharmacy have become an increasing problem. In the absence of an accepted agreement on the definition of polypharmacy, data on its prevalence in various studies are not easily comparable. Besides, the evidence on the potential adverse clinical outcomes related to polypharmacy is limited though polypharmacy has been linked to numerous adverse clinical outcomes. This narrative review aims to find and summarize recent publications on definitions, epidemiology and clinical consequences of polypharmacy.

METHODS

The MEDLINE database was used to identify recent publications on the definition, prevalence and clinical consequences of polypharmacy using their respective common terms and their variations. Systematic reviews and original studies published between 2015 and 2020 were included.

RESULTS

One hundred and forty-three definitions of polypharmacy and associated terms were found. Most of them are numerical definitions. Its prevalence ranges from 4% among community-dwelling older people to over 96.5% in hospitalized patients. In addition, numerous adverse clinical outcomes were associated with polypharmacy.

CONCLUSION

The term polypharmacy is imprecise, and its definition is yet subject to an ongoing debate. The clinically oriented definitions of polypharmacy found in this review such as appropriate or necessary polypharmacy are more useful and relevant. Regardless of the definition, polypharmacy is highly prevalent in older adults, particularly in nursing home residents and hospitalized patients. Approaches to increase the appropriateness of polypharmacy can improve clinical outcomes in older adults.

Medication review and reconciliation in older adults

Older people are frequently exposed to polypharmacy, inappropriate prescribing, and adverse drug events. Two clinical processes can help geriatricians to optimize and increase the safety of drug prescriptions for older adults: medication reconciliation and medication review. Medication reconciliation provides the best possible medication history and identifies and resolves discrepancies in drug prescriptions. During the medication review, the best possible medication history is crosschecked against other data, including morbidities, patient's preferences, or geriatric syndromes, to produce a personalized medication strategy. Alignment of treatment recommendations with patient preferences and goals through shared decision-making is particularly important in medication review. Medication reconciliation and medication review have proven to be effective, but their broad implementation remains difficult. Indeed, these procedures are time-consuming and require specific skills, coordination between different healthcare professionals, organizations and dedicated means. The involvement of geriatricians therefore remains essential for the successful implementation of medication reconciliation and medication review in geriatric settings and among frail older people.

Outpatient prescribing trends, rational use of medicine and impact of prescription audit with feedback at a tertiary care centre in India

BACKGROUND

Rational use of medicines (RUM) is highly desired worldwide yet many shortcomings are found. This study aims to evaluate prescription pattern and RUM using World Health Organisation (WHO) prescribing indicators. The impact of audit and feedback has also been studied, along with comparison with published data.

METHODS

A cross-sectional observational study was conducted in the outpatient department setting of a tertiary care centre in central India. Data were collected from 2719 prescriptions across different departments from hospital pharmacies from 2016 to 2018 at different time periods. The data was analysed using WHO core prescribing indicators.

RESULTS

Average number of drugs per prescription was found to be 2.53 ± 1.23 (WHO optimal value ≤ 2). The mean values of prescribing indicators for antibiotics (19.82% vs. ≤ 30%) and injection prescribing (1.98% vs. ≤10%) were within optimal values. Generic prescribing (15.96% vs. 100%) and prescribing from National List of Essential Medicines (NLEM; 37.37% vs. 100%) were found to be significantly lesser. Annual audit and feedback showed improvement in generic prescribing and prescribing from NLEM, but the other trends continued to be similar.

CONCLUSION

While use of antibiotics and injections among outpatients was found to be rational, there is scope of improvement in most domains that can be addressed with appropriate interventions.