Effectiveness of medication reviews in identifying and reducing medication-related problems among people with intellectual disabilities: A systematic review.

Abstract

BackgroundPolypharmacy is common in people with intellectual disabilities. Using multiple medication may lead to unintended medication‐related problems (MRPs). Medication review may serve as a tool to reduce MRPs. This systematic review assessed the scientific evidence for the effectiveness of medication reviews in identifying and reducing MRPs in people with intellectual disabilities.MethodLiterature databases were searched up to August 2017. Studies were selected that included the effect of medication reviews on identifying and/or reducing MRPs in people with intellectual disabilities with no restriction of type of medication, age and level of intellectual disabilities.ResultsThe eight studies that fulfilled the inclusion criteria report that systematic medication reviews appear to assist in the identification and reduction of MRPs.ConclusionThere is a lack of studies about the effect of medication reviews on identification and reduction of MRPs, especially health outcomes for people with intellectual disabilities. Further studies with long‐term follow‐up are needed.