Pharmacoepidemiology of medications omitted in New Zealand Residential Aged Care Homes.

Abstract

To investigate the dispensing, administration and omission of medications in residential aged care (RAC) homes in New Zealand (NZ). Secondary data from a medication management database were analysed, to identify the most frequently omitted regular medications and commonly reported reasons for omissions in a sample of 11015 residents across 374 RAC homes. Overall, 3.59 medication doses were omitted per 100 (±7.4) prescribed doses per resident (SD 7.43). Common regular medications omitted ranged from analgesics to psychotropic medications. Recording of justifications for medication omissions was inconsistent-only 48% of omissions had a recorded reason. A wide range of medications are regularly prescribed and administered to RAC home residents in NZ. Omitted doses are frequently recorded without a justification. Inconsistent recording of omissions can increase potential for error, particularly in relation to psychotropic medications. More consistent recording may help staff to maintain a high standard of quality care.