Number Of Chronic Medications Research Articles

Comparison of ََQuality of Life and Treatment Satisfaction among Sample of Iraqi Patients Using Anticoagulant Therapy (Warfarin or Non-Vitamin K Antagonist Oral Anticoagulants)

Background: Oral anticoagulation medication, warfarin and non-vitamin k antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOAC) may require long term use which may affect patients’ satisfaction with their treatment and their quality of life (QOL). Objective: To compare the quality of life and treatment satisfaction among groups of patients using different anticoagulant therapies (warfarin and NOAC). Patients and methods: A cross-sectional study was performed at Ibn Al-Bitar Hospital for cardiac surgery in Baghdad in the period between December 2022 to May 2023. The study population included a convenient sample of patients receiving either warfarin or non-vitamin k antagonist oral anticoagulants treatment. The Arabic version of the short form 12 (SF-12) questionnaire and the Anti-Coagulant Treatment Satisfaction Scale (ACTS) questionnaire were used to assess the quality of life and satisfaction with treatment respectively. Results: The study included 181 patients in total. The mean physical and mental quality of life scores for study participants were 42.3±9.92 and 52.6±10.36 respectively. There was no significant difference in the QOL between patients taking warfarin and those on non-vitamin k antagonist oral anticoagulants treatment. The mean total satisfaction score was 65.4±6.73. Patients receiving non-vitamin k antagonist oral anticoagulants had significantly higher satisfaction compared to those receiving warfarin (P=0.000). The physical score correlated significantly with gender, educational level, employment status, number of chronic medications and number of chronic diseases. The total satisfaction score correlated significantly with gender, number of chronic medications, number of side effects and duration of anticoagulation. There was a significant correlation between the QOL and treatment satisfaction (P=0.000). Conclusion: Treatment with non-vitamin k antagonist oral anticoagulants showed comparable QOL and higher treatment satisfaction than that of warfarin. Better treatment satisfaction can improve patients’ QOL which may ultimately enhance their adherence to treatment.

Preparation and Characterization of Isradipine as Surfactant-Free Dry Emulsion

Background: Oral anticoagulation medication, warfarin, and non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOAC) may require long-term use which may affect patients’ satisfaction with their treatment and their quality of life (QOL). Objective: To compare the quality of life and treatment satisfaction among groups of patients using different anticoagulant therapies (warfarin and NOAC). Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed at Ibn Al-Bitar Hospital for cardiac surgery in Baghdad in the period from December 2022 to May 2023. The study population included a convenient sample of patients receiving either warfarin or non-vitamin k antagonist oral anticoagulants treatment. The Arabic version of the short form 12 (SF-12) questionnaire and the Anti-Coagulant Treatment Satisfaction Scale (ACTS) questionnaire were used to assess the quality of life and satisfaction with treatment respectively. Results: The study included 181 patients in total. The mean physical and mental quality of life scores for study participants were 42.3±9.92 and 52.6±10.36 respectively. There was no significant difference in the QOL between patients taking warfarin and those on non-vitamin k antagonist oral anticoagulant treatment. The mean total satisfaction score was 65.4±6.73. Patients receiving non-vitamin k antagonist oral anticoagulants had significantly higher satisfaction compared to those receiving warfarin. The physical score correlated significantly with gender, educational level, employment status, number of chronic medications, and number of chronic diseases. The total satisfaction score correlated significantly with gender, number of chronic medications, number of side effects, and duration of anticoagulation. There was a significant correlation between the QOL and treatment satisfaction. Conclusion: Treatment with non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants showed comparable QOL and higher treatment satisfaction than that of warfarin. Better treatment satisfaction can improve patients’ QOL which may ultimately enhance their adherence to treatment.

Health Literacy and Adherence to Therapy in Type 2 Diabetes: A Cross-Sectional Study in Portugal.

Therapy adherence is a key factor in the control of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Optimal self-care requires skills in health literacy (HL). This study aims to analyze the relationship between HL and adherence to therapy and to understand the possible influence of other sociodemographic and disease variables. A multicenter, cross-sectional study was conducted in Portuguese in 13 different primary health care units in both rural and urban environments. A sociodemographic questionnaire and two validated instruments, "Medical Term Recognition Test" and "Summary of Diabetes Self-Care Activities," were applied. The last value of hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and the number of chronic medications were collected from clinical records. Descriptive statistics and bivariate correlations were performed as well as multivariable linear regression to assess the association between HL and adherence to therapy. Participants (n = 354) were on average age 63.67 ± 10.39 years, 57.1% male and 42.9% female, 68.4% with inadequate HL and an average HbA1c of 7 ± 1.18%. Better HL was correlated with higher adherence to the total of self-care activities, nonpharmacological therapy, and foot care. In multivariable linear regression analyses, better HL (β = 0.176, p = .003), less than minimum wage (β = -0.197, p = .001) and insulin therapy (β = 0.272, p = .001) were independently associated with increased adherence to overall self-care activities. In a representative sample of people with T2DM in Portugal, HL was a key factor for greater adherence to demanding self-care activities. [HLRP: Health Literacy Research and Practice. 2024;8(4):e194-e203.].

Polypharmacy among patients with hypertension attending primary healthcare centres.

This was an observational, cross-sectional, descriptive study of hypertensive patients followed up at 10 PHC centres in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, from 1 July 2019 to 30 June 2022. Frequencies and percentages were used to present categorical data, and Pearson's χ 2 test was used to measure differences. A P value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. A total of 506 patients were included in this study. The mean age of the patients was 60 years, and more than half (69%) were females. Regarding antihypertensive medication use, 64% were on antihypertensive combination therapy, 76% on dual therapy, 21% on triple therapy, and 3% on quadruple therapy. Moreover, 21% of the hypertensive patients were exposed to polypharmacy. There was a significant relationship (P<0.001) between the overall number of chronic medications used per day and the duration of hypertension. More clinical research is needed to identify the impact of polypharmacy on the quality of healthcare in PHC centres in general and hypertensive patients specifically in different regions of Saudi Arabia.

Predictors and outcomes of delirium in the emergency department during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Milan

BackgroundRespiratory infections can be complicated by acute brain failure. We assessed delirium prevalence, predictors and outcomes in COVID-19 ED patients.MethodsThis was a retrospective observational study conducted at the San Raffaele...

1287. Understanding Factors Associated with Polypharmacy and Differential Medication Adherence in People with HIV

Abstract Background For people with HIV (PWH), number of chronic medications (meds) used to treat comorbidities may impact quality of life (QoL), illness perception, medication beliefs, and clinical outcomes. Factors associated with adherence to antiretrovirals (ARVs) may differ from adherence to other chronic meds. This study aims to assess these factors to promote better med management and adherence among PWH taking chronic meds and ARVs. Methods 174 participants (pts) were enrolled from an HIV program in a large health system. Inclusion criteria were age &amp;gt; 18 years, English speaking, prescribed ARVs, and having &amp;gt; 1 comorbidity requiring a chronic med (non-ARV). Measures included validated scales of QoL, illness perceptions, med beliefs, and adherence barriers (e.g., forgot, too many pills, avoiding side effects); and past 6-month emergency department (ED) use and hospitalization. Generalized linear models, ANOVA, and Wilcoxon sum rank tests assessed associations between number of chronic meds (&amp;lt; 4 vs &amp;gt; 5) and outcomes. Multivariable logistic regression models using backwards elimination were used to assess factors associated with adherence (overall, HIV-meds, non-HIV meds). Results Complete data from 160 pts were analyzed: 50% male; 84% US-born; 46% taking &amp;gt; 5 chronic meds. Pts taking &amp;gt; 5 meds were older, less likely to be employed, had significantly lower QoL (mean difference=5.23, 95%CI=0.19-10.27. p&amp;lt; .05), significantly higher med side effects (mean ranks=88.51 vs 73.77, p&amp;lt; .05), and 3-fold greater ED visits (mean estimate=2.99, 95%CI=1.52-5.89, p&amp;lt; .05). Regression models indicated that number of adherence barriers (but not other predictors) was consistently associated with lower adherence after controlling for demographics: (overall adherence: OR=0.85, 95%CI=0.79=0.91; HIV med adherence: OR=0.88, 95%CI=0.81-0.94; non-HIV med adherence: OR=0.86, 95%CI=0.80-0.92). Conclusion Adverse events (i.e., ED use, poor QoL, med side effects) are associated with number of chronic meds. Number of adherence barriers is associated with poor adherence across med type, highlighting the importance of interventions to address polypharmacy and the complexities of managing HIV and comorbidities. Assessment of barriers can contribute to the promotion of adherence for both HIV and non-HIV meds. Disclosures Amy Weinberg, DNP, MS, Gilead Sciences: Employee|Gilead Sciences: Stocks/Bonds.

The prevalence of chronic medication therapy problems and pharmacists’ interventions among hospitalized perioperative patients: a retrospective observational study

BackgroundInadequate preoperative management of chronic medications can place perioperative patients at risk and cause unnecessary delays in surgical procedures. This study aims to investigate the prevalence of chronic medication therapy problems (CMTPs) in hospitalized perioperative patients and assess the relevance of pharmacists’ interventions.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective study of pharmacist-led preoperative management of chronic medications in hospitalized adult patients from November 2018 to April 2019. The recorded drug-related problems (DRPs) were retrospectively reviewed and categorized according to the Pharmaceutical Care Network Europe classification V9.1 and were analyzed with a multinomial regression model to identify risk factors.ResultsA total of 254 DRPs were recorded, with an average of 0.52 DRPs per patient. Treatment safety (66.9%) was the most common DRP. The most frequent causes of perioperative DRPs and nonperioperative DRPs were drug selection (72.9%) and patient related (50.8%), respectively. Of the 292 documented interventions, 71.6% were fully accepted by the clinicians and patients. The majority (68.9%) of the recorded problems were completely resolved. The number of comorbidities (OR = 3.815) and the number of chronic medications taken (OR = 1.539) were risk factors for the occurrence of DRPs.ConclusionThe findings of this study suggest that pharmacist-led chronic medication therapy management in surgical wards may be an effective method to help reduce medication-related surgical risks and optimize the medication therapies used for the long-term treatment of chronic diseases.

Medications for Chronic Conditions and Mortality in Older Adults.

With the population aging, examining the relationship between polypharmacy and mortality based on population data sources is important for clinical management and policy direction. This study aimed to examine the association between the number of chronic medications and the risk of mortality in older adults. This population-based retrospective cohort study used data from the National Health Insurance Research Database in Taiwan for information regarding chronic medication use (over 4 years) in older adults aged 65 years and older. The association between medication use and mortality numbers was analyzed using Cox proportional hazards regression models adjusted for demographic variables and comorbidity. The number of medications was significantly associated with high mortality risk. Within polypharmacy, being 65-74 years old, male, living in northern Taiwan, having one type of comorbid disease, and receiving <84 days of refillable chronic prescription were associated with greater mortality risk. Subgroup analyses' results regarding comorbidity showed significant positive associations between the number of medications and mortality in most comorbid diseases except for mental disorders and diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue. General practitioners should know that chronic polypharmacy is associated with increased mortality risk. Recognizing the possible adverse effects of multiple medication use could help physicians optimize drug regimens in the future.

NUTRITIONAL ASSESSMENT ON ESRD PATIENTS USING SGA SCALE : A CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY

Back ground information: The aim of the study is to assess the nutritional status among ESRD patients on Haemodialysis by means of Subjective Global Assessment ( SGA) and also to know the impact of comorbid illnesses on nutritional status. Materials and methods: The study group included respondents suffering from ESRD who were patients of the Dialysis centre at Vedanta Hospitals in Guntur. The study was conducted in 50 Dialysis patients ( 36 men and 14 women).Those patients who met the study criteria were enrolled into the study. Relevant data such as demographics details, comorbid illnesses, past medical history, duration of dialysis, dialysis complications, were collected from patient proforma and a standardized SGA scale and other relevant biochemical parameters like Serum Albumin, and C reactive protein were used to evaluate the nutritional status of the patients. Statistical consideration:All the raw data was collected,entered in Excel sheet 2007 in windows 7 version. Statistical analysis methods like Pearson correlation coefficient test was used to compare variables and p value Results:The study shows that malnutition was significantly higher among those who had received HD for &gt;3 years(p=0.008). HD patients with increase in number of comorbidities and the number of chronic medications taken had a significantly higher level of SGA (p&lt;0.001).There is a moderate positive correlation between SGA score and CRP values(p&lt;0.0001 the result is significant at p&lt;0.05)A regression analysis is done for SGA and serum albumin findings showed that a negative correlation was there between SGA and serum albumin values (p value is 0.480905) the result is not significant at p&lt;0.05. Conclusion: In our study there is a positive correlation between SGA and CRP values and a negative correlation between SGA score and serum albumin values. No significant association was found between a patients BMI and their nutritional status and also observed that socioeconomical status had a impact on nutritional status.

Recommendations for outcome measurement for deprescribing intervention studies.

Interpreting results from deprescribing interventions to generate actionable evidence is challenging owing to inconsistent and heterogeneous outcome definitions between studies. We sought to characterize deprescribing intervention outcomes and recommend approaches to measure outcomes for future studies. A scoping literature review focused on deprescribing interventions for polypharmacy and informed a series of expert panel discussions and recommendations. Twelve experts in deprescribing research, policy, and clinical practice interventions participating in the Measures Workgroup of the US Deprescribing Research Network sought to characterize deprescribing outcomes and recommend approaches to measure outcomes for future studies. The scoping review identified 125 papers reflecting 107 deprescribing studies. Common outcomes included medication discontinuation, medication appropriateness, and a broad range of clinical outcomes potentially resulting from medication reduction. Panel recommendations included clearly defining clinically meaningful medication outcomes (e.g., number of chronic medications, dose reductions), ensuring adequate sample size and follow-up time to capture clinical outcomes resulting from medication discontinuation (e.g., quality of life [QOL]), and selecting appropriate and feasible data sources. A new conceptual model illustrates how downstream clinical outcomes (e.g., reduction in falls) should be interpreted in the context of initial changes in medication measures (e.g., reduction in mean total medications). Areas needing further development include implementation outcomes specific to deprescribing interventions and measures of adverse drug withdrawal events. Generating evidence to guide deprescribing is essential to address patient, caregiver, and clinician concerns about the benefits and harms of medication discontinuation. This article provides recommendations and an initial conceptual framework for selecting and applying appropriate intervention outcomes to support deprescribing research.

Determine the impact of a structured pharmacist-led medication review - a controlled intervention study to optimise medication safety for residents in long-term care facilities

BackgroundMedication reviews contribute to protecting long-term care (LTC) residents from drug related problems (DRPs). However, few controlled studies have examined the impact on patient-relevant outcomes so far.ObjectiveWe examined the impact of a one-time, pharmacist-led medication review on medication changes (primary endpoint) including discontinued medication, the number of chronic medications, hospital admissions, falls, and deaths (secondary endpoints).MethodsA prospective, controlled intervention study was performed in three LTC facilities. In the intervention group (IG), after performing a medication review, a pharmacist gave recommendations for resolving DRPs to physicians, nurses and community pharmacists. The control group (CG) received usual care without a medication review. (i) We assessed the number of medication changes and the secondary endpoints in both groups before (t0) and after (t1, t2) the intervention. (ii) Additionally, the medication review was evaluated in the IG with regard to identified DRPs, the healthcare professional’s feedback on the forwarded pharmacist recommendations and whether DRPs were finally resolved.Results107 (IG) and 104 (CG) residents were enrolled. (i) More medication changes were identified in the IG than in the CG at t1 (p = 0.001). However, no significant difference was identified at t2 (p = 0.680). Mainly, medication was discontinued in those medication changes. Chronic medications increased in the CG (p = 0.005) at t2 while hospital admissions, falls, and deaths showed no differences. (ii) Overall, 1252 DRPs (median: 10; minimum-maximum: 2–39) were identified. Recommendations for 82% of relevant DRPs were forwarded to healthcare professionals, of which 61% were accepted or clarified. 22% were not accepted, 12% required further review and 6% remained without feedback. 51% of forwarded DRPs were finally resolved.ConclusionsWe found more medication changes in the IG compared to controls. Mostly, medication was discontinued. This suggests that our intervention was successful in discontinuing unnecessary medication. Other clinical outcomes such as falls, hospitalisations, and deaths were not improved due to the one-time intervention. The medication review further identified a high prevalence of DRPs in the IG, half of which were finally resolved.Trial registrationGerman Clinical Trials Register, DRKS00026120 (www.drks.de, retrospectively registered 07/09/2021).

Results of Optimize: A Cluster Randomized Trial of Patient, Family, and Provider Education in Primary Care

Individuals with cognitive impairment frequently have multiple chronic conditions (MCC), increasing their risk for polypharmacy and associated adverse outcomes. Optimizing medications through deprescribing (reducing or stopping the use of inappropriate medications or medications unlikely to be beneficial) may improve outcomes for this population. Optimize was a pragmatic, 12-month cluster-randomized trial of deprescribing in primary care within a not-for-profit integrated delivery system. Participants were age 65+ with dementia or mild cognitive impairment (MCI), 2+ chronic conditions, and 5+ chronic medications. The intervention consisted of a deprescribing educational brochure for patients/caregivers, and Tip Sheets for primary care clinicians. Outcomes were the number of chronic medications and presence of potentially inappropriate medications (PIM). In total, 1,433 patients received, and 1,579 control clinic patients would have been eligible to receive, the intervention (N=3,012). After 6 months, mean estimates of chronic medications were 6.23 in the intervention group and 6.33 in the control group adjusting for baseline counts, age, and gender (p=0.13). Excluding those without complete 90 days follow-up increased the adjusted effect size to 0.14 (p=0.08). In sub-analyses of individuals with 7+ medications at baseline (N= 1,434), the adjusted effect size was 0.19 (p=0.07) at 6 months and 0.21 (p=0.045) when excluding those without complete 90 days’ follow-up. Change in proportions of PIM did not differ between intervention and control groups. An educational intervention for patients, caregivers and clinicians may prompt reductions in chronic medications. The relatively small effect size highlights the complexity of medication management for individuals with dementia or MCI and MCC.

Prescribing Errors With Direct Oral Anticoagulants and Their Impact on the Risk of Bleeding in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation.

Introduction:Anticoagulants are associated with significant harm when used in error, but there are limited data on potential harm of inappropriate treatment with direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs). We conducted a matched case-control study among atrial fibrillation (AF) patients admitting the hospital with a chronic treatment with DOACs, in order to assess factors associated with the risk of major bleeding.Methods:Patient data were documented using hospital’s computerized provider order entry system. Patients identified with major bleeding were defined as cases and were matched with controls based on the duration of treatment with DOACs and number of chronic medications. Appropriateness of prescribing was assessed based on the relevant clinical guidelines. Conditional logistic regression was used to evaluate the potential impact of safety-relevant prescribing errors with DOACs on major bleeding.Results:A total number of 509 eligible admissions were detected during the study period, including 64 cases of major bleeding and 445 controls. The prevalence of prescribing errors with DOACs was 33%. Most prevalent prescribing errors with DOACs were “drug dose too low” (16%) and “non-recommended combination of drugs” (11%). Safety-relevant prescribing errors with DOACs were associated with major bleeding [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 2.17, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.14-4.12].Conclusion:Prescribers should be aware of the potential negative impact of prescribing errors with DOACs and understand the importance of proper prescribing and regular follow-up.

Therapeutic optimization through goal-oriented prescription in nursing homes

Background People living in nursing homes are highly vulnerable and frail. Polypharmacy and inappropriate prescription (IP) are also common problems. Objectives The objectives of the study are (i) to study the baseline situation and calculate the frailty index (FI) of the residents, (ii) to assess the results of routine clinical practice to do a pharmacotherapy review (patient-centred prescription (PCP) model) (Molist Brunet et al., Eur Geriatr Med. 2015;6:565–9) and (iii) to study the relationship between IP and frailty, functional dependence, advanced dementia and end-of-life situation. Setting Two nursing homes in the same geographical area in Catalonia (Spain). Method This was a prospective, descriptive and observational study of elderly nursing home residents. Each patient’s treatment was analysed by applying the PCP model, which centres therapeutic decisions on the patient’s global assessment and individual therapeutic goal. Main outcome measure Prevalence of polypharmacy and IP. Results 103 patients were included. They were characterized by high multimorbidity and frailty. Up to 59.2% were totally dependent. At least one IP was identified in 92.2% of residents. Prior to the pharmacological review, the mean number of chronic medications prescribed per resident was 6.63 (SD 2.93) and after this review it was 4.97 (SD 2.88). Polypharmacy decreased from 72.55% to 52.94% and excessive polypharmacy fell from 18.62% to 5.88%.The highest prevalence of IP was detected in people with a higher FI, in those identified as end-of-life, and also in more highly dependent residents (p < 0.05). Conclusions People who live in nursing homes have an advanced frailty. Establishing individualized therapeutic objectives with the application of the PCP model enabled to detect 92.2% of IP. People who are frailer, are functionally more dependent and those who are end-of-life are prescribed with inappropriate medication more frequently.

Associations of Renin-Angiotensin System Antagonist Medication Adherence and Economic Outcomes Among Commercially Insured US Adults: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

BackgroundMedication non‐adherence can result in considerable morbidity, mortality, and costs. The Pharmacy Quality Alliance hypertension medication adherence measure is used by US healthcare payers and providers to assess renin‐angiotensin system antagonist medication adherence. However, associations between renin‐angiotensin system antagonist adherence as calculated in quality measures, and healthcare service use and expenditure in commercial populations over a 1‐year timeframe has not been assessed.Methods and ResultsThis retrospective cohort study used eligible commercially insured individuals from the Truven Health MarketScan Commercial Claims and Encounters Research Databases (2009–2015). Generalized linear models with log link and gamma distribution (expenditure) or negative binomial distribution (usage) assessed relationships between hypertension adherence (≥80% proportion of days covered) and healthcare use and expenditures (in 2015 US dollars) while adjusting for covariates (age, sex, geographic region; health plan; Deyo‐Charlson Comorbidity Index, number of chronic medications, and treatment naivety). Beta coefficients were used to compute cost ratios and rate ratios. A total of 4 842 058 subjects were eligible; of those, 3 310 360 (68%) were adherent (adherent mean age 53.3±8.0 years, 55.9% men; non‐adherent mean age 50.3±9.1 years, 53.1% men). Adherence was associated with fewer inpatient (rate ratios, 0.612; 95% CI, 0.607–0.617) and outpatient visits (rate ratios, 0.995; 95% CI, 0.994–0.997); and lower total costs (cost ratios, 0.876; 95% CI, 0.874–0.878) compared with non‐adherence. Adherence was associated with lower average per member per month total costs ($97.98) compared with non‐adherence.ConclusionsAdherence to renin‐angiotensin system antagonists was associated with fewer outpatient and inpatient visits, and lower total costs compared with non‐adherence in a 1‐year time frame.

Medication burden in epilepsy: Exploring the impact of non-epilepsy concomitant drugs load

PurposeTo determine the burden of non-epilepsy drugs on people with epilepsy, using administrative health care data. MethodsThe Achmea Health Insurance Database (AHID) contains health claims data from 25 % of the Dutch population. From the AHID, we selected all policyholders with coverage for at least one full calendar year between 2006−2009. We included adults with diagnostic codes for epilepsy and randomly selected two frequency-matched controls per case. We labeled drugs dispensed at least twice per calendar year as chronic and excluded antiseizure medications. We estimated and compared the prevalence of chronic medication use, number of chronic medications used, number of prescriptions dispensed, Rx Risk comorbidity index, and drug burden index (DBI) between people with epilepsy and controls. ResultsNon-epilepsy chronic medication use was more frequent in people with epilepsy than controls (67 % versus 59 %, p < 0.001). People with epilepsy had an increased DBI (average 0.19 versus 0.10, p < 0.001), used more chronic medications (median 2 versus 1, p < 0.001) and had more prescriptions dispensed (median 7 versus 3, p < 0.001). The DBI and number of unique chronic medications were higher among older (>60 years) than younger (<60 years) subjects in cases and controls. Non-epilepsy chronic medication use was more prevalent in people with epilepsy across all therapeutic drug classes and most comorbidities measured using the Rx Risk score. ConclusionChronic non-epilepsy medication use is more prevalent among people with epilepsy. The medication burden is higher among elderly with epilepsy and could partially explain the lower quality of life of people with epilepsy with comorbidities.

Studying the impact of a medication use evaluation by the community pharmacist (Simenon): Drug-related problems and associated variables.

A medication use review (MUR) aims to optimize medication use, patient knowledge and can improve health outcomes. This pharmaceutical care service is not yet available in Belgium. To describe drug-related problems (DRPs) detected during a MUR, subsequent interventions proposed by pharmacists and evolution of DRPs until follow-up and to identify patient-related variables associated with the number of reported DRPs. Belgian community pharmacists provided a MUR to older polymedicated ambulatory patients and registered DRPs, interventions and resolution at follow-up using the PharmDISC classification. The relationship between 14 patient-related variables and the number of reported DRPs was investigated with univariate analysis. A prediction model was developed with significant variables using negative binomial regression analysis. Across 56 pharmacies, 453 patients received a MUR and 1196 DRPs were registered (median 3DRPs/patient, range 0-10). Only for 11.7% of patients no problems were identified. The top-3 causes were interaction (15.2%), inappropriate timing or frequency (13.5%) and adverse effect (11.9%). The top-3 recommended interventions by pharmacists were transmission of information (25.1%), in-depth patient counselling (15.0%) and therapy stop (8.2%). After six weeks, 42.6% of DRPs were resolved; data was missing for 33.3%. A higher number of chronic drugs, female gender and living alone were associated with more DRPs. The prediction model found that per additional chronic drug, the number of problems increases by 4.3% (95% CI: 2.0-6.6%). Male gender decreases DRPs by 22.1% (95% CI: 10.4-32.0%). Living alone provided no additional predictive value in the prediction model. Confounding process- and pharmacist-related variables also influenced the number of reported DRPs. A MUR appears an effective strategy to detect and resolve DRPs. The number of chronic medications and female gender predict a higher number of DRPs. These findings are a starting point for evidence-based eligibility criteria for a MUR service in Belgium.

EVALUATION OF QUALITY OF LIFE IN HEMODIALYSIS PATIENTS AND MEASUREMENT OF CLINICAL OUTCOMES

End stage renal disease is the final stage of chronic kidney disease in which the kidneys longer function well enough to meet needs of life. The treatments for ESRD are dialysis or kidney transplant. Hemodialysis (HD) is the most common type of dialysis which can cause significant impairment in health related quality of life (HRQOL) and outcomes. The aim of the present study was to learn about the quality of life in patients receiving dialysis treatment and to evaluate the influence of various factors associated with poor HRQOL. In addition, this study compares SF-36 scores of various domains between survival and deceased patients. The study was a prospective observational, analytical study, conducted for 7 months in IPD/OPD of Dialysis Department at Sagar Hospitals, Bengaluru. The validated and authorized health related quality of life questionnaire (RAND SF-36) consists of 36 questions measuring physical and mental health status was used. Statistical significance of differences in physical component summary and mental component summary was calculated by using Kruskal-Wallis test and the Mann-Whitney U test. A total of 126 patients meeting the study criteria participated and completed the study. Overall, 85(67%) were male and the mean ± standard deviation age was 58.10± 11.38 years. Both PCS and MCS scores have significant negative association with age, total number of chronic medications and the total number of chronic co-morbid diseases. Among eight scales of SF-36, Bodily Pain (BP), Physical Function (PF), Role limitation due to Physical health (RP) and Vitality scores were significantly higher in surviving patients when compared to that of deceased patients respectively. Our study showed that important variables like PF, BP, RP and VT scores can be taken into consideration when dealing with hemodialysis patients. Healthcare providers should be aware of poor physical health as well as mental health among female gender, elderly patients, unemployed patients, patients with no formal education, multiple co-morbid diseases, and multiple chronic medications to improve their quality of life.

Quality of life in Palestinian patients with end-stage renal disease receiving treatment by haemodialysis: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundHaemodialysis is a life-saving but burdensome therapy for patients with end-stage renal disease, which can substantially impair health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and outcomes. The aim of this study was to determine the patterns of HRQOL and to identify the risk factors for reduced HRQOL in Palestinian patients receiving treatment by haemodialysis. MethodsThis cross-sectional study was done between June 15, 2014, and Jan 15, 2015, using the EuroQOL-5 Dimensions instrument (EQ-5D-5L) for the assessment of HRQOL. We approached patients with end-stage renal disease undergoing haemodialysis at inpatient hospitals from ten different settings at a national level. The study protocol was approved by the Ethics Committee of An-Najah National University. Informed verbal consent was obtained from each participant before the start of the interview. Multiple linear regression was used to estimate which variables were significantly associated with reduced HRQOL. Findings267 (96%) of 277 eligible patients consented to participate. 139 (52%) participants were men, and the mean age was 53·3 years (SD 16·2). 177 (66%) patients had been treated by haemodialysis for less than 4 years. The reported HRQOL, as measured by mean EQ-5D-5L index value, was 0·37 (SD 0·44). We found a moderate positive correlation between the EuroQol-visual analogue scales and the EQ-5D-5L index value (r=0·44; p<0·0001). The results of a multiple linear regression showed a significant association between HRQOL and age (p=0·0011), female sex (p=0·0167), education level (p=0·0057), number of chronic medications (p=0·0493), and number of comorbid diseases (p=0·0001). InterpretationOur results provide insight into a number of associations between patient variables such as demographics, clinical factors, and their HRQOL. These findings should help raise health-care providers' awareness and improve the quality of life for patients receiving treatment by haemodialysis, especially those who have no formal education, are elderly, are female, are from refugee camps, or have multiple comorbid diseases or chronic medications. FundingNone.

High-risk prescribing in an Irish primary care population: trends and variation.

The aims of the present study were to examine the prevalence of high-risk prescribing (HRP) in community-dwelling adults in Ireland from 2011-2015 using consensus-validated indicators, factors associated with HRP, and the variation in HRP between general practitioners (GPs) and in the dispensing of high-risk prescriptions between pharmacies. A repeated cross-sectional national pharmacy claims database study was conducted. Prescribing indicators were based on those developed in formal consensus studies and applicable to pharmacy claims data. Multilevel logistic regression was used to examine factors associated with HRP and dispensing. There were significant reductions in the rates of most indicators over time (P < 0.001). A total of 66 022 of 300 906 patients at risk in 2011 [21.9%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 21.8, 22.1%], and 42 109 of 278 469 in 2015 (15.1%, 95% CI 15.0, 15.3%), received ≥1 high-risk prescription (P < 0.001). In 2015, indicators with the highest rates of HRP were prescription of a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) without gastroprotection in those ≥75years (37.2% of those on NSAIDs), coprescription of warfarin and an antiplatelet agent or high-risk antibiotic (19.5% and 16.2% of those on warfarin, respectively) and prescription of digoxin ≥250 μg day-1 in those ≥65years (14.0% of those on digoxin). Any HRP increased significantly with age and number of chronic medications (P < 0.001). a) After controlling for patient variables, the variation in the rate of HRP between GPs was significant (P < 0.05); and b) after controlling for patient variables and the prescribing GP, the variation in the rate of dispensing of high-risk prescriptions between pharmacies was significant (P < 0.05). HRP in Ireland has declined over time, although some indicators persist. The variation between GPs and pharmacies suggests the potential for improvement in safe medicines use in community care, particularly in vulnerable older populations.