Polymedication in elderly patients: the rule or the exception?

Abstract:

Polymedication, especially in elderly patients, represents a significant challenge for family physicians. According to literature, a high proportion of elderly patients permanently take four to five medications. Aim: The aim of our study was to determine the level of polymedication in patients aged 65 years and older in family practice. Material and methods: We performed a medical audit and collected data by a random review of medical records. The review included 234 medical records of every other patient aged 65 and older. The data on age, gender, the number of chronic diagnoses and number of prescribed permanent medications were collected for each patient. Results: The total number of prescribed permanent medications in the observed sample was 689 (2.94 per patient). The highest number of prescribed medications was recorded in patients aged over 85 (3.14 per patient), followed by patients aged 76–85 (3.2 per patient). The lowest number of medications was prescribed to patients aged between 65 and 75 (2.6 per patient). Low level of polymedication was found in 32%, moderate in 26% and high level of polymedication was found in 12% of the patients. Conclusions: In comparison with results of other similar studies, a higher level of polymedication was found. Several measures for quality improvement could be suggested including learning from the experience by analysing physician’s prescribing habits, patient education and patient participation in decision-making on medications use, and closer collaboration with consulting clinicians. 

Key words:
aged; family practice; medication therapy management