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BMC Primary Care Jun 2024The management of inappropriate medication use in older patients suffering from multimorbidity and polymedication is a major healthcare challenge. In a primary care...
Management of potentially inappropriate medication use among older adult's patients in primary care settings: description of an interventional prospective non-randomized study.
BACKGROUND
The management of inappropriate medication use in older patients suffering from multimorbidity and polymedication is a major healthcare challenge. In a primary care setting, a medication review is an effective tool through which a pharmacist can collaborate with a practitioner to detect inappropriate drug use.
AIM
This project described the implementation of a systematic process for the management of potentially inappropriate medication use among Lebanese older adults. Its aim was to involve pharmacists in geriatric care and to suggest treatment optimization through the analysis of prescriptions using explicit and implicit criteria.
METHOD
This study evaluated the medications of patients over 65 years taking a minimum of five chronic medications a day in different regions of Lebanon. Descriptive statistics for all the included variables using mean and standard deviation (Mean (SD)) for continuous variables and frequency and percentage (n, (%)) for multinomial variables were then performed.
RESULTS
A total of 850 patients (50.7% women, 28.6% frail, 75.7 (8.01) mean age (SD)) were included in this study. The mean number of drugs per prescription was 7.10 (2.45). Roughly 88% of patients (n = 748) had at least one potentially inappropriate drug prescription: 66.4% and 64.4% of the patients had at least 1 drug with an unfavorable benefit-to-risk ratio according to Beers and EU(7)-PIM respectively. Nearly 50.4% of patients took at least one medication with no indication. The pharmacists recommended discontinuing medication for 76.5% of the cases of drug related problems. 26.6% of the overall proposed interventions were implemented.
DISCUSSION
The rate of potentially inappropriate drug prescribing (PIDP) (88%) was higher than the rates previously reported in Europe, US, and Canada. It was also higher than studies conducted in Lebanon where it varied from 22.4 to 80% depending on the explicit criteria used, the settings, and the medical conditions of the patients. We used both implicit and explicit criteria with five different lists to improve the detection of all types of inappropriate medication use since Lebanon obtains drugs from many different sources. Another potential source for variation is the lack of a standardized process for the assessment of outpatient medication use in the elderly.
CONCLUSION
The prevalence PIDP detected in the sample was higher than the percentages reported in previous literature. Systematic review of prescriptions has the capacity to identify and resolve pharmaceutical care issues thus improving geriatric care.
Topics: Humans; Aged; Female; Primary Health Care; Male; Lebanon; Prospective Studies; Inappropriate Prescribing; Aged, 80 and over; Potentially Inappropriate Medication List; Polypharmacy; Pharmacists
PubMed: 38872125
DOI: 10.1186/s12875-024-02334-3 -
American Journal of Health-system... Jun 2024Parenteral nutrition (PN) is an established therapy when oral/enteral feeding is not sufficient or is contraindicated, but nevertheless PN remains a complex, high-alert... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
Parenteral nutrition (PN) is an established therapy when oral/enteral feeding is not sufficient or is contraindicated, but nevertheless PN remains a complex, high-alert medication that is susceptible to errors that may affect patient safety. Over time, considerable progress has been made to make PN practices safer. The purpose of this article is to address ongoing challenges to improve the PN use process from prescription to administration and monitoring, and to outline practical aspects fostering the safety, quality, and cost-effectiveness of PN, as discussed at the International Safety and Quality of PN Summit.
SUMMARY
Opportunities to improve the PN use process in clinical practice include the promotion of inter-disciplinary communication, vigilant surveillance for complications, staff education to increase competency, and more consistent use of advanced technologies that allow automated safety checks throughout the PN process. Topics covered include considerations on PN formulations, including the value of intravenous lipid emulsions (ILEs), trends in compounding PN, the current and future role of market-authorized multi-chamber PN bags containing all 3 macronutrients (amino acids, glucose/dextrose, and ILE) in the United States and in Europe, and strategies to cope with the increasing global problem of PN product shortages.
CONCLUSION
This review outlines potential strategies to use in clinical practice to overcome ongoing challenges throughout the PN use process, and ultimately promote PN patient safety.
Topics: Humans; Parenteral Nutrition; Patient Safety; Fat Emulsions, Intravenous; United States; Internationality; Europe
PubMed: 38869257
DOI: 10.1093/ajhp/zxae079 -
Revue Medicale de Liege Jun 2024Adverse events related to drug therapy are a major cause of iatrogenicity. They are responsible of increased morbidity, leading to hospitalization, sometimes in... (Review)
Review
Adverse events related to drug therapy are a major cause of iatrogenicity. They are responsible of increased morbidity, leading to hospitalization, sometimes in emergency, and mortality, not only in ambulatory care but also during hospitalization itself. Causes are multiple : among them, confusion leading to an erroneous drug administration, mistakes regarding dosage, risks associated to self-medication, drug-drug interactions or even food-drug interactions. Elderly population is exposed to an increased incidence of drug iatrogenicity because older patients cumulate numerous risk factors, especially polypharmacy and cognitive disorders. Prevention of drug iatrogenicity is a key objective from a public health point of view. Preventive measures should target the prescriber (physician), the dispenser (pharmacist), the user (patient) and the supplier (pharmaceutical industry).
Topics: Humans; Iatrogenic Disease; Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions; Medication Errors; Drug Interactions; Risk Factors
PubMed: 38869139
DOI: No ID Found -
The Journal of Pediatric Pharmacology... Jun 2024Smart pump interoperability is a newer technology integrating intravenous medication -infusion instructions from the electronic medical record into a smart pump. This...
OBJECTIVES
Smart pump interoperability is a newer technology integrating intravenous medication -infusion instructions from the electronic medical record into a smart pump. This technology has demonstrated significantly decreased medication errors in the adult population; however, this has not been reported in pediatrics. The purpose of this study was to compare the frequency and severity of infusion related errors before and after the implementation of smart pump interoperability at a pediatric institution.
METHODS
This was a retrospective study conducted at multiple institutions within the same health care system to assess the effect of smart pump interoperability on infusion errors. Data were retrospectively analyzed for a 6-month period prior to (January-June 2020) and after (January-June 2022) smart pump interoperability implementation. All who received medications via a smart pump were included in the analysis. Infusions were excluded if administered via a patient-controlled analgesia pump, epidural pump, or intravenously pushed without using a smart pump.
RESULTS
A total of 143,997 versus 165,343 infusions were administered in the before versus after interoperability group. There were significant decreases in mild, moderate, and severe harm averted events once interoperability was implemented (p < 0.001). Errors caught before administration decreased after interoperability implementation from 197 events to 20 events because of fewer overall errors (p < 0.001). The number of guardrail alert overrides was significantly reduced, from 23,751 to 5885 (p < 0.001), as was the number of high-risk overrides, from 5851 to 207 (p < 0.001).
CONCLUSION
Implementing smart pump interoperability significantly reduced the frequency and severity of infusion errors and high-risk overrides at a pediatric institution.
PubMed: 38863851
DOI: 10.5863/1551-6776-29.3.323 -
BMC Primary Care Jun 2024Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPI) are frequently prescribed. Long-term use is associated with side-effects and patients often lack a valid indication. Inappropriate PPI...
BACKGROUND
Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPI) are frequently prescribed. Long-term use is associated with side-effects and patients often lack a valid indication. Inappropriate PPI prescribing thus needs to be addressed. This review aims to scope 1) what determinants are studied as reasons for PPI prescribing, 2) what strategies are used for changing PPI (de)prescribing, and 3) whether important determinants are addressed in these interventions.
METHODS
We searched eight databases for papers on determinants of physician PPI prescribing. Studies were included if they were conducted in a Western country and focused on oral PPIs for an adult population. By following the Behaviour Change Wheel, we extracted information regarding PPI prescribing behavior, behavioral determinants and intervention strategies.
FINDINGS
We included 74 papers. Most focused on the determinants knowledge and beliefs about consequences. The latter was consistently related to PPI prescribing. Results for knowledge were mixed. Most interventions used education or enablement (e.g., algorithms, quality check improvements, involvement of pharmacists) as strategies. Enablement consistently improved PPI prescribing, while results for education were mixed.
INTERPRETATION
There is an overemphasis on reflective processes in studies on PPI prescribing. Future research should comprehensively identify behavioral determinants, focusing on reflective and impulsive processes, such that interventions can address the most important determinants.
Topics: Proton Pump Inhibitors; Humans; Practice Patterns, Physicians'; Inappropriate Prescribing; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Drug Prescriptions
PubMed: 38862886
DOI: 10.1186/s12875-024-02459-5 -
Journal of Educational Evaluation For... 2024This study aimed to identify the relationships between medication errors and the factors affecting nurses' knowledge and behavior in Japan using Bayesian network...
Events related to medication errors and related factors involving nurses' behavior to reduce medication errors in Japan: a Bayesian network modeling-based factor analysis and scenario analysis.
PURPOSE
This study aimed to identify the relationships between medication errors and the factors affecting nurses' knowledge and behavior in Japan using Bayesian network modeling. It also aimed to identify important factors through scenario analysis with consideration of nursing students' and nurses' education regarding patient safety and medications.
METHODS
We used mixed methods. First, error events related to medications and related factors were qualitatively extracted from 119 actual incident reports in 2022 from the database of the Japan Council for Quality Health Care. These events and factors were then quantitatively evaluated in a flow model using Bayesian network, and a scenario analysis was conducted to estimate the posterior probabilities of events when the prior probabilities of some factors were 0%.
RESULTS
There were 10 types of events related to medication errors. A five-layer flow model was created using Bayesian network analysis. The scenario analysis revealed that "failure to confirm the 5 rights," "unfamiliarity with operations of medications," "insufficient knowledge of medications," and "assumptions and forgetfulness" were factors that were significantly associated with the occurrence of medical errors.
CONCLUSION
s: This study provided an estimate of the effects of mitigating nurses' behavioral factors that trigger medication errors. The flow model itself can also be used as an educational tool to reflect on behavior when incidents occur. It is expected that patient safety education will be recognized as a major element of nursing education worldwide and that an integrated curriculum will be developed.
Topics: Humans; Medication Errors; Bayes Theorem; Japan; Patient Safety; Students, Nursing; Factor Analysis, Statistical; Nurses; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Clinical Competence; Female; Male; Adult
PubMed: 38858820
DOI: 10.3352/jeehp.2024.21.12 -
BMC Palliative Care Jun 2024Patient safety is crucial for quality of care. Preventable adverse events (AEs) occur in 1 of 20 patients in the hospital, but it is unknown whether this is different...
Adverse events at the end of life of hospital patients with or without a condition relevant for palliative care: a nationwide retrospective record review study in the Netherlands.
BACKGROUND
Patient safety is crucial for quality of care. Preventable adverse events (AEs) occur in 1 of 20 patients in the hospital, but it is unknown whether this is different for patients with a condition relevant for palliative care. The majority of the limited available research on this topic is only focused on patients already receiving palliative care, and do not make comparisons with other patients at the end-of-life. We identified and compared the prevalence, preventability, nature and causes of AEs in patients with and without a condition relevant for palliative care.
METHODS
A nationwide retrospective record review study was performed in 20 Dutch hospitals. A total of 2,998 records of patients who died in hospital in 2019 was included. Records were reviewed for AEs. We identified two subgroups: patients with (n = 2,370) or without (n = 248) a condition relevant for palliative care through the selection method of Etkind (2017). Descriptive analyses were performed to calculate prevalence, nature, causes and prevention strategies. T-tests were performed to calculate differences between subgroups.
RESULTS
We found no significant differences between subgroups regarding AE prevalence, this was 15.3% in patients with a condition relevant for palliative care, versus 12.0% in patients without a condition relevant for palliative care (p = 0.148). Potentially preventable AE prevalence was 4.3% versus 4.4% (p = 0.975). Potentially preventable death prevalence in both groups was 3.2% (p = 0.938). There were differences in the nature of AEs: in patients with a condition relevant for palliative care this was mostly related to medication (33.1%), and in patients without a condition relevant for palliative care to surgery (50.8%). In both subgroups in the majority of AEs a patient related cause was identified. For the potentially preventable AEs in both subgroups the two most important prevention strategies as suggested by the medical reviewers were reflection and evaluation and quality assurance.
DISCUSSION
Patient safety risks appeared to be equally prevalent in both subgroups. The nature of AEs does differ between subgroups: medication- versus surgery-related, indicating that tailored safety measures are needed. Recommendations for practice are to focus on reflecting on AEs, complemented with case evaluations.
Topics: Humans; Netherlands; Retrospective Studies; Palliative Care; Male; Female; Aged; Middle Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Terminal Care; Adult; Medical Errors; Patient Safety
PubMed: 38858703
DOI: 10.1186/s12904-024-01461-z -
Journal of Multidisciplinary Healthcare 2024This study aimed to evaluate racial disparities in medication use and associated factors among pregnant women receiving prenatal care at Brazilian Unified Health System...
PURPOSE
This study aimed to evaluate racial disparities in medication use and associated factors among pregnant women receiving prenatal care at Brazilian Unified Health System primary care health units in the northeast region.
PATIENTS AND METHODS
A total of 1058 pregnant women in the NISAMI Cohort were interviewed between June 2012 and February 2014. Medicines used during pregnancy were classified according to the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) classification system and ANVISA pregnancy risk categories. Prevalence ratios (crude and adjusted) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using Poisson regression with robust error variance. All analyses were stratified by race (Asian, black, brown/mixed, Brazilian indigenous, and white).
RESULTS
Approximately 84% of the pregnant women used at least one medication, with a lower proportion among white women. The most reported medications were antianemic preparations (71.08%; 95% CI 68.27-73.72%), analgesics (21.74%; 95% CI 19.36-24.32%), and drugs for functional gastrointestinal disorders (18.81%; 95% CI 16.57-21.28%). Approximately 29% of women took potentially risky medications during pregnancy, with a higher prevalence among Asian and white women. Factors associated with medication use during pregnancy include a greater number of prenatal consultations, higher education levels, health problems, and smoking. In addition, maternal age above 25 years, smoking status, and two or more previous pregnancies were associated with potentially risky medication use during pregnancy.
CONCLUSION
A high prevalence of medication use during pregnancy was found; however, this prevalence was lower among white women. Nonetheless, black and brown women used antianemic preparations less frequently. This finding suggests that race is a factor of inequity in prenatal care, demanding public policies to mitigate it.
PubMed: 38855020
DOI: 10.2147/JMDH.S455378 -
Nurse Education in Practice Jun 2024To examine final-year undergraduate nursing students' characteristics and their perceived preparedness for medication administration across three universities during...
AIM
To examine final-year undergraduate nursing students' characteristics and their perceived preparedness for medication administration across three universities during COVID-19.
BACKGROUND
Medication administration is a complex process and medication errors can cause harm to the patient. Nurses are at the frontline of medication administration; therefore, nursing students must be well-prepared to administer medicines safely before graduation. Little is known about final-year undergraduate nursing students' perceived medication administration preparedness during COVID-19.
DESIGN
A multi-site study using a cross-sectional survey of student demographics, the 'Preparedness for Medication Administration' (Revised) tool and an open-ended question.
METHODS
The questionnaire was distributed to nursing students in their final semester of the program in 2022 across two universities in Australia and one in New Zealand. Completed surveys n=214. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the demographic data. Differences in demographic data and preparedness scores between the three universities were analysed using ranked means, correlation coefficient, Chi-Square, Mann- Whitney U and Kruskal- Wallace H. Directed content analysis was used to analyse the data from the open-ended question.
RESULTS
Overall, students reported high preparedness scores for medication. International students reported significantly higher preparedness scores (Md =119, n=29) compared with domestic students (Md=112.00, n=164), U=1759.50, z=-2.231, p=02, r=.16. Mean ranked scores for each item were above average across the three universities. The impact of COVID-19 on curriculum and students' opportunity to practice may be one explanation for the difference in preparedness scores between universities. International participants reported significantly higher scores on the Preparedness for Medication Administration (Revised) tool than domestic participants. Older students were more confident in applying principles of pharmacology to practice. Students' comments generated three major categories and five subcategories indicating preparedness gaps.
CONCLUSION
This study provides insights into students' medication management preparedness during restrictions and before transitioning to the role of Registered Nurse. It highlights the need to provide integrated and comprehensive medication education and assessments throughout the curriculum and the need for additional support for newly graduated nurses in medication management due to the restrictions.
PubMed: 38852272
DOI: 10.1016/j.nepr.2024.104011 -
Age and Ageing Jun 2024Problematic polypharmacy is the prescribing of five or more medications potentially inappropriately. Unintentional prescribing cascades represent an under-researched...
INTRODUCTION
Problematic polypharmacy is the prescribing of five or more medications potentially inappropriately. Unintentional prescribing cascades represent an under-researched aspect of problematic polypharmacy and occur when an adverse drug reaction (ADR) is misinterpreted as a new symptom resulting in the initiation of a new medication. The aim of this study was to elicit key stakeholders' perceptions of and attitudes towards problematic polypharmacy, with a focus on prescribing cascades.
METHODS
qualitative one-to-one semi-structured interviews were conducted with predefined key stakeholder groups. Inductive thematic analysis was employed.
RESULTS
Thirty-one stakeholders were interviewed: six patients, two carers, seven general practitioners, eight pharmacists, four hospital doctors, two professional organisation representatives and two policymakers. Three main themes were identified: (i) ADRs and prescribing cascades-a necessary evil. Healthcare professionals (HCPs) expressed concern that experiencing an ADR would negatively impact patients' confidence in their doctor. However, patients viewed ADRs pragmatically as an unpredictable risk. (ii) Balancing the risk/benefit tipping point. The complexity of prescribing decisions in the context of polypharmacy made balancing this tipping point challenging. Consequently, HCPs avoided medication changes. (iii) The minefield of medication reconciliation. Stakeholders, including patients and carers, viewed medication reconciliation as a perilous activity due to systemic communication deficits.
CONCLUSION
Stakeholders believed that at a certain depth of polypharmacy, the risk that a new symptom is being caused by an existing medication becomes incalculable. Therefore, in the absence of harm, medication changes were avoided. However, medication reconciliation post hospital discharge compelled prescribing decisions and was seen as a high-risk activity by stakeholders.
Topics: Humans; Polypharmacy; Qualitative Research; Male; Attitude of Health Personnel; Female; Aged; Inappropriate Prescribing; Middle Aged; Stakeholder Participation; Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions; Practice Patterns, Physicians'; Interviews as Topic; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Medication Reconciliation; Aged, 80 and over; Caregivers; Risk Assessment; Perception; Pharmacists
PubMed: 38851215
DOI: 10.1093/ageing/afae116