Polypharmacy is defined as being on 5 or more medicines, and is a major concern for providers as the use of multiple medicines is common in the older population with multimorbidity, and as one or more medicines may be used to treat each condition. Please I need at least 350 words APA 6th edition style 2-3 Reference no more than 5 years old ( 2015-2020) NO PLAGIARISM PLEASE
Polypharmacy, which is the concurrent use of five or more medications, is a prevalent issue in healthcare, particularly among older individuals with multiple chronic conditions, also known as multimorbidity (American Geriatrics Society, 2019). As individuals age, the likelihood of developing multiple chronic conditions increases, necessitating the use of multiple medications to manage these conditions effectively (Sirois et al., 2018). However, the use of multiple medications in this population can lead to significant challenges and concerns for healthcare providers.
While the use of multiple medications can potentially improve health outcomes, it also increases the risk of adverse drug events, drug-drug interactions, and medication-related problems (Johansson et al., 2020). Adverse drug events, such as adverse drug reactions or medication errors, are particularly common in older adults due to age-related physiological changes, such as reduced renal function and altered drug metabolism (Mayo-Smith, 2018). Moreover, drug-drug interactions can occur when two or more medications interact with each other, leading to either increased or decreased therapeutic effects or increased toxicity (Riechelmann et al., 2017). These interactions can be difficult to predict and manage, especially when dealing with complex medication regimens.
Medication-related problems, such as medication non-adherence, inappropriate prescribing, undertreatment, or overtreatment, are additional concerns associated with polypharmacy (Johansson et al., 2020). Polypharmacy increases the complexity of medication regimens, making it more challenging for individuals to adhere to their prescribed treatments. Non-adherence can undermine the effectiveness of therapies, leading to suboptimal health outcomes and increased healthcare costs (Sabate, 2003). Furthermore, inappropriate prescribing, including the use of unnecessary or potentially harmful medications, can occur when multiple healthcare providers are involved in the care of a patient without effective coordination (Prados-Torres et al., 2019). Removing unnecessary medications and ensuring appropriate prescribing can be complex given the multiple conditions being treated and the potential interaction between medications.
The high prevalence of polypharmacy among older adults with multimorbidity necessitates the development of strategies to optimize medication use and minimize associated risks. One approach to addressing polypharmacy involves medication review and reconciliation. Medication reviews involve a comprehensive assessment of an individual’s medications to identify potential issues such as duplication, drug-drug interactions, and inappropriate prescribing (Hill-Taylor et al., 2017). By conducting regular medication reviews, healthcare providers can ensure that the medications being prescribed are necessary, effective, and safe.
Another strategy to address polypharmacy is deprescribing, which involves the intentional reduction or discontinuation of medications that are no longer needed, provide minimal benefit, or may be causing harm (Scott et al., 2015). Deprescribing is particularly important in the context of polypharmacy, as older adults may be taking medications that are not aligned with their goals of care or may no longer be necessary. Deprescribing should be undertaken through shared decision-making between the prescriber, patient, and other healthcare professionals involved in their care (Reeve et al., 2017). This process allows for careful consideration of the risks and benefits of each medication, ensuring that the medications being used are consistent with the patient’s overall health goals and preferences.
In conclusion, polypharmacy among older adults with multimorbidity is a prominent challenge for healthcare providers. The use of multiple medications in this population can increase the risk of adverse drug events, drug-drug interactions, and medication-related problems, leading to suboptimal health outcomes. Strategies such as medication review and reconciliation and deprescribing can help optimize medication use and minimize the risks associated with polypharmacy. By implementing these strategies, healthcare providers can ensure that medications for older adults with multimorbidity are safe, effective, and aligned with their individual health goals.