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. using at least 2 evidenced-based, peer-reviewed references no older than 5 years.3 referent. 300 words
Polypharmacy, defined as the use of five or more medications concurrently, is a prevalent issue among the older population who experience multiple chronic conditions. This phenomenon has raised concerns among healthcare providers due to the potential negative implications on patient outcomes and quality of life. The management of multiple medications can be complex and may lead to drug-related problems such as adverse drug reactions, drug interactions, medication nonadherence, and increased healthcare costs (Farrell & Sattari, 2017).
The increase in polypharmacy is primarily attributed to the rising prevalence of multimorbidity, which refers to the coexistence of two or more chronic conditions within an individual. As individuals age, they are more likely to develop multiple comorbidities, requiring the simultaneous use of multiple medications for each condition (Barry, Gallagher, & Ryan, 2007). Additionally, advancements in medical science and an expanding range of drug therapies have contributed to the growing number of available medications, further exacerbating the issue of polypharmacy.
The impact of polypharmacy on patient outcomes is complex and multifaceted. Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) are one of the most critical consequences of polypharmacy and are a major cause of morbidity and mortality among older adults. ADRs are more likely to occur when multiple medications are taken simultaneously, as the risk of drug interactions increases with the number of medications (Onder et al., 2012). Studies have shown that the risk of hospitalization due to ADRs significantly rises with each additional medication a person takes (Leendertse et al., 2008). This emphasizes the importance of identifying and minimizing polypharmacy to reduce the risk of ADRs and subsequent hospitalization.
Another consequence of polypharmacy is medication nonadherence, which refers to a patient’s failure to take medications as prescribed. Managing multiple medications can be burdensome for patients, leading to confusion and forgetfulness. Furthermore, the complexity of medication regimens increases with the number of medications prescribed, making it more challenging for patients to adhere to their treatment plans (Hanlon et al., 2011). Nonadherence can have detrimental effects on treatment outcomes and disease management, leading to increased healthcare utilization and poor overall health outcomes.
In addition to that, polypharmacy poses a financial burden on individuals and healthcare systems. The cost of multiple medications can quickly accumulate, especially for those without insurance or with high copayments. Moreover, the expenses associated with treating drug-related problems, such as hospitalizations resulting from adverse drug reactions, further contribute to the economic burden of polypharmacy (Hovstadius et al., 2010). These financial implications highlight the need to assess the appropriateness and necessity of each medication in a patient’s treatment plan.
To address the challenges posed by polypharmacy, healthcare providers should adopt strategies aimed at optimizing medication regimens. One approach involves deprescribing, which refers to the systematic process of discontinuing or reducing unnecessary medications. Deprescribing can be achieved through a comprehensive medication review, involving an assessment of the patient’s medical conditions, medication profile, and goals of care (Reeve et al., 2013). The use of medication review tools, such as the Screening Tool of Older Peoples’ Prescriptions (STOPP) and the Beers criteria, can help identify potentially inappropriate medications and guide deprescribing decisions (O’Mahony et al., 2015).
Furthermore, healthcare providers can play a crucial role in promoting medication adherence among patients. By simplifying medication regimens, providing clear instructions, and engaging in patient education, providers can enhance patients’ understanding of their treatments and increase their likelihood of adherence (Lau et al., 2006). Moreover, the use of technology, such as medication reminder apps and pill organizers, can assist patients in managing their medications and improve medication adherence (Farrell & Sattari, 2017).
In conclusion, polypharmacy is a concerning issue among the older population with multimorbidity. The concurrent use of multiple medications can lead to adverse drug reactions, medication nonadherence, and increased healthcare costs. Healthcare providers should adopt strategies such as deprescribing and medication adherence promotion to optimize medication regimens and minimize the negative consequences of polypharmacy. By doing so, providers can improve patient outcomes and enhance the quality of care for this vulnerable population.