polypharm

Question 1

what is polypharmacy

Answer 1

relates to the overutilization or inappropriate use of multiple medications

Question 2

risk factors for polypharmacy

Answer 2

Women >> men
Institutionalized >> independent living 
Co-morbidities >> healthier elderly
>65 y
Un-Insured
Cognitive impairment associated with aging

Question 3

What are some contributing factors for polypharmacy

Answer 3

Lack of medication reconciliation (Med Rec) after hospital discharge
Lack of continuity of care
Multiple PCPs
Multiple doctors and pharmacies
Quick med changes— “start low, go slow, but go!”

Question 4

What are 3 complications of polypharmacy

Answer 4

Functional ability (as measured by IADLs)
Financial, communication, food shopping and cooking, transportation, laundry, medications, house keeping

Nutritional status (nutritional assessments)
Wt loss, eating difficulties, mobility, acute illness, stress
Weight loss is a marker for institutionalization and cognitive impairment

Cognition (MMSE)
Temporal orientation, calculation, recall, registration, spatial-visual

Question 5

What is a Medication Regimen Review (MRR)?

Answer 5

Evaluation of medication regimen
Promoting positive outcomes
Minimizing adverse events