Discussion Polypharmacy NR 601

Discussion Polypharmacy NR 601

Discussion Polypharmacy NR 601

Question
NR601 Primary Care of the Maturing and Aged Family

Week 1 Discussion

DQ1 Polypharmacy

Purpose

The purpose of student discussions is to provide the opportunity for deeper understanding of polypharmacy

Activity Learning Outcomes

Through this discussion, the student will demonstrate the ability to:

Summarize the different polypharmacy definitions found within the literature. (WO1.5) (CO1)

Discuss polypharmacy risk factors (WO1.5) (CO1)

Explain thee actions steps for polypharmacy prevention (WO1.5) (CO1, 7)

Requirements:

Your initial discussion post should include the following:

Identify and discuss 2-3 definitions of polypharmacy (there are multiple definitions). Your textbook can count as 1 reference. You must also include an additional reference from an evidence-based practice journal article or national guideline.

Identify three risk factors that can lead to polypharmacy. Explain the rationale for why each listed item is a risk factor. Risk factors are different than adverse drug reactions. ADRs can be a result of polypharmacy, and is important, but ADRs are not a risk factor.

Explore three action steps that a provider can take to prevent polypharmacy.

Provide an example of how your clinical preceptors have addressed polypharmacy.

GET PAPER HELP. PLACE AN ORDER FOR A CUSTOM-WRITTEN, PLAGIARISM-FREE PAPER Discussion Polypharmacy NR 601

Polypharmacy, defined as regular use of at least five medications, is common in older adults and younger at-risk populations and increases the risk of adverse medical outcomes. There are several risk factors that can lead to polypharmacy. Patient-related factors include having multiple medical conditions managed by multiple subspecialist physicians, having chronic mental health conditions, and residing in a long-term care facility. Systems-level factors include poorly updated medical records, automated refill services, and prescribing to meet disease-specific quality metrics. Tools that help identify potentially inappropriate medication use include the Beers, STOPP (screening tool of older people’s prescriptions), and START (screening tool to alert to right treatment) criteria, and the Medication Appropriateness Index. No one tool or strategy has been shown to be superior in improving patient-related outcomes and decreasing polypharmacy risks. Monitoring patients’ active medication lists and deprescribing any unnecessary medications are recommended to reduce pill burden, the risks of adverse drug events, and financial hardship. Physicians should view deprescribing as a therapeutic intervention similar to initiating clinically appropriate therapy. When deprescribing, physicians should consider patient/caregiver perspectives on goals of therapy, including views on medications and chronic conditions and preferences and priorities regarding prescribing to slow disease progression, prevent health decline, and address symptoms. Point-of-care tools can aid physicians in deprescribing and help patients understand the need to decrease medication burden to reduce the risks of polypharmacy.