Quality Improvement Project to Reduce Drug-Related Problems (DRPs) and Potentially Inappropriate Medications (PIMs) in Geriatrics Cardiac Clinic in Saudi Arabia

Authors

  • Sanaa S. Mekdad King Fahad Medical City
  • Alaa A. Alsayed King Fahad Medical City

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5770/cgj.22.338

Keywords:

cardiac, drug-related problems, geriatrics, potentially inappropriate medication

Abstract

Background

Elderly people have a high risk of potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) and drug-related problems (DRPs) due to polypharmacy, physical and mental limitations, pharma-cokinetic, and pharmacodynamics changes.

Purpose
To determine the role of geriatric pharmacists in reducing drug- related problems and potentially inappropriate medication.

Methods

The observational study was conducted from October 2014 to October 2017 to show the prevalence of DRPs, and PIMs. A total of 375 geriatric cardiology patients (aged ≥ 65) were recruited from Geriatrics Cardiac Clinic in Saudi Arabia. AGS Beers Criteria 2012 and STOPP/START Criteria were used to view the impact of services directed by clinical pharmacists in decreasing DRPs and PIMs including medication review, intervention, and education to junior physicians during multi-disciplinary rounds (MDRs) and by sending e-mail alerts.

Results

DRPs were found in 29.6% of patients and PIMs were found in 19% of patients. After medication review, 25% required interventions and the majority (89%) of interventions were accepted by the managing team. DRPs were found in 14.9% of patients and PIMs were found in 9.6% of the patients. DRPs and PIMs were reduced almost by 50% by reviewing the files and educating the involved physicians.

Conclusion

This prospective study confirms a high prevalence of DRPs and PIMs in Saudi elderly cardiac patients.

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Published

2019-06-04

How to Cite

1.
Mekdad SS, Alsayed AA. Quality Improvement Project to Reduce Drug-Related Problems (DRPs) and Potentially Inappropriate Medications (PIMs) in Geriatrics Cardiac Clinic in Saudi Arabia. Can Geriatr J [Internet]. 2019 Jun. 4 [cited 2024 Nov. 23];22(2). Available from: https://cgjonline.ca/index.php/cgj/article/view/338

Issue

Section

Original Research