Effectiveness of an Intervention of Pharmacotherapeutic Plans to Reduce Medication-related Problems in Geriatric Residences

Effectiveness of a Structured Pharmaceutical Review Intervention of Pharmacotherapeutic Plans to Reduce Medication-related Problems in Geriatric Residences: a Quasi-experimental Pragmatic Assay

Background: Patients living in Geriatric Residences (RG) have increased aging, comorbidity, spending on health resources and mortality. High drug use is associated with an increased risk of falls, disability, and death. It is estimated that 20-50% of inappropriate medications are consumed in the elderly.

Hypothesis: A pharmaceutical intervention based on a clinical review of the pharmacotherapeutic plan of patients in RG will be useful in optimizing the prescription in terms of safety, reducing by 10% or more the inappropriate prescriptions.

Objectives: Evaluate the effectiveness of a structured pharmaceutical intervention based on the clinical review of the pharmacotherapeutic plan to improve its adequacy.

Decrease inadequate prescriptions in patients admitted to RG by 10%

Methodology: Pre-post, quasi-experimental intervention study with control group with prospective follow-up of a cohort of patients in RG. The intervention consists of the clinical review of the pharmacotherapeutic plan carried out by the pharmacist and subsequently agreed in the Pharmacotherapeutic Advisory Committee.

Determinations: The study variables will be evaluated at baseline and 3 months post-intervention. The primary variable is number of inappropriate prescriptions.

Statistical analysis: Percentage change will be measured before and after the intervention. Descriptive statistics will be performed for quantitative variables such as qualitative and comparison of means and proportions.

Expected results: Achieve a 10% decrease in inappropriate prescriptions

Applicability and Relevance: This study will expand the collaboration between the Pharmacy and Primary Care physicians, promoting the continuum of care, strengthening the safety culture, and improving prescribing habits.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age 65 years or older
• Pharmacological treatment with at least one drug and for a period of more than three months

Exclusion Criteria:

• Individuals who at the time of the pharmaceutical review were in hospital
• Patients nearing the end of life
• Patients whose participation was considered by the doctor responsible to be potentially detrimental
• Patients not covered by the public healthcare or pharmacy system were excluded.