Changes in prescribed medicines in older patients with multimorbidity and polypharmacy in general practice.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Treatment complexity rises in line with the number of drugs, single doses, and administration methods, thereby threatening patient adherence. Patients with multimorbidity often need flexible, individualised treatment regimens, but alterations during the course of treatment may further increase complexity. The objective of our study was to explore medication changes in older patients with multimorbidity and polypharmacy in general practice.

Methods

We retrospectively analysed data from the cluster-randomised PRIMUM trial (PRIoritisation of MUltimedication in Multimorbidity) conducted in 72 general practices. We developed an algorithm for active pharmaceutical ingredients (API), strength, dosage, and administration method to assess changes in physician-reported medi

SUBMITTER: von Buedingen F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6064613 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature