Health professionals perception and beliefs about drug- related problems on polymedicated older adults- a focus group study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Polymedicated older patients are at greater risk of suffering from adverse events. For this reason, the detection of both inappropriate polypharmacy and polypharmacy-associated Drug-Related Problems (DRPs) are essential to improve the health and wellbeing of older adults and to reduce healthcare costs. This work aims to explore health professionals' perceptions and opinions about polypharmacy and the handling of medicines by polymedicated older adults.

Methods

Thirteen focus groups with 94 health professionals (20 community pharmacists, 40 general practitioners and, 34 nurses) were conducted in primary healthcare centers of the center region of Portugal. Participants were asked to discuss their perceptions and beliefs concerning DRPs in polymedicated older adults.

SUBMITTER: Placido AI 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7792196 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature