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Learning Objective 1: explain the importance of targeting 'living polypharmacy' where it occurs in the life of the elder in the community.
Learning Objective 2: describe current prescribing patterns and the need to collaborate with the individual receiveing the medication.
Purposes: to describe the meaning of living polypharmacy in the life-world of the community dwelling elders (65>) from the perspective
of those experiencing the phenomenon, to expand the body of knowledge of polycymakers and healthcare professionals regarding the
dilemma of polypharmacy, and more specifically to address Healthy People's 2010 initative to improve quality of life for seniors.
Background: thirteen percent of the population is 65 years and older and consume 33% of all prescriptions. Polypharmacy in the elderly
community culminates in falls confusion, and even death. Between 1998-2006, the US Food and Drug Administration reported increases of
34.966 to 89,842 serious adverse events and 5,519 to 15,107 fatal events. Polypharmacy problems cost 200,00 lives and $200 Billion a year.
Method: After IRB approval for this Husserlian phenomenological descriptive study, twenty participants were interviewed three times. The
verbatim transcripts were interpreted for analysis to explore the main question, 'what is it like for you to take multiple medication daily,' and
three supporting questions. Demographic data and medication history were dipicted on a table. Trustworthiness was established and included
final validation of the structure of living polypharmacy by all participants.
Results: Twelve theme clusters emerged and were integrated into three overarching topical areas relevant and essential to an expanded perspective
of 'living polypharmacy' which promotes safe practice; caring, collaborating and co-creating, and communicating. Implications for the thematic results
include increased understanding of the phenomenon of living polypharmacy and a model for practitioners that enhances consumer driven evidence based care.
Applicability: Development of an educational consumer focused life-world driven medication mangement model (MMM). The model addresses current outcomes
related to medication usage with an impact on healthy people's 2010 initative to improve quality of life.
See more of: World Academy of Nursing Science: Oral Paper & Posters