The prevalence of polypharmacy has double within the past years and one of the major factors linked with this issue is aging complicated by co-morbid health problems. Polypharmacy is common problem most often seen among the older adults who take multiple medications, both prescriptions and over the counter medications. Polypharmacy increases the chances of drug-drug interaction, adverse reactions and other health problems. As nurses, we can use every opportunity we have to help identify patients who are at risk for polypharmacy, and we can play essential role in helping our patients, especially the elderly patients, to manage their medications and prevent polypharmacy. As nurses, we can achieve this by creating awareness about polypharmacy and educating our patients whenever and wherever possible.
Purpose:
to examine polypharmacy, its prevalence, risk factors, the impact it has on the lives of affected individuals and what we must do as nurses to help prevent, save and improve the lives.
Methods:
A literature search was conducted using the following electronic database EBSCO, CINAHL, through Walden University library. The search aimed to identify all previous articles that discussed polypharmacy and its prevalence, risk factors, the impact it has on the lives of affected individuals. Original and per-reviewed articles were considered for this review.There was no limitation; however, the research was limited to only article that was written in English with title containing polypharmacy.
Results:
In reviewing a series of articles, the authors tried to explain polypharmacy, its prevalence, risk factors, the impact it has on the lives of affected individuals and what we must do as nurses to help prevent, save and improve the lives.
Conclusion:
As the concern for polypharmacy continues to raise due the aging population with more comorbid health problems, nurses can play an important role in helping older patients manage their medications and prevent polypharmacy. As nurses, we can utilize any opportunity we have to identify patients at risk for polypharmacy and to educate the patient and families about risk reduction. The major keys to reducing polypharmacy is through creation of awareness about polypharmacy and educating our patients, and their caregivers and following the stipulated guidelines in the aforementioned keys to reducing polypharmacy.