By the Numbers:
Polypharmacy and Senior Living Medication Management Risks
Safe, accurate medication management is a cornerstone of providing high-quality care in senior living communities. However, the rate of polypharmacy among residents increases the risk of errors and medication mismanagement.
What is Polypharmacy and How Does It Impact Senior Living?
Polypharmacy =
Regular use of 5+ prescription medications
Assisted Living Residents
experience polypharmacy[1]
For adults 65 or older:
-
89%Report taking at least 1 prescription medication
-
54%Report taking 4 or more prescription medications[2]
-
7xMore likely to experience a medication error than their younger counterparts[3]
Polypharmacy and Medication Management Risks
Tracking multiple medications between various care providers can be difficult due to healthcare fragmentation. As a result, drug-drug interactions (DDI) are a risk.
A DDI is when the effect of one medication is changed by the presence of another medication when taken simultaneously or successively[4].
Risks of DDI:
Altered medication effectiveness
Compromised safety
Risk of hospitalization
When it comes to polypharmacy and DDI, one study found that:
A Solution to Increase Visibility and Minimize Medication Management Risks
Implementing an electronic medication management solution helps senior living communities and their pharmacy partners to:
Standardize and simplify medication management workflow
Provide safer care
for residents
Reduce errors and
adverse drug events
Want to know more?
Explore the benefits of electronic medication management and how adopting a technology solution can reduce risks and improve outcomes in senior living.
