Pharmacist Intervention in Portuguese Older Adult Care

Abstract

Healthy ageing has become one of the most significant challenges in a society with an increasing life expectancy. Older adults have a greater prevalence of chronic disease, with the need for multiple medications to appropriately control these issues. In addition to their health concerns, ageing individuals are prone to loneliness, dependence, and economic issues, which may affect their quality of life. Governments and health professionals worldwide have developed various strategies to promote active and healthy ageing to improve the quality of life of older adults. Pharmacists are highly qualified health professionals, easily accessible to the population, thus playing a pivotal role in medication management. Their proximity to the patient puts them in a unique position to provide education and training to improve therapeutic adherence and identify medication-related problems. This paper aims to address the importance of Portuguese community pharmacists in the medication management of older adults, emphasising their intervention in health promotion, patient education, medication-related problems, deprescription, dose administration aids, and medication review and reconciliation. We also discuss home delivery services and medication management in long-term care facilities.

Potentially Inappropriate Medication: A Pilot Study in Institutionalized Older Adults

“…Promoting the appropriate use of medications trough multidisciplinary teams, reviewing pharmacotherapy, and tailoring medication to individual needs could help decrease mortality and the risks associated with polypharmacy [8,15]. In environments where elderly individuals receive care from specialized institutions or qualified health professionals, the risks of medication-related problems are notably decreased [16,17]. The elderly population is diverse, with varying medical conditions and degrees of physical, cognitive, and metabolic decline, making it challenging to identify and prevent adverse drug reactions [18].…”

Potentially Inappropriate Medication: A Pilot Study in Institutionalized Older Adults

“…Promoting the appropriate use of medications through multidisciplinary teams, reviewing pharmacotherapy, and tailoring medication to individual needs could help decrease mortality and the risks associated with polypharmacy [8,15]. In environments where elderly individuals receive care from specialized institutions or qualified health professionals, the risks of medication-related problems are notably decreased [16,17]. The elderly population is diverse, with varying medical conditions and degrees of physical, cognitive, and metabolic decline, making it challenging to identify and prevent adverse drug reactions [18].…”

“…The pharmacotherapeutic regime for the elderly is complex, influenced by multimorbidity and age-related factors that contribute to polymedication and associated medication problems [17]. In addition to the extensive medical care that is already necessary at this stage of life, pharmaceutical care and medication review can favor quality of life and patient safety [30].…”