Results of chart reviews conducted to evaluate primary care patients seen by second and third year family medicine residents for potential adverse polypharmacy

Pharmacy Practice

  • Linda F. Chang1Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Illinois College of Medicine at Rockford, Rockford, Illinois, USA.
  • May N. Lutfiyya1Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Illinois College of Medicine at Rockford, Rockford, Illinois, USA.
  • Isaac Cha1Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Illinois College of Medicine at Rockford, Rockford, Illinois, USA.
  • Ehab El-Khabiry1Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Illinois College of Medicine at Rockford, Rockford, Illinois, USA.

Volume 5 Issue 2 Pages 85-88

Abstract

Objective: To determine the prescribing patterns of family medicine residents for patients aged more than 60 years with 2 or more chronic diseases and seen at least twice in a 12 month timeframe. Methods: This is a descriptive analysis which was based on chart reviews. The setting was the University of Illinois-Rockford Family Practice Residency. Patients aged 60 years with 2 or more chronic diseases who were seen at least twice by second and third year residents. Results: Findings from this chart review include: 28.8% of the prescribed medications were not effective for the documented condition, 26.3% of the prescribed doses were incorrect, and 44.5% of the drugs prescribed were not the least expensive alternative. Discussion: This preliminary study suggests a need for a focused intervention with family medicine residents regarding inappropriate polypharmacy issues with older patients.

Keywords

  • Polypharmacy
  • Aged
  • Drug Utilization Review
  • United States
Pharmacy Practice

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