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Characterising problematic polypharmacy in older community dwelling people attending general practice
Welcome
This 5-year Health Research Board (HRB) funded grant has examined contributors to and consequences of problematic polypharmacy in older adults attending general practice, with a particular focus on prescribing cascades.
Who are we?
We are a cross disciplinary group of researchers, patients, clinicians, professional organisations, healthcare policy makers with an interest in optimising medication safety. Prof Emma Wallace is currently Principal Investigator of this project on a HRB Emerging Clinician Scientist Award.
Our Partners
Why is this research important?
- There is an increasing number of people living with multiple long term health conditions. As a result, there is a need for multiple medications (polypharmacy) as part of treatment.
- While the purpose of these medications is to improve symptoms and the underlying condition, sometimes these medications can have side-effects that can lead to medication-related harm.
- Balancing risks and benefits is a complex task for prescribers, especially in older adults on multiple medications with multiple health conditions. It can sometimes be difficult for doctors to recognise medication side-effects as these symptoms can often overlap with symptoms of other illnesses.
- However, if a medication side-effect is not recognised, then this can lead to a patient being prescribed another medication for the symptom (a prescribing cascade).
- It is therefore very important for patients and their doctors to understand, discuss and weigh up the benefits and risks of each medication.
Problematic Polypharmacy
Problematic Polypharmacy: when someone is taking 5+ medications and one or more of these may be considered potentially inappropriate prescribing (when a medication prescribed is not clinically indicated or when it may cause more harm than benefit)
Adverse Drug Reaction: unintended reaction/side-effect to a medicine at the dose it is usually prescribed
Prescribing Cascade: when a new medication is prescribed to treat/prevent an adverse drug reaction caused by another medication
Unintentional Prescribing Cascade: when an adverse drug reaction is misinterpreted as a new problem, which results in prescribing a new (second) medication
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News/Events Spotlight
Another award for Dr Ann Sinéad Doherty
Congratulations to Prof Emma Wallace and Dr Ann Sinéad Doherty on winning the ICGP Research award
Blog published in British Geriatrics Society journal
