Nr601 Week 1: Discussion Board – Polypharmacy
Nr601 Week 1: Discussion Board Purpose
The purpose of student discussions is to provide the opportunity for deeper understanding of polypharmacy
Activity Learning Outcomes
Through this discussion, the student will demonstrate the ability to:
- Summarize the different polypharmacy definitions found within the literature. (WO1.5) (CO1)
- Discuss polypharmacy risk factors (WO1.5) (CO1)
- Explain thee actions steps for polypharmacy prevention (WO1.5) (CO1, 7)
Requirements:
Your initial discussion post should include the following:
- Identify and discuss 2-3 definitions of polypharmacy (there are multiple definitions). Your textbook can count as 1 reference. You must also include an additional reference from an evidence-based practice journal article or national guideline.
- Identify three risk factors that can lead to polypharmacy. Explain the rationale for why each listed item is a risk factor. Risk factors are different than adverse drug reactions.ADRs can be a result of polypharmacy, and is important, but ADRs are not a risk factor.
- Explore three action steps that a provider can take to prevent polypharmacy.
- Provide an example of how your clinical preceptors have addressed polypharmacy.
Nr601 Week 1: Discussion Board Answer
Polypharmacy in Literature: A Comprehensive Exploration
The prevailing literature intricately delves into the multifaceted concept of polypharmacy, portraying it as a dynamic term capturing the intricacies of inappropriate drug administration. Morin, Johnell, Laroche, Fastbom, and Wastesson (2018) define polypharmacy as the excessive prescription of medications, particularly prevalent among the elderly grappling with chronic ailments.
Another facet of polypharmacy emerges when prescriptions surpass clinically justifiable limits (Johansson et al., 2016), rendering it inappropriate and unjust without a substantive rationale. Dang, Nguyen, and Ho (2019) further characterize polypharmacy as the simultaneous use of similar drugs to address identical health conditions.Nr601 Week 1: Discussion Board
Polypharmacy extends beyond the sheer number of medications; it intertwines with the utilization of multiple pharmacies. A singular pharmacy or pharmacist, by virtue of observing an unusual array of medications, may proactively engage with the patient or their physician. However, several risk factors amplify the prevalence of polypharmacy, with frailty, diminished mental and physical health, weakness, obesity, and multimorbidity emerging as pivotal contributors (Morin et al., 2018).
Intriguingly, the literature highlights diabetes as a significant risk factor for polypharmacy, unraveling the complex interplay between chronic conditions and medication load (Morin et al., 2018). This underscores the imperative for a nuanced understanding of polypharmacy, transcending its numerical aspect to address the intricate web of patient health, medication appropriateness, and associated risks.Nr601 Week 1: Discussion Board
References: Morin, L., Johnell, K., Laroche, M. L., Fastbom, J., & Wastesson, J. W. (2018). The epidemiology of polypharmacy in older adults: register-based prospective cohort study. Clinical Epidemiology, 10, 289–298.
Johansson, T., Abuzahra, M. E., Keller, S., Mann, E., Faller, B., Sommerauer, C., … & Onder, G. (2016). Impact of strategies to reduce polypharmacy on clinically relevant endpoints: a systematic review and meta-analysis. British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, 82(2), 532–548.
Dang, H. T., Nguyen, T. N., & Ho, T. V. (2019). Polypharmacy in older people: A hidden danger. Journal of Pharmacy and Bioallied Sciences, 11(4), 287–292. https://doi.org/10.4103/JPBS.JPBS_220_19
