A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW ON THE PREVALENCE, CHARACTERISTICS, AND CLINICAL OUTCOMES OF DRUG RELATED PROBLEMS IN GERIATRIC PATIENTS AND EVALUATION OF CLINICAL PHARMACIST INTERVENTIONS
J. Bhargavi, V. Madhavi, K. Dharani, C. Mohana Priya
ABSTRACT
Background: Geriatric patients are highly vulnerable to drug-related problems(DRPs) due to age-related changes in pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics andthe increasing prevalence of chronic diseases requiring complex therapy. DRPs areassociated with increased mortality, hospital admissions, healthcare costs, andreduced quality of life. Objectives: To assess the effectiveness of clinicalpharmacist-led interventions and conduct a systematic evaluation of the prevalence,characteristics, risk factors, and clinical outcomes of DRPs in geriatric patients.Methods: A systematic review on the prevalence, types, risk factors, clinicaloutcomes, and/or pharmacist interventions in patients aged 60 and older was carriedout. Results: DRPs were highly prevalent, particularly among hospitalized andchronically ill patients, ranging from 4% to 30%, with approximately 82%experiencing at least one DRP. Most issues were related to adverse drug reactions,and 50–97% of DRPs were potentially preventable. Conclusion: DRPs arecommon among geriatric patients, especially those with comorbidities andpolypharmacy. Clinical pharmacist interventions, including medication review,patient education, and clinical involvement, play a key role in reducing DRPs andimproving medication safety.
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