Question

Assume each of the following scenarios occurs in an older adult patient. Describe what the primary problem is and how it may be avoided or corrected. c. A patient receiving multiple medications, all of which are taken at different times of the day. When asked, he or she has no idea what each medication is, what it is used for, or when to take it.

Answer 1

Aging population have increased with chronic diseases,multimorbility and of the complexity polypharmacy in primary care..Lack of communication between the patient and the clinician is the major factor making patient to take wrong medication and lack of knowledge about their medications..Various strategies have been developed to help patient manage their medications and avoiding medication errors especially patient those who are elderly,dependent,polymedicated and multipathological..Older patients have limited knowledge with prescription drugs,to improve adherence and reduce errors written information helps polymedicated patients to understand their treatment and make precautions of patients in risk involved in taking the medications..Promoting the use of memory tricks of reinforcement is the best way to contribute to patient safety..Ask patient directly whether they have any doubts regarding medications,doses,timing and increase consultation length can help improve adherence and reduce errors..