As people age, their health needs become more complex. Many seniors find themselves taking multiple medications to manage various chronic conditions ranging from hypertension to osteoporosis.

However, older adults are also commonly prescribed unnecessary medication, which can lead to adverse health outcomes and increased healthcare costs. This article explores the problem of unnecessary medication in the elderly population and suggests ways to address the issue.

The Prevalence of Polypharmacy

Polypharmacy, the simultaneous use of multiple medications, is a common practice in the senior population.

The older adults are likely to suffer from multiple chronic medical conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, hypertension, and heart diseases, among others. These conditions require the use of different medications that may interact with each other in ways that can adversely impact a person’s health. Some medications may increase the side effects of others or decrease their effectiveness.

A study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that approximately 40% of seniors take five or more medications, and more than 20% take ten or more.

These individuals are at increased risk of developing different types of medication-related problems. Polypharmacy has been identified as a significant contributor to hospitalization and reduced quality of life among the elderly.

Why Unnecessary Medication is a Problem

Unnecessary medication is a significant concern for seniors because it can lead to severe side effects and interactions with other drugs.

The detection of unnecessary medication is challenging because it can be difficult to identify which medications are essential and which ones are not. However, taking unnecessary medication is more common than most people think.

A study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society revealed that 36% of seniors in the United States take at least one unnecessary medication.

These drugs are defined as medications that do not provide clinical benefits or are not typically prescribed for a particular condition. Some common examples of unnecessary medications in seniors include.

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs)
Benzodiazepines and other sedatives/hypnotics
Antipsychotics
Antibiotics
Statins for primary prevention of heart diseases

Unnecessary medication can lead to increased healthcare costs and reduced quality of life in seniors. The overuse of medications also contributes to the national problem of antibiotic resistance.

Furthermore, older adults with cognitive impairment or dementia are at increased risk of taking unnecessary medication, putting them at additional risk of adverse health outcomes.

Reasons for Unnecessary Medications

The causes of unnecessary medication are multifactorial. Some healthcare providers prescribe medication that is not appropriate or require for the condition.

Additionally, some individuals may continue taking medications for preventive purposes when the drugs are no longer needed or have become harmful due to changes in the body. Other factors such as the lack of an ongoing medication review, inadequate communication between healthcare providers, and patient preference may also play a role in the problem.

Healthcare providers who lack geriatric-specific training and experience may also contribute to the prevalence of unnecessary medications.

Clinicians must take into account the unique preferences and concerns of older adults when prescribing medications. Additionally, medication side effects can be more severe in seniors, and a lower dosage may be required.

How to Address the Problem

Various ways can help reduce the incidence of unnecessary medication among seniors and promote better health outcomes. Some strategies include:.

1. Medication Review

Seniors need regular and ongoing medication reviews to avoid taking unnecessary medication. Healthcare providers should review the medication regimen of the older adult and make sure that drugs are necessary, safe, and effective.

A medication review can identify duplicate medications, unnecessary medications, interactions, and side effects.

2. Geriatric-Specific Guideline

Geriatric-specific guidelines offer recommendations on medication prescriptions for older adults. These guidelines are essential because older adults have different pharmacokinetics, comorbidities, and drug interactions than young adults.

Geriatric guidelines promote best practices in medication use for seniors and prevent adverse health outcomes.

3. Shared Decision Making

Shared decision-making between healthcare providers and older adults can reduce unnecessary medication use. It can involve discussions about the benefits and risks of medication, the cost of care, and the patient’s preferences and goals.

This approach helps older adults make better health decisions and feel more confident about their care.

4. Interdisciplinary Care Team

Interdisciplinary healthcare teams can improve medication management for older adults. Pharmacists, nurses, and geriatricians can help with medication reconciliation, medication review, medication adherence, and communication between providers.

These interventions ensure that seniors receive appropriate medication regimens.

5. Technology-Based Interventions

Technology-based interventions such as electronic medical records (EMRs) and computerized physician order entry (CPOE) systems can improve medication management among seniors.

These systems enable healthcare providers to reconcile medication lists, identify drug interactions, and provide medication alerts from the patient’s electronic medical record. It ensures that patients receive the right medication, at the right dose, for the right indication.

Conclusion

The problem of unnecessary medication is prevalent in the senior population and can lead to adverse health outcomes and increased healthcare costs.

Healthcare providers should review older adults’ medication regimens regularly and promote geriatric-specific guidelines that promote optimal medication use. Shared decision-making, interdisciplinary care teams, and technology-based interventions can also reduce the incidence of unnecessary medication for seniors.