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Abstract
Objective. To describe an innovative team intervention to identify and resolve DRPs (drug-related problems) in Norwegian nursing homes. Design. Descriptive intervention study. Setting. Three nursing homes in Bergen, Norway. Subjects. A total of 142 long-term care patients (106 women, mean age 86.9 years). Results. Systematic medication reviews performed by pharmacists in 142 patients revealed altogether 719 DRPs, of which 504 were acknowledged by the patients’ physician and nurses, and 476 interventions were completed. “Unnecessary drug” and “Monitoring required” were the most frequently identified DRPs. Drugs for treating the nervous system and the alimentary tract and metabolism were most commonly questioned. Conclusions. The multidisciplinary team intervention was suitable to identify and resolve drug-related problems in nursing home settings. Systematic medication reviews and involvement of pharmacists in clinical teams should therefore be implemented on a regular basis to achieve and maintain high-quality drug therapy.
Acknowledgements
The authors wish to thank physicians and nurses at the participating nursing homes for their help and enthusiasm. They gratefully acknowledge cooperation with the Department of Pharmaceutical Advisory Services at Haukeland University Hospital, Mrs Fernande Hodneland and Mrs Elisabeth Hunt for participating in the medication review, and Mrs Hanne T. Fauskanger and Mr Frank Jørgensen for their valuable contribution in planning the study.
Conflicts of interests
None.