Drug-nutrient interactions in three long-term-care facilities.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the risk of drug-nutrient interactions (DNIs) in three long-term-care facilities.


METHODS
Retrospective audit of charts.


METHODS
Three long-term-care facilities in central New York State.


METHODS
Fifty-three patients selected randomly from each facility.


METHODS
Data were collected from the medical record of each patient for a period of 6 months. A computerized algorithm was used to assess the risk for DNIs. Mean drug use, most frequently consumed drugs, incidence of potential DNIs, and the most commonly observed potential DNIs are reported.


RESULTS
In facilities A, B, and C, respectively, patients consumed a mean of 4.86, 4.04, and 5.27 drugs per patient per month and were at risk for a mean of 1.43, 2.69, and 1.43 potential DNIs per patient per month. The most commonly observed potential DNIs were gastrointestinal interactions affecting drug bioavailability and interactions affecting electrolyte status.


CONCLUSIONS
Patients in long-term-care facilities, who are primarily elderly and chronically ill and who consume multiple medications, are at notable risk for certain DNIs. Efforts need to be made to ensure appropriate pharmacologic and nutrition therapies as well as adequate and timely monitoring of patients in these facilities. Dietitians can play an important role in training other health professionals and in designing policies to prevent DNIs.
Lewis
C W
CW
Cornell University, Ithaca, NY.
Frongillo
E A
EA
Roe
D A
DA
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000465:Algorithms; D001682:Biological Availability; D003625:Data Collection / Q000379:methods; D004435:Eating; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005522:Food Services / Q000592:standards*; D018565:Food-Drug Interactions; D006801:Humans; D006947:Hyperkalemia / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D007008:Hypokalemia / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D015994:Incidence; D007380:Intermediate Care Facilities; D008297:Male; D008499:Medical Records; D009518:New York; D009752:Nutritional Status; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012866:Skilled Nursing Facilities; D013997:Time Factors