[Multiple drug use by the elderly in need of care and nursing and possibility of reducing this practice].
OBJECTIVE
To determine and evaluate the simultaneous use of multiple drugs in elderly people (aged > or = 65 years).


METHODS
Cohort study.


METHODS
Region Rijnstreek, the Netherlands.


METHODS
In 200 consecutive persons who were evaluated for admission to a hospice or a nursing home, and who used > or = 5 drugs simultaneously, the drug use was determined and evaluated according to published guidelines and on the premise that the use of drugs ought to be reduced.


RESULTS
A total number of 1131 persons (mean age: 80.4 years (SD: 6.4)) were evaluated in two study periods (January 1993-February 1994 and March-October 1994). The 200 selected patients (17.7%) used a mean of 6.9 drugs (SD: 1.9). Evaluation of these pharmacotherapeutic regimens, abolishing drugs deemed redundant, interaction screening and checks on dosage showed a number of opportunities for improvement although only a slight reduction in the number of drugs could be achieved (to 5.3 (SD: 1.9)).


CONCLUSIONS
In practice, systematic re-evaluation of actual pharmacotherapeutic regimens on a regular basis is necessary. The increasing possibilities for self-medication should be taken into consideration.
Gill
K
K
Rijksuniversiteit, faculteit der Geneeskunde, Leiden.
Hermans
J
J
Vermeij
P
P
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015331:Cohort Studies; D004347:Drug Interactions; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D004363:Drug Utilization; D005260:Female; D006707:Homes for the Aged; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D009735:Nursing Homes; D012651:Self Medication
Polyfarmacie bij verzorgings- en verpleegbehoeftige ouderen en mogelijkheden voor vermindering.