Korean J Geriatr Gerontol.  2021 Dec;22(2):55-60. 10.15656/kjcg.2021.22.2.55.

Polypharmacy Management Program: Current Status and Emerging Challenges in Older Patients

• Shin Wy
• Song JS
• Kim Jh

• KMID: 2566399
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.15656/kjcg.2021.22.2.55

Abstract

Polypharmacy is a major public health concern globally with aging populations and the increase in the prevalence of multimorbidity. This review provides an overview of polypharmacy and its management programs in older patients and describes the development direction and challenges of polypharmacy management strategies while considering the current situation in Korea. Although polypharmacy is often regarded as the routine use of at least five medications, the definition is more useful in terms of clinical appropriateness rather than the number of medications administered. The goal of polypharmacy management should be to ensure rational prescription based on clinical evidence and appropriate medication use in consideration of the patient’s individual factors. In order for doctors, nurses, and pharmacists to collaborate within a multidisciplinary team to ensure a comprehensive medication review, it would be effective to implement a management model in the form of a systematic program within the healthcare delivery system. Some countries are introducing sustainable polypharmacy management programs and developing standardized polypharmacy guidelines. It is required to conduct further benchmark studies of polypharmacy management programs in other countries that have proven their effectiveness while considering the Korean situation.

Keyword

Elderly; Management; Polypharmacy