Evaluation of polypharmacy and inappropriate medication use in patients receiving home health care services: a cross- sectional study

Abstract

Objectives: Polypharmacy is an important condition that causes adverse outcomes such as drug-drug interactions, falls, increased hospitalizations and mortality. In our study, we aimed to evaluate polypharmacy and inappropriate medication use according to two different criteria in home care patients. Materials and Methods: Our observational and cross-sectional, single-center study included all patients who receive home health care service from our unit and agree to participate. A face-to-face information form was carried out to measure the patients’ socio-demographic characteristics, drug use, and level of knowledge about the use of drugs. Inappropriate medication use was evaluated using Beers and STOPP criteria. Results: 179 individuals, most of whom were female (n=124; 69.2%), participated in this study. The mean age was 83,54 ± 7.53. The mean number of chronic diseases was 2.14. The average number of drugs was 5.80 ± 3.18. There was a relationship between polypharmacy and high education level and being married (p=0.005; p=0.007). There was a statistically significant relationship between the number of chronic diseases and the number of drugs used (p>0.001). Inappropriate medication use was present in 66 (36.8%) patients and the most frequently used inappropriate drugs were antipsychotics (n=38; 21.2%) according to Beers criteria. According to the STOPP criteria, inappropriate medication use was present in 33 (18.4%) patients, and the most common inappropriate drug use was NSAIDs (n=5; 2.7%). Conclusion: Rates of polypharmacy and inappropriate medication use according to both criteria were found to be high. Physicians should plan the drugs used in this group carefully.