Evaluating Pharmacy Recommendations for Older Veterans
Author Information
Author(s): Cervantes Maria, Patel Nikil, Tillmann Jacob, Cigolle Christine, Bieber Heather, Dunlap Janette, Phillips Kristin
Primary Institution: Veterans Health Administration
Hypothesis
Can a virtual Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment clinic optimize medication regimens for rural older Veterans?
Conclusion
The virtual GCP intervention successfully reduced the use of potentially inappropriate medications and polypharmacy among rural older Veterans.
Supporting Evidence
- 86 Veterans received no recommendations.
- The GCP provided 323 recommendations for 187 Veterans.
- 156 (48.3%) of the recommendations were implemented.
- Recommendation uptake was highest for requesting provider review of a medication issue (58%).
- Implemented recommendations included 36.3% for non-anticholinergic BEERs Criteria medications.
Takeaway
This study looked at how a special clinic helped older Veterans take their medications safely, and it worked well!
Methodology
The study reviewed electronic health records of CGA patients, focusing on the implementation of geriatric clinical pharmacist recommendations.
Limitations
The study did not evaluate long-term outcomes of the intervention.
Participant Demographics
Rural older Veterans with multiple chronic conditions.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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