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Introduction of the P ill P runer to acute medical care: A simple medication guide to control polypharmacy
Author(s) -
Chieng Jenny H C,
Hughes Leighanne,
Stewart Angela,
Frampton Christopher M,
Hanger H Carl,
Jardine David L
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
australasian journal on ageing
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.63
H-Index - 34
eISSN - 1741-6612
pISSN - 1440-6381
DOI - 10.1111/ajag.12183
Subject(s) - polypharmacy , medicine , pill , audit , emergency medicine , pediatrics , nursing , management , economics
Aim To assess the effect of a simple medication guide (the P ill P runer ) on the number of regular medications taken by older patients following medical admission. Methods In J uly 2009, following introduction of the P ill P runer , we audited 500 consecutive older patients, recording the number of regular medications being taken on admission and discharge. Safety data included 90‐day mortality and readmission rates. Medication numbers were compared to a similar audit undertaken in S eptember 2008 and to a repeat audit in December 2009. Results The mean number of medications on admission (± SD ) was 6.3 ± 3 versus 6.5 ± 3 at discharge ( P = 0.13). Number of discharge medications was decreased compared to S eptember 2008 (7.7 ± 4; P = 0.001) but similar to that for the repeat audit. No change in mortality or readmission rate was seen. Conclusion Use of the P ill P runer reduced the number of regular medications prescribed to older patients without affecting safety.