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Pharmacoepidemiology of medications omitted in New Zealand Residential Aged Care Homes
Author(s) -
Garratt Stephanie M.,
Kerse Ngaire M.,
Peri Kathryn,
Jonas Monique F.,
Scahil Shane L.
Publication year - 2020
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.12812
Subject(s) - medicine , pharmacoepidemiology , polypharmacy , residential care , psychotropic medication , aged care , nursing homes , medication error , emergency medicine , family medicine , psychiatry , gerontology , medical prescription , patient safety , health care , intensive care medicine , nursing , mental health , economics , economic growth
Objective To investigate the dispensing, administration and omission of medications in residential aged care (RAC) homes in New Zealand (NZ). Methods Secondary data from a medication management database were analysed, to identify the most frequently omitted regular medications and commonly reported reasons for omissions in a sample of 11 015 residents across 374 RAC homes. Results Overall, 3.59 medication doses were omitted per 100 (±7.4) prescribed doses per resident (SD 7.43). Common regular medications omitted ranged from analgesics to psychotropic medications. Recording of justifications for medication omissions was inconsistent—only 48% of omissions had a recorded reason. Conclusions A wide range of medications are regularly prescribed and administered to RAC home residents in NZ. Omitted doses are frequently recorded without a justification. Inconsistent recording of omissions can increase potential for error, particularly in relation to psychotropic medications. More consistent recording may help staff to maintain a high standard of quality care.
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