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Structured Medication Review to Improve Pharmacotherapy in People with Intellectual Disability and Behavioural Problems
Author(s) -
Scheifes Arlette,
Egberts Toine C. G.,
Stolker Joost Jan,
Nijman Henk. L. I.,
Heerdink Eibert R.
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
journal of applied research in intellectual disabilities
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.056
H-Index - 63
eISSN - 1468-3148
pISSN - 1360-2322
DOI - 10.1111/jar.12183
Subject(s) - polypharmacy , pharmacotherapy , intellectual disability , psychiatry , medicine , population , intensive care medicine , environmental health
Background Polypharmacy and chronic drug use are common in people with intellectual disability and behavioural problems, although evidence of effectiveness and safety in this population is lacking. This study examined the effects of a structured medication review and aimed to improve pharmacotherapy in inpatients with intellectual disability. Methods In a treatment facility for people with mild to borderline intellectual disability and severe behavioural problems, a structured medication review was performed. Prevalence and type of drug‐related problems ( DRP s) and of the recommended and executed actions were calculated. Results In a total of 55 patients with intellectual disability and behavioural problems, 284 medications were prescribed, in which a DRP was seen in 106 (34%). No indication/unclear indication was the most prevalent DRP (70). Almost 60% of the recommended actions were also executed. Conclusions This high prevalence of DRP s is worrying. The structured medication review is a valuable instrument to optimize pharmacotherapy and to support psychiatrists in adequate prescribing of both psychotropic and somatic drugs.