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Multidisciplinary pharmacotherapy collaboration for home‐based older adults with dementia: a study focusing on physicians, pharmacists, and nursing professionals
Author(s) -
Suwa Sayuri,
Tsujimura Mayuko,
Yumoto Akiyo,
Iwata Naoko,
Shimamura Atsuko
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
psychogeriatrics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.647
H-Index - 32
eISSN - 1479-8301
pISSN - 1346-3500
DOI - 10.1111/psyg.12735
Subject(s) - pharmacotherapy , dementia , pharmacist , medicine , multidisciplinary approach , health professionals , polypharmacy , family medicine , geriatrics , psychiatry , nursing , health care , psychology , pharmacy , disease , intensive care medicine , social science , sociology , economics , economic growth
Background It is imperative that a team consisting of a physician, pharmacist, and nursing professional provides pharmacotherapy support to achieve the optimal effect of pharmacotherapy for older adults with dementia. This study reviewed Japanese publications on the process of pharmacotherapy support practised by various professionals for home‐based older adults with dementia and investigated healthcare professionals' perceived importance and practice of pharmacotherapy support. Methods This study aimed to shed light on basic pharmacotherapy support for behavioural and psychological symptoms among home‐based older adults with dementia using multidisciplinary collaboration, through a literature review of Japanese publications. Based on the literature review, 13 items pertaining to basic pharmacotherapy support for home‐based older adults with dementia were extracted. A mail‐based, self‐administered, anonymous questionnaire survey was conducted with professionals including physicians, pharmacists, and nursing professionals who provide pharmacotherapy support to home‐based older adults with dementia. Participants rated 13 items on their perceived importance and practice of basic pharmacotherapy support using a four‐point Likert scale. Results The results indicated that participants recognised the importance of all 13 items. At least 80% of all professionals indicated that they practised seven out of 13 items. Less than 80% of all professionals indicated they practised the other six items that should be provided after the commencement of pharmacotherapy. A relatively high proportion of nursing professionals (70%) indicated they practised the remaining six items. The 13 items were indeed deemed important for characterising pharmacotherapy support. However, in Japan, suboptimal support is provided following the commencement of medication. This may be because appropriate modifications to dementia care are not made as the patient's condition progresses. Conclusions It is suggested that multidisciplinary collaboration focusing on the progression of dementia and the process of pharmacotherapy, especially after the commencement of pharmacotherapy, may help provide effective, continuous pharmacotherapy.