hospital pharmacists
October 21, 2024
Therapeutic adherence and deprescribing are two sides of the same coin when it comes to improving the quality of healthcare, particularly for chronic and elderly patients. This was discussed at the Sifo Congress
by Pharmacist Editorial Staff33
Therapeutic adherence and deprescribing are two complementary aspects in the management of chronic patients, particularly the elderly, and represent a key element for improving the quality of healthcare. During the
Treatment adherence: emerging digital technologies
Digital technologies are emerging as crucial tools for monitoring adherence. Wearable devices and medical apps allow you to collect real-time data on patients’ clinical parameters and lifestyles. “These tools allow the collection of just in time data useful for real world studies,” commented Meini, referring to the potential of these technologies in monitoring pharmacological and rehabilitation therapy, especially among young adults.
Deprescribing, the Beers, STOPP and START criteria
An equally important topic addressed during the session was that of deprescribing. “Taking more than five drugs at the same time (polypharmacy) to treat chronic conditions, particularly in the elderly population, can cause multiple problems,” explained Meini. Deprescribing, i.e. the planned reduction of potentially inappropriate drugs, proves crucial to optimize therapies, reduce medication errors and improve adherence.
Dr. Meini also underlined how this process must be conducted by a multidisciplinary team: “Deprescribing is an approach aimed at optimizing pharmacological treatment, which involves a critical, systematic and periodic evaluation of ongoing treatments by an established team by doctors, specialists and pharmacists.” The goal, he continued, is to reduce the number or dosage of inappropriate medications in a planned manner, improving the patient’s health and quality of life.
Finally, Meini highlighted the benefits of deprescribing, supported by literature data, but warned that these results can only be achieved if there is “the informed and conscious involvement of the patient and/or caregiver in sharing the new therapeutic choice. ” However, one of the main limitations remains the lack of knowledge of deprescribing criteria among doctors. “The Beers, STOPP and START criteria are valuable tools, but still little known. It is necessary to do training, starting from the university course,” he concluded, hoping for greater integration of these tools in treatment paths.
TAG: SIFO (ITALIAN SOCIETY OF HOSPITAL PHARMACY AND PHARMACEUTICAL SERVICES OF HEALTH COMPANIES), ADHERENCE TO THERAPY, DEPRESCRIPTION
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