1. |
- Wastesson, Jonas W., et al.
(author)
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Regional variations in excessive polypharmacy and potentially inappropriate drug use among older adults in Sweden : Trends from 2006 to 2020
- 2023
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In: Frontiers in Pharmacology. - : Frontiers Media SA. - 1663-9812. ; 14
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Introduction: Potentially inappropriate drug use (PID) is common among older adults. Cross-sectional data suggest that there are marked regional variations in PID in Sweden. There is, however, a lack of knowledge about how the regional variations have changed over time.Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the regional differences in the prevalence of PID in Sweden, 2006-2020.Methods: In this repeated cross-sectional study, we included all older adults (>= 75 years) registered in Sweden, yearly from 2006 to 2020. We used nationwide data from the Swedish Prescribed Drug Register linked at the individual level to the Swedish Total Population Register. We selected three indicators of PID according to the Swedish national Quality indicators for good drug therapy in the elderly : 1) Excessive polypharmacy (use of >= 10 drugs); 2) Concurrent use of three or more psychotropic drugs; 3) Use of drugs that should be avoided in older adults unless specific reasons exist. The prevalence of these indicators was calculated for each of Sweden's 21 regions, yearly from 2006 to 2020. The annual coefficient of variation (CV) was calculated for each indicator by dividing the standard deviation of the regions by the national average, to measure relative variability.Results: In the population of about 800,000 older adults per year, the national prevalence of drugs that should be avoided in older adults, was reduced by 59% from 2006 to 2020. There was a slight decline in the use of three or more psychotropics, while the prevalence of excessive polypharmacy increased. The CV for excessive polypharmacy was 14% in 2006 and 9% in 2020 compared to 18% and 14% for use of three or more psychotropics , and stable at around 10% for 'drugs that should be avoided in older adults.' Conclusions:The regional variation in potentially inappropriate drug use decreased or were stable from 2006 to 2020. The regional differences were largest for the use of three or more psychotropics. We found a general tendency that regions with a good performance at the start of the period performed well across the entire period. Future studies should investigate the reasons for regional variation and explore strategies to reduce unwarranted differences.
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2. |
- Bennett, Alexander, et al.
(author)
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Prevalence and Impact of Fall-Risk-Increasing Drugs, Polypharmacy, and Drug-Drug Interactions in Robust Versus Frail Hospitalised Falls Patients : A Prospective Cohort Study
- 2014
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In: Drugs & Aging. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1170-229X .- 1179-1969. ; 31:3, s. 225-232
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background Several measures of medication exposure are associated with adverse outcomes in older people. Exposure to and the clinical outcomes of these measures in robust versus frail older inpatients are not known. Objective In older robust and frail patients admitted to hospital after a fall, we investigated the prevalence and clinical impact of fall-risk-increasing drugs (FRIDs), total number of medications, and drug-drug interactions (DDIs). Methods Patients >= 60 years of age admitted with a fall to a tertiary referral teaching hospital in Sydney were recruited and frailty was assessed. Data were collected at admission, discharge, and 2 months after admission. Results A total of 204 patients were recruited (mean age 80.5 +/- 8.3 years), with 101 robust and 103 frail. On admission, compared with the robust, frail participants had significantly higher mean +/- SD number of FRIDs (frail 3.4 +/- 2.2 vs. robust 1.6 +/- 1.5, P < 0.0001), total number of medications (9.8 +/- 4.3 vs. 4.4 +/- 3.3, P < 0.0001), and DDI exposure (35 vs. 5 %, P = 0.001). Number of FRIDs on discharge was significantly associated with recurrent falls [odds ratio (OR) 1.7 (95 % confidence interval [CI] 1.3-2.1)], which were most likely to occur with 1.5 FRIDs in the frail and 2.5 FRIDs in the robust. Number of medications on discharge was also associated with recurrent falls [OR 1.2 (1.0-1.3)], but DDIs were not. Conclusion Exposure to FRIDs and other measures of high-risk medication exposures is common in older people admitted with falls, especially the frail. Number of FRIDs and to a lesser extent total number of medicines at discharge were associated with recurrent falls.
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4. |
- Cermakova, Pavla, et al.
(author)
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Cardiovascular Diseases in similar to 30,000 Patients in the Swedish Dementia Registry
- 2015
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In: Journal of Alzheimer's Disease. - 1387-2877 .- 1875-8908. ; 48:4, s. 949-958
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Cardiovascular diseases are leading causes of death and patients with dementia are often affected by them. Objective: Investigate associations of cardiovascular diseases with different dementia disorders and determine their impact on mortality. Methods: This study included 29,630 patients from the Swedish Dementia Registry (mean age 79 years, 59% women) diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease (AD), mixed dementia, vascular dementia, dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), Parkinson's disease dementia (PDD), frontotemporal dementia (FTD), or unspecified dementia. Records of cardiovascular diseases come from the Swedish National Patient Register. Multinomial logistic regression and cox proportional hazard models were applied. Results: Compared to AD, we found a higher burden of all cardiovascular diseases in mixed and vascular dementia. Cerebrovascular diseases were more associated with DLB than with AD. Diabetes mellitus was less associated with PDD and DLB than with AD. Ischemic heart disease was less associated with PDD and FTD than AD. All cardiovascular diseases predicted death in patients with AD, mixed, and vascular dementia. Only ischemic heart disease significantly predicted death in DLB patients (HR = 1.72; 95% CI = 1.16-2.55). In PDD patients, heart failure and diabetes mellitus were associated with a higher risk of death (HR = 3.06; 95% CI = 1.74-5.41 and HR = 3.44; 95% CI = 1.31-9.03). In FTD patients, ischemic heart disease and atrial fibrillation or flutter significantly predicted death (HR = 2.11; 95% CI = 1.08-4.14 and HR= 3.15; 95% CI = 1.60-6.22, respectively). Conclusion: Our study highlights differences in the occurrence and prognostic significance of cardiovascular diseases in several dementia disorders. This has implications for the care and treatment of the different dementia disorders.
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5. |
- Cermakova, Pavla, et al.
(author)
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Management of Acute Myocardial Infarction in Patients With Dementia : Data From SveDem, the Swedish Dementia Registry
- 2017
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In: Journal of the American Medical Directors Association. - : Elsevier BV. - 1525-8610 .- 1538-9375. ; 18:1, s. 19-23
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objectives: We aimed to (1) study factors that determine the use of invasive procedures in the management of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in patients with dementia and (2) determine whether the use of invasive procedures was associated with their better survival. Design: Cohort study based on patients registered in the Swedish Dementia Registry (SveDem), 20072012. Median follow-up time was 228 days. Setting: Patients diagnosed with dementia in specialist memory clinics and primary care units in Sweden. Participants: A total of 525 patients with dementia who suffered AMI (mean age 89 years, 54% women). Measurements: Information on AMI and use of invasive procedures (coronary angiography and percutaneous coronary intervention) was obtained from Swedish national health registers. Binary logistic regression was applied to study associations of patients characteristics with the use of invasive procedures; odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. Survival was analyzed with Kaplan-Meier curves; log-rank test was used to compare survival of patients who received an invasive procedure versus those who did not receive it. Cox regression was applied to study association of the invasive procedures with all-cause mortality; hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% CIs were calculated. Results: One hundred ten patients (21%) with dementia received an invasive procedure in the management of AMI. After multivariate adjustment, lower age and higher global cognitive status were associated with the use of invasive procedures. The invasively managed patients survived longer (P = .001). The use of invasive procedures was associated with a lower risk of all-cause mortality, adjusting for type of AMI and dementia disorder, age, gender, registration unit, history of AMI and comorbidity score (HR 0.35, 95% CI 0.21-0.59), or total number of drugs (HR 0.34, 95% CI 0.20-0.58). Conclusion: Age and cognitive status determine the use of invasive procedures in patients with dementia. This study suggests that the invasive management of AMI has a benefit for survival of patients with dementia. (C) 2016 AMDA - The Society for Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine.
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6. |
- Danielsson, Bengt, et al.
(author)
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Antidepressants and antipsychotics classified with torsades de pointes arrhythmia risk and mortality in older adults - a Swedish nationwide study
- 2016
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In: British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology. - : Wiley. - 0306-5251 .- 1365-2125. ; 81:4, s. 773-783
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- AimThe aim of the study was to examine mortality risk associated with use of antidepressants and antipsychotics classified with torsades de pointes (TdP) risk in elderly. MethodsA matched case-control register study was conducted in people 65 years and older dying outside hospital from 2008-2013 (n=286092) and matched controls (n=1430460). The association between prescription of antidepressants and antipsychotics with various TdP risk according to CredibleMeds () and all-cause mortality was studied by multivariate conditional logistic regression adjusted for comorbidity and several other confounders. ResultsUse of antidepressants classified with known or possible TdP risk, was associated with higher adjusted risk for mortality (OR 1.53, 95% CI 1.51, 1.56 and OR 1.63, 95% CI 1.61, 1.67, respectively) compared with antidepressants classified with conditional TdP risk (OR 1.25, 95% CI 1.22, 1.28) or without TdP classification (OR 0.99, 95% CI 0.94, 1.05). Antipsychotics classified with known TdP risk were associated with higher risk (OR 4.57, 95% CI 4.37, 4.78) than antipsychotics with possible risk (OR 2.58, 95% CI 2.52, 2.64) or without TdP classification (OR 2.14, 95% CI 2.03, 2.65). The following risk ranking was observed for commonly used antidepressants: mirtazapine > citalopram > sertraline > amitriptyline and for antipsychotics: haloperidol > risperidone >olanzapine > quetiapine. ConclusionThe CredibleMeds system predicted drug-associated risk for mortality in the elderly at the risk class level. Among antipsychotics, haloperidol, and among antidepressants, mirtazapine and citalopram, were associated with the highest risks. The results suggest that the TdP risk with antidepressants and antipsychotics should be taken into consideration when prescribing to the elderly.
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7. |
- Ding, Mozhu, et al.
(author)
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Atrial fibrillation and use of antithrombotic medications in older people : A population-based study
- 2017
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In: International Journal of Cardiology. - : Elsevier BV. - 0167-5273 .- 1874-1754. ; 249, s. 173-178
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Trends in the use of antithrombotic drugs in elderly patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) are largely unknown. We estimated the prevalence of AF in an older population, and examined whether use of anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs in older AF patients has changed over time. Methods: Data from the population-based Swedish National study on Aging and Care in Kungsholmen (n = 3363, age = 60 years, 64.9% women) were used (2001-2004 and 2007-2010). AF cases were identified through 12-lead electrocardiogram, physician examinations, and patient register records (ICD-10 code I48). We used the CHADS(2) and CHA(2)DS(2)-VASc scores to estimate stroke risk, and an incomplete HAS-BLED score to estimate bleeding risk. Results: At baseline (2001-2004), 328 persons (9.8%) were ascertained to have AF. The prevalence of AF increased significantly with age from 2.8% in people aged 60-66 years to 21.2% in those = 90 years, and was more common in men than in women (11.2% vs. 9.0%). Among AF patients with CHADS2 score = 2 at baseline, 25% were taking anticoagulant drugs and 54% were taking antiplatelet drugs. High bleeding risk was significantly associated with not using anticoagulant drugs in AF patients (multi-adjusted OR = 2.50, p = 0.015). Between 2001-2004 and 2007-2010, use of anticoagulant drugs increased significantly, especially in AF patients with CHA2DS2-VASc score >= 2 (23% vs. 33%, p = 0.008) and in those with HAS-BLED score <3 (32% vs. 53%, p = 0.004). Conclusion: AF is common among old people. The use of anticoagulant drugs increased over time in AF patients, yet still two-thirds of those with high stroke risk remained untreated.
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8. |
- Ding, Mozhu, et al.
(author)
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Atrial fibrillation, antithrombotic treatment, and cognitive aging : A population-based study
- 2018
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In: Neurology. - 0028-3878 .- 1526-632X. ; 91:19, s. e1732-e1740
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- ObjectiveTo examine the association of atrial fibrillation (AF) with cognitive decline and dementia in old age, and to explore the cognitive benefit of antithrombotic treatment in patients with AF.MethodsThis population-based cohort study included 2,685 dementia-free participants from the Swedish National Study on Aging and Care in Kungsholmen, who were regularly examined from 2001-2004 to 2010-2013. AF was ascertained from clinical examination, ECG, and patient registry. Global cognitive function was assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination. We followed the DSM-IV criteria for the diagnosis of dementia, the NINDS-AIREN (National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke and Association Internationale pour la Recherche et l'Enseignement en Neurosciences) criteria for vascular dementia, and the NINCDS-ADRDA (National Institute of Neurological and Communicative Disorders and Stroke and the Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders Association) criteria for Alzheimer disease. Data were analyzed using multiple linear mixed-effects and Cox regression models.ResultsWe identified 243 participants (9.1%) with AF at baseline. During the 9-year follow-up period, 279 participants (11.4%) developed AF and 399 (14.9%) developed dementia. As a time-varying variable, AF was significantly associated with a faster annual Mini-Mental State Examination decline (beta coefficient = -0.24, 95% confidence interval [ CI]: -0.31 to -0.16) and an increased hazard ratio (HR) of all-cause dementia (HR = 1.40, 95% CI: 1.11-1.77) and vascular and mixed dementia (HR = 1.88, 95% CI: 1.09-3.23), but not Alzheimer disease (HR = 1.33, 95% CI: 0.92-1.94). Among people with either prevalent or incident AF, use of anticoagulant drugs, but not antiplatelet treatment, was associated with a 60% decreased risk of dementia (HR = 0.40, 95% CI: 0.18-0.92).Conclusion AF is associated with a faster global cognitive decline and an increased risk of dementia in older people. Use of anticoagulant drugs may reduce dementia risk in patients with AF.
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9. |
- Doheny, Megan, et al.
(author)
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Socio-demographic differences in polypharmacy and potentially inappropriate drug use among older people with different care needs and in care settings in Stockholm, Sweden
- 2023
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In: Scandinavian Journal of Public Health. - : SAGE Publications. - 1403-4948 .- 1651-1905. ; 51:1, s. 11-20
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Aims: Polypharmacy and potentially inappropriate medications (PIM) are risk factors for negative health outcomes among older people. This study aimed to investigate socio-demographic differences in polypharmacy and PIM use among older people with different care needs in a standard versus an integrated care setting.Methods: Population-based register data on residents aged ⩾65 years in Stockholm County based on socio-demographic background and social care use in 2014 was linked to prescription drug use in 2015. A logistic regression analysis was used to estimate socio-demographic differences in polypharmacy and PIM, adjusting for education, age group, sex, country of birth, living alone, morbidity and dementia by care setting based on area and by care need (i.e. independent, home help or institutionalised).Results: The prevalence of polypharmacy and PIM was greater among home-help users (60.4% and 11.5% respectively) and institutional residents (74.4% and 11.9%, respectively). However, there were greater socio-demographic differences among the independent, with those with lower education, older age and females having higher odds of polypharmacy and PIM. Morbidity was a driver of polypharmacy (odds ratio (OR)=1.19, confidence interval (CI) 1.16–1.22) among home-help users. Dementia diagnosis was associated with reduced odds of polypharmacy and PIM among those in institutions (OR=0.78, CI 0.71–0.87 and OR 0.52, CI 0.45–0.59, respectively) and of PIM among home-help users (OR=0.53, 95% CI 0.42–0.67).Conclusions: Polypharmacy and PIM were associated with care needs, most prevalent among home-help users and institutional residents, but socio-demographic differences were most prominent among those living independently, suggesting that municipal care might reduce differences between socio-demographic groups. Care setting had little effect on inappropriate drug use, indicating that national guidelines are followed.
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10. |
- Ekström, Ingrid, et al.
(author)
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Predictors of Olfactory Decline in Aging : A Longitudinal Population-Based Study
- 2020
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In: The journals of gerontology. Series A, Biological sciences and medical sciences. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1079-5006 .- 1758-535X. ; 75:12, s. 2441-2449
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Olfactory dysfunction is common in aging and associated with dementia and mortality. However, longitudinal studies tracking change in olfactory ability are scarce. We sought to identify predictors of interindividual differences in rate of olfactory identification change in aging.Method: Participants were 1780 individuals, without dementia at baseline and with at least 2 olfactory assessments over 12 years of follow-up (mean age = 70.5 years; 61.9% female), from the Swedish National Study on Aging and Care in Kungsholmen (SNAC-K). Odor identification was assessed with the Sniffin’ Sticks. We estimated the impact of demographic, health, and genetic factors on rate of olfactory change with linear mixed effect models.Results: Advancing age, manufacturing profession, history of cerebrovascular disease, higher cardiovascular disease burden, diabetes, slower walking speed, higher number of medications, and the APOE ε4 allele were associated with accelerated odor identification decline (ps < .014). Multi-adjusted analyses showed unique associations of age, diabetes, and ε4 to olfactory decline (ps < .017). In 1531 participants who remained free of dementia (DSM IV criteria) during follow-up, age, cardiovascular disease burden, and diabetes were associated with accelerated decline (ps < .011). Of these, age and diabetes remained statistically significant in the multi-adjusted model (ps < .001).Conclusion: Demographic, vascular, and genetic factors are linked to rate of decline in odor identification in aging. Although some olfactory loss may be an inevitable part of aging, our results highlight the importance of vascular factors for the integrity of the olfactory system, even in the absence of dementia.
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11. |
- Fastbom, Johan
(author)
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Läkemedel och åldrande
- 2011
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In: Kognitiv medicin. - Stockholm : Norstedts. - 9789113023229 ; , s. 390-396
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Book chapter (other academic/artistic)
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12. |
- Fastbom, Johan
(author)
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Läkemedel och Äldre
- 2014. - 2
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In: Enligt ordination. - Lund : Studentlitteratur AB. - 9789144093567 ; , s. 51-72
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Book chapter (other academic/artistic)
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13. |
- Fastbom, Johan, et al.
(author)
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National Indicators for Quality of Drug Therapy in Older Persons : the Swedish Experience from the First 10 Years
- 2015
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In: Drugs & Aging. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1170-229X .- 1179-1969. ; 32:3, s. 189-199
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Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Inappropriate drug use is an important health problem in elderly persons. Beginning with the Beers' criteria in the early 1990s, explicit criteria have been extensively used to measure and improve quality of drug use in older people. This article describes the Swedish indicators for quality of drug therapy in the elderly, introduced in 2004 and updated in 2010. These indicators were designed to be applied to people aged 75 years and over, regardless of residence and other characteristics. The indicators are divided into drug specific, covering choice, indication and dosage of drugs, polypharmacy, drug-drug interactions (DDIs), drug use in decreased renal function and in some symptoms; and diagnosis specific, covering the rational, irrational and hazardous drug use in common disorders in elderly people. During the 10 years since introduction, the Swedish indicators have several applications. They form the basis for recommendations for drug therapy in older people, are implemented in prescribing supports and drug utilisation reviews, are used in national benchmarking of the quality of Swedish healthcare and have contributed to initiatives from pensioner organisations. The indicators have also been used in several pharmacoepidemiological studies. Since 2005, there have been signs of improvement of the quality of drug prescribing to elderly persons in Sweden. For example, the prescribing of drugs that should be avoided in older persons decreased by 36 % between 2006 and 2012 in persons aged 80 years and older. Similarly, drug combinations that may cause DDIs decreased by 26 % and antipsychotics by 41 %. The indicators have likely contributed to this.
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15. |
- Fastbom, Johan, et al.
(author)
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Use of drugs for hypertension or heart failure and the risk of death in COVID-19: association with loop-diuretics
- 2024
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In: European Journal of Clinical Pharmacology. - : SPRINGER HEIDELBERG. - 0031-6970 .- 1432-1041.
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Purpose To study the association between the use of drugs for hypertension or heart failure, particularly diuretics, and risk of death in COVID-19.Methods We conducted a cohort study, based on record linked individual-based data from national registers, of all Swedish inhabitants 50 years and older (n = 3,909,321) at the start of the first SARS-CoV-2 wave in Sweden. The association between use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI), angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARB), thiazides, loop diuretics, aldosterone antagonists, beta blocking agents and calcium channel blockers at the index date 6 March 2020, and death in COVID-19 during 7 March to 31 July 2020, was analysed using Cox-proportional hazards regression, adjusted for a wide range of possible confounders.Results Use of loop diuretics was associated with higher risk [adjusted hazard ratio (HR) 1.26; 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.17-1.35] and thiazides with reduced risk (0.78; 0.69-0.88) of death in COVID-19. In addition, lower risk was observed for ACEI and higher risk for beta-blocking agents, although both associations were weak. For ARB, aldosterone antagonists and calcium channel blockers no significant associations were found.Conclusion In this nationwide cohort of nearly 4 million persons 50 years and older, the use of loop diuretics was associated with increased risk of death in COVID-19 during the first SARS-CoV-2 wave in Sweden. This contrasted to the decreased risk observed for thiazides. As treatment with loop diuretics is common, particularly in the elderly, the group most affected by severe COVID-19, this finding merit further investigation.
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16. |
- Giron, MST, et al.
(author)
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Drug use patterns in a very elderly population : a seven-year review
- 1999
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In: Clinical drug investigation. - 1173-2563 .- 1179-1918. ; 17:15, s. 389-98
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objective: To determine the extent and rate of drug use and to evaluate the patterns of drug use over time in a very elderly population, we analysed drug use data from phases I (1987-1989) and IV (1994-1996) of the Kungsholmen project, an ongoing longitudinal study on aging in Stockholm, Sweden.Study Participants: Complete drug information was obtained from 1001 subjects in the 1987-1989 study period, and 681 subjects in 1994-1996. The participants were predominantly women and the average age was 85.8 years in 1987-1989 and 86.9 years in 1994-1996.Results: The proportion of users increased from 87.6 to 94.1% and the overall average number of drugs used per subject increased significantly (p < 0.001) from 3.4 to 4.6. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were noted in all age groups and in all types of housing. The frequency of use increased for all classes of drugs. The most frequently used in both study periods were drugs for the nervous system, cardiovascular system, and alimentary tract and metabolism. With regard to therapeutic categories of drugs, the use of vitamins, antithrombotic agents, antianaemic preparations, ACE inhibitors, antibacterials, analgesics, psychoanaleptics, and antiglaucoma preparations increased significantly (p < 0.05). The increased use of these drugs indicated heightened awareness of the most common and preventable medical conditions affecting the elderly and the use of newer classes of drugs. This also study confirmed a high prevalence of drug use and polypharmacy even in the very elderly, and the importance of evaluating the effects and appropriateness of drug use in this population.
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17. |
- Giron, Maria Stella T, et al.
(author)
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Psychotropic drug use in elderly people with and without dementia
- 2001
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In: International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry. - : Wiley. - 0885-6230 .- 1099-1166. ; 16:9, s. 900-906
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- ObjectiveTo determine the prevalence of psychotropic drug use in very old persons with and without dementia in two time periods, and describe the patterns of psychotropic drug use between institutions and non-institutions.MethodsDescriptive analysis on a sample of subjects aged 81+ from a population-based study in Stockholm, Sweden. Psychotropic drug use data were collected from the 1987-1989 and 1994-1996 periods of the study. The diagnosis of dementia was based on the DSM III-R.ResultsAbout 41% of the subjects used at least one psychotropic drug in both periods. Women and subjects in institutions more commonly used psychotropic drugs. The most commonly reported were, in rank order, hypnotics-sedatives, anxiolytics, antipsychotics and antidepressants. Hypnotics-sedatives and anxiolytics were the most commonly used in both institutions and non-institutions. More persons with dementia used psychotropic drugs in both periods. The use of newer drugs, for example, SSRI, was evident. Multivariate analyses showed increased risk for psychotropic drug use among subjects in institutions.ConclusionsThis study confirms the high rate of psychotropic drug use in the very old, particularly in persons with dementia. Psychotropic drug use was high among subjects living in institutions.
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18. |
- Giron, Maria Stella T, et al.
(author)
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Sleep problems in a very old population : drug use and clinical correlates
- 2002
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In: The journals of gerontology. Series A, Biological sciences and medical sciences. - 1079-5006 .- 1758-535X. ; 57:4, s. M236-40
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background. Complaints of disturbed or dissatisfied sleep are common among older people. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of sleep problems in very old persons and its relation to physical and mental health and drug use. Methods. This is a cross-sectional analysis of sleep problems in a population of old persons living in Stockholm, Sweden. There were 641 subjects aged 81+ years; 77.8% were women, 91.4% were noninstitutionalized, and 68.6% lived alone. All persons underwent a comprehensive medical and psychiatric interview and examination. Sleep problems were assessed using the Clinical Psychopathological Rating Scale (CPRS). Covariates included chronic medical conditions, depression, dementia, pain, self-rated health, activities of daily living, use of hypnotics-sedatives, use of other psychotropic drugs, and use of nonpsychotropic drugs. Results. More than one third of subjects were identified with sleep problems. They were more common among women and persons using a higher number of drugs. Poor self-rated health, depression, and pain were related to the presence of sleep problems. Among persons with sleep problems and depression, only 19.2% used antidepressants, and 46.2% used hypnotics-sedatives. Among persons with sleep problems and pain, 63.2% used analgesics, and 47.0% used hypnotics-sedatives. One or more chronic diseases, use of hypnotics-sedatives, use of other psychotropic drugs, and use of nonpsychotropic drugs were also related to sleep problems. After multivariate analysis, factors significantly related to sleep problems were female gender, depression, pain, and hypnotic-sedative use. Conclusions. Sleep problems were common in this very old population. These results suggest the importance of carefully assessing an older person's complaints to accurately diagnose and effectively treat sleep problems.
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19. |
- Giron, Maria Stella T, et al.
(author)
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The appropriateness of drug use in an older nondemented and demented population
- 2001
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In: Journal of The American Geriatrics Society. - : Wiley. - 0002-8614 .- 1532-5415. ; 49:3, s. 277-83
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- OBJECTIVE: To assess the extent of inappropriateness of drug use in an older nondemented and demented population. DESIGN: Descriptive analysis based on data from a sample of older subjects age 81 years and older. Data were collected from the second follow-up conducted in 1994–1996. SETTING: A population-based study of the Kungsholmen project in Stockholm, Sweden. PARTICIPANTS: Drug information was obtained from 681 subjects with a mean age of 86.9 years. The subjects were predominantly women (78%). Thirteen percent resided in institutions and 27.6% were diagnosed with dementia. MEASUREMENTS: Dementia diagnosis based on DSM III-R. Criteria for inappropriateness of drug use: use of drugs with potent anticholinergic properties, drug duplication, potential drug-drug and drug-disease interactions, and inappropriate drug dosage. RESULTS: The mean number of drugs used was 4.6: 4.5 drugs for nondemented and 4.8 for demented subjects. Nondemented subjects more commonly used cardiovascular-system drugs and demented subjects used nervous-system drugs. Demented subjects were more commonly exposed to drug duplication and to drugs with potent anticholinergic properties, both involving the use of psychotropic drugs. Nondemented subjects were more commonly exposed to potential drug-disease interactions, mostly with the use of cardiovascular drugs. The most common drug combination leading to a potential interaction was the use of digoxin with furosemide, occurring more frequently among nondemented subjects. The most common drug-disease interaction was the use of beta-blockers and calcium antagonists in subjects with congestive heart failure. The doses of drugs taken by both nondemented and demented subjects were mostly lower than the defined daily dose. CONCLUSION: There was substantial exposure to presumptive inappropriateness of drug use in this very old nondemented and demented population. The exposure of demented subjects to psychotropic drugs and nondemented subjects to cardiovascular drugs reflect the high frequency of prescribing these drugs in this population.
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20. |
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21. |
- Grande, Giulia, et al.
(author)
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Drug Use in Older Adults with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Near the End of Life
- 2017
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In: Drugs & Aging. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1170-229X .- 1179-1969. ; 34:7, s. 529-533
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), with its certain prognosis and swift progression, raises concerns regarding the adequacy of pharmacological treatment, including the risk-benefit profiles of prescribed drugs. Objective Our objective was to evaluate the use of prescription drugs over the course of the last year of life in older adults with ALS. Methods We conducted a nationwide retrospective cohort study of older adults who died with ALS in Sweden between 2007 and 2013. The primary outcome was the number of prescription drugs to which individuals were exposed during the last 12 months before death. Results The overall proportion of individuals receiving ten or more different prescription drugs increased from 19% at 12 months before death to 37% during the last month of life. Institutionalization was independently associated with polypharmacy near the end of life (odds ratio 1.84; 95% confidence interval 1.42-2.39). Conclusion Future research is needed to assess the time to benefit of treatments and to develop guidelines for medication discontinuation in advanced ALS.
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22. |
- Gransjön Craftman, Åsa, et al.
(author)
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Time trends in 20 years of medication use in older adults : Findings from three elderly cohorts in Stockholm, Sweden.
- 2015
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In: Archives of gerontology and geriatrics (Print). - : Elsevier. - 0167-4943 .- 1872-6976. ; 63, s. 28-35
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- New drugs and expanded drug indications are constantly being introduced. Welfare states strive to provide equity in drug treatment for all of its citizens and todaýs healthcare systems spend financial resources on drugs for the elderly in a higher rate than for any other age group. Drug utilization in elderly persons has an impact in health and wellbeing in older people.THE PURPOSE OF THE RESEARCH: It was to describe the changes in medication use including people aged 78 years and over regardless of residence and other characteristics over 20 years.MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study population consisted of 4304 participants in three population-based cross-sectional surveys conducted in the Kungsholmen area of central Stockholm, Sweden. The participant's current drug utilization was reviewed by physicians following standardized protocols. Data were statistical analyzed. Logistic regression models was used to estimate odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals for use of analgesics and psychotropic drugs in the cohorts of 2001 and 2007, controlling for age, gender, education and cognition.THE PRINCIPAL RESULTS AND MAJOR CONCLUSIONS: Results shows that the prevalence of medication use and polypharmacy in older adults has increased dramatically the late 1980s to the 2000s in central Stockholm, Sweden. In particular, the use of analgesics increased significantly, while some drug groups decreased, i.e., antipsychotics. Women used more medication than men in all three cohorts. Older adults living in service buildings used the largest amount of drugs in 1987, whereas those living in institutions were the most frequent users in 2001 and 2007.
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23. |
- Haasum, Ylva, et al.
(author)
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Different patterns in use of antibiotics for lower urinary tract infection in institutionalized and home-dwelling elderly : a register-based study
- 2012
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In: European Journal of Clinical Pharmacology. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0031-6970 .- 1432-1041. ; 69:3, s. 665-671
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- PurposeWe compared the quality and pattern of use of antibiotics to treat urinary tract infection (UTI) between institutionalized and home-dwelling elderly.MethodsWe analyzed the quality of use of UTI antibiotics in Swedish people aged ≥65 years at 30 September 2008 (1,260,843 home-dwelling and 86,721 institutionalized elderly). Data regarding drug use, age and sex were retrieved from the Swedish Prescribed Drug Register and information about type of housing from the Social Services Register. In women, we assessed: (1) the proportion who use quinolones (should be as low as possible); (2) the proportion treated with the recommended drugs (pivmecillinam, nitrofurantoin, or trimethoprim) (proportions should be about 40 %, 40 % and 15-20 %, respectively); In men, we assessed: (1) the proportion who used quinolones or trimethoprim (should be as high as possible).ResultsThe 1-day point prevalence for antibiotic use for UTI was 1.6 % among institutionalized and 0.9 % among home-dwelling elderly. Of these, about 15 % of institutionalized and 19 % of home-dwelling women used quinolones. The proportion of women treated with the recommended drugs pivmecillinam, nitrofurantoin or trimethoprim was 29 %, 27 % and 45 % in institutions and 40 %, 28 % and 34 % for home-dwellers. In men treated with antibiotics for UTI, quinolones or trimethoprim were used by about 76 % in institutions and 85 % in home-dwellers.ConclusionsOur results indicate that recommendations for UTI treatment with antibiotics are not adequately followed. The high use of trimethoprim amongst institutionalized women and the low use of quinolones or trimethoprim among institutionalized men need further investigation.
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24. |
- Haasum, Ylva, et al.
(author)
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Institutionalization as a Risk Factor for Inappropriate Drug Use in the Elderly : A Swedish Nationwide Register-Based Study
- 2012
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In: The Annals of Pharmacotherapy. - 1060-0280 .- 1542-6270. ; 46:3, s. 339-346
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Few studies have investigated institutionalization as a potential risk factor for potentially inappropriate drug use (PIDU). Sweden now has unique possibilities for comparisons of drug use in large populations of institutionalized and home-dwelling elderly through linkage of the Swedish Prescribed Drug Register (SPDR) with the Swedish Social Services Register. OBJECTIVE: To compare PIDU in institutionalized versus home-dwelling elderly persons in Sweden. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional retrospective study of 1,260,843 home-dwelling and 86,721 institutionalized elderly individuals. We analyzed data on age, sex, and dispensed drugs for individuals aged 65 years or older registered in the SPDR from July to September 2008. Data on type of housing were retrieved from the Social Services Register. The main outcome measures of PIDU were use of anticholinergic drugs, long-acting benzodiazepines, concurrent use of 3 or more psychotropics, and potentially serious drug-drug interactions (DDIs). RESULTS: Thirty percent of the institutionalized and 12% of the home-dwelling elderly were exposed to PIDU. Living in an institution was strongly associated with overall PIDU (OR 2.36; 95% Cl 2.29 to 2.44), use of anticholinergic drugs (OR 2.58; 95% Cl 2.48 to 2.68), long-acting benzodiazepines (OR 1.50; 95% Cl 1.41 to 1.60), and concurrent use of 3 or more psychotropics (OR 7.26; 95% Cl 6.96 to 7.59), after controlling for age, sex, and number of drugs (used as proxy for comorbidity). However, institutionalization was associated with a lower probability of potentially serious DDIs (OR 0.60; 95% Cl 0.55 to 0.65). CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that institutionalization is a potential risk factor for PIDU. This implies that more cautious prescribing is warranted in institutions, where the frailest and most vulnerable elderly individuals reside. Research is needed to identify underlying risk factors for PIDU within these settings.
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25. |
- Haasum, Ylva, et al.
(author)
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Pain Treatment in Elderly Persons With and Without Dementia : A population-Based Study of Institutionalized and Home-Dwelling Elderly
- 2011
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In: Drugs & Aging. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1170-229X .- 1179-1969. ; 28:4, s. 283-293
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Several previous studies have reported an undertreatment of pain in elderly persons with dementia. It has also been suggested that persons with dementia may be at risk for inappropriate treatment of pain with psychotropics.Objectives: The objective of this study was to investigate if persons with dementia are as likely as persons without dementia to receive pharmacological pain treatment, after taking into account residential setting and pain-related disorders. We also aimed to investigate whether use of psychotropics is related to pain in persons with and without dementia.Methods: We used baseline data from the SNAC-K (Swedish National Study of Aging and Care – Kungsholmen). We analysed use of analgesics and psychotropics, prevalence of pain-related diagnoses, self-reported pain, dementia status and residential setting in 2610 participants aged >65 years.Results: Of the persons with dementia, 46% used at least one analgesic drug compared with 25% of those without dementia. Although persons with dementia reported pain less frequently than persons without dementia, the prevalence of pain-related diagnoses was similar. After adjustment for individual factors and residential setting (own home/institution), persons with dementia had a higher probability of use of paracetamol (acetaminophen) and psychotropics, whereas there were no significant differences in use of any analgesic, opioids and NSAIDs. Furthermore, having a pain-related diagnosis was associated with use of psychotropics in persons with dementia.Conclusions: Persons with dementia had a higher probability of use of paracetamol and were about as likely as persons without dementia to use any analgesic, opioids and NSAIDs, after adjustment for confounders. This may reflect a recent increased awareness of pain and pain management in persons with dementia, compared with previous studies that have reported an underuse of analgesics in persons with dementia. However, further research is needed to analyse if persons with dementia are appropriately treated for pain with regard to type of analgesic drug, pain intensity, indication, dosage and regimen.
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26. |
- Haasum, Ylva, et al.
(author)
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Undertreatment of osteoporosis in persons with dementia? A population-based study
- 2012
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In: Osteoporosis International. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0937-941X .- 1433-2965. ; 23:3, s. 1061-1068
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Summary: In this population-based study of more than 2,600 elderly, people with dementia received less preventive treatment for osteoporosis compared to people without dementia, although osteoporotic fractures were more common in patients with dementia. Thus, our results indicate an undertreatment of osteoporosis in dementia.Introduction: This study compares the use of osteoporosis drugs in elderly with and without dementia, taking into account osteoporotic fractures and type of housing.Methods: We analyzed data from the baseline examination (2001–2004) of The Swedish National Study on Aging and Care- Kungsholmen (SNAC-K), Stockholm, Sweden. Participants were aged ≥66 years (n = 2610). We analysed the use of bisphosphonates, raloxifene, and calcium/vitamin D combinations in relation to clinically based dementia diagnosis. Information about osteoporotic fractures during the previous 4 years was obtained from the Swedish National Patient Register. We used logistic regression to analyze the association between dementia status and use of osteoporosis drugs.Results: Osteoporosis drugs (mainly calcium/vitamin D combinations) were used by 5% of the persons with dementia and 12% of the persons without dementia. Furthermore, 25% of the persons with dementia and 7% of the persons without dementia had had at least one osteoporotic fracture during the past 4 years. After controlling for age, sex, osteoporotic fractures, and type of housing (own home or institution), persons with dementia were less likely to use osteoporosis drugs than persons without dementia (OR = 0.34; 95% CI, 0.19–0.59).Conclusions: Our results indicate an undertreatment of osteoporosis in persons with dementia, although osteoporotic fractures are common among these patients.
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27. |
- Haasum, Ylva, et al.
(author)
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Use of antidepressants in Parkinson's disease : A Swedish register-based study of over 1.5 million older people
- 2016
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In: Parkinsonism & Related Disorders. - : Elsevier BV. - 1353-8020 .- 1873-5126. ; 27, s. 85-88
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Introduction: It has been suggested that depression in Parkinson's Disease (PD) is often unrecognized and undertreated. However, few previous studies have studied the use of antidepressants in a large sample of both home-dwelling and institutionalized elderly persons with PD. We aimed to study the use of antidepressants in older persons using anti-parkinson drugs (APD, used as a proxy for PD), stratified by residential setting. Methods: We analyzed individual data on age, sex, residential setting and drug use in over 1.5 million older persons in the Swedish Prescribed Drug Register on 31th of December 2013. Results: Twenty-two percent of the home-dwellers and 50% of the institutionalized elderly persons with APD used antidepressants. Persons with APD had a higher probability of use of any antidepressant compared to persons without APD. A selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) was the most commonly used antidepressants in both settings followed by mirtazapin. Conclusions: The high use of antidepressants among older persons with APD warrants further studies on the quality of treatment of depression in PD.
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28. |
- Haasum, Ylva, et al.
(author)
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Use of Fall-Risk Inducing Drugs in Patients Using Anti-Parkinson Drugs (APD) : A Swedish Register-Based Study
- 2016
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In: PLOS ONE. - : Public Library of Science (PLoS). - 1932-6203. ; 11:8
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objectives: Many drugs increase the risk of falls in old age. Although persons with Parkinson's disease (PD) are at increased risk of experiencing falls and fractures, the use of fall-risk inducing drugs (FRIDs) in this population has not previously been investigated. The objective of this study was to investigate the burden of use of FRIDs in older persons treated with anti-Parkinson drugs (APD; used as a proxy for PD), compared to persons without APD.Methods: We analyzed individual data on age, sex, type of housing and drug use in 1 346 709 persons aged >= 65 years in the Swedish Prescribed Drug Register on the date of 30 September 2008. Main outcome measure was the use of FRIDs.Results: FRIDs were used by 79% of persons with APD and 75% of persons without APD. Persons with APD were more likely to use >= 1 FRIDs compared to persons without APD (adjusted OR: 1.09; 95% CI: 1.06-1-12). The association was stronger for concomitant use of >= 5 FRIDS (adjusted OR: 1.49; 95% CI: 1.44-1.55).Conclusions: The high use of FRIDs among persons with APD indicates that these patients may be at increased risk of drug-induced falls. Further studies are needed to investigate how these drugs affect the risk of falling in persons with PD.
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29. |
- Haider, Syed Imran, et al.
(author)
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Patient educational level and use of newly marketed drugs : a register-based study of over 600,000 older people
- 2008
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In: European Journal of Clinical Pharmacology. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0031-6970 .- 1432-1041. ; 64:12, s. 1215-1222
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objective To examine the association between educational level and the use of newly marketed drugs (NMD) among elderly persons. Methods We conducted a register-based, retrospective, cross-sectional study of 626,258 people aged 75-89 years who filled at least one drug prescription from August to October 2005 and who, consequently, were registered in the Swedish Prescribed Drug Register (SPDR). Data from the SPDR were record-linked to the Swedish National Inpatient Register and the Education Register. Newly marketed drugs were defined as new chemical entities that had been approved in Sweden between 2000 and 2004. Results Overall, NMD were prescribed to 7.3% of the study population. The use of NMD increased with increasing educational level (6.9% for the lowest educated elderly and 8.1% for the highest educated elderly), and education was associated with NMD [odds ratio (OR) 0.82; 95% confidence interval (CI)] 0.80-0.88 for <9 compared with >= 13 years of education) after adjustment for age, sex, type of residential area and number of dispensed drugs. Decreasing educational level was associated with a lower probability of using most of the NMD, especially oseltamivir (adjusted OR 0.16; 95% CI 0.12-0.22 for <9 years of education compared with >= 13 years of education) and ezetimibe. Conclusions This study suggests that education-related inequalities in NMD use may exist even in a healthcare system that claims to ensure a high degree of equity. Future research is required to explain why educational level influences the selection of new drugs and whether it has any impact on health outcomes.
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30. |
- Hedna, Khedidja, 1978-
(author)
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Inappropriate prescribing, non-adherence to long-term medications and related morbidities : Pharmacoepidemiological aspects
- 2015
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Doctoral thesis (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Background: Inappropriate use of medications (IUM), in particular inappropriate prescribing and non-adherence to prescribed medications, are important causes of drug-related morbidities (DRMs). They are increasing problems with the ageing populations and the growing burden of chronic conditions. However, research is needed on the association of IUMs with DRMs in outpatient settings and in the general population.Aim: The aim of this thesis is to estimate and analyse the burden of potentially inappropriate prescriptions (PIPs) in the elderly and non-adherence to long-term medications among adults across care settings, and to investigate how IUM is associated to DRMs.Methods: A meta-analysis summarised the previous evidence on the percentage of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) associated to IUM across healthcare settings (Study I). From a cohort in the general population, using medical records and register data, the prevalence of PIPs in the elderly and its association with ADRs were estimated retrospectively (Study II). From the same cohort, the factors associated with refill non-adherence to antihypertensive therapy, considering the use of multiple medications, and the association between non-adherence and sub-therapeutic effects (STEs) were investigated (Study III). A survey assessed the refill behaviour to antihypertensive, lipid lowering and oral antidiabetic medications (undersupply, adequate supply and oversupply), and its association with perceived ADRs and STEs (Study IV).Results: IUM was the cause 52% and 45% of ADRs occurring in adult outpatients and inpatients respectively. Across healthcare settings, 46% of the elderly refilled PIPs over a 6-month period; PIPs were considered the cause of 30% of all ADRs; and the elderly who were prescribed PIPs had increased odds to experience ADRs (OR 2.47, 95% CI 1.65-3.69). In total, 35% was nonadherent to the full multidrug therapy and 13% was non-adherent to any medication (complete non-adherence). Sociodemographic factors (working age and lower income) were associated with non-adherence to any medication, while clinical factors (use of specialised care, use of multiple medications, and being a new user) with non-adherence to the full multidrug therapy. STEs were associated with non-adherence to any medication a month prior to a healthcare visit (OR 3.27, 95% CI 1.27-8.49), but not with long-term measures of non-adherence. Among survey respondents, 22% of the medications were oversupplied and 12% were undersupplied. Inadequate refill behaviour was not associated with reporting ADRs or STEs (p<0.05).Conclusions: A large proportion of ADRs occurring in hospital is caused by IUM, but more knowledge is needed in other settings. PIPs are common in the elderly general population and associated with ADRs. Therefore decreasing PIPs could contribute towards ADR prevention. Considering the use of multiple medications may help to better understand the factors associated with non-adherence to a multidrug therapy for tailoring the interventions to patient needs. Monitoring the adherence prior to a healthcare visit may facilitate interpreting STEs. Yet, the absence of an association between long-term measures of refill non-adherence with clinical and perceived DRMs suggest the need to enhance the knowledge of this association in clinical practice. In summary, this thesis shows a significant potential for improvements of medication use and outcomes.
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31. |
- Jedenius, Erik, et al.
(author)
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Dementia management programme in a community setting and the use of psychotropic drugs in the elderly population
- 2011
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In: Scandinavian Journal of Primary Health Care. - : Informa UK Limited. - 0281-3432 .- 1502-7724. ; 29:3, s. 181-186
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background and objective. The number of elderly persons in society is increasing, placing additional demands on the public health system. Extensive use of drugs is common in the elderly, and in patients with dementia this further increases their vulnerability. Since 1998 the municipality of Kalmar, Sweden, has worked with a dementia management programme that focuses on early intervention in order to identify the patient's help needs at an early stage. An important part of the programme aims at optimizing pharmacological treatment. The objective of the present study is to evaluate whether the dementia programme had a secondary effect on the use of psychotropic medication in the elderly population in general. Design and setting. A retrospective, drug utilization study analysing the use of selected drug categories by the elderly (75 years and older) in the Kalmar municipality compared with the whole of Sweden. Results and conclusions. The results suggest that the dementia programme contributed to an improvement in psychotropic drug use in the elderly as a secondary effect. Furthermore, the implementation of this programme did not require allocation of extra funding.
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32. |
- Johansson-Pajala, Rose-Marie, et al.
(author)
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Nurses in municipal care of the elderly act as pharmacovigilant intermediaries : a qualitative study of medication management
- 2016
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In: Scandinavian Journal of Primary Health Care. - : Informa UK Limited. - 0281-3432 .- 1502-7724. ; 34:1, s. 37-45
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objective: To explore registered nurses' experience of medication management in municipal care of the elderly in Sweden, with a focus on their pharmacovigilant activities. Design: A qualitative approach using focus-group discussions was chosen in order to provide in-depth information. Data were analysed by qualitative content analysis. Setting: Five focus groups in five different long-term care settings in two regions in Sweden. Subject: A total of 21 registered nurses (RNs), four men and 17 women, aged 27-65 years, with 4-34 years of nursing experience. Results: The findings reveal that RNs in municipal long-term care settings can be regarded as vigilant intermediaries in the patients' drug treatments. They continuously control the work of staff and physicians and mediate between them, and also compensate for existing shortcomings, both organizational and in the work of health care professionals. RNs depend on other health care professionals to be able to monitor drug treatments and ensure medication safety. They assume expanded responsibilities, sometimes exceeding their formal competence, and try to cover for deficiencies in competence, experience, accessibility, and responsibility-taking. Conclusion: The RNs play a central but also complex role as vigilant intermediaries in the medication monitoring process, including the issue of responsibility. Improving RNs' possibility to monitor their patients' drug treatments would enable them to prevent adverse drug events in their daily practice. New strategies are justified to facilitate RNs' pharmacovigilant activities.
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33. |
- Johansson-Pajala, Rose-Marie, et al.
(author)
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Nurses' use of computerised decision support systems affects drug monitoring in nursing homes
- 2017
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In: Journal of Nursing Management. - : Hindawi Limited. - 0966-0429 .- 1365-2834. ; 25:1, s. 56-64
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- AimTo describe variations in nurses' perceptions of using a computerised decision support system (CDSS) in drug monitoring. BackgroundThere is an increasing focus on incorporating informatics into registered nurses' (RNs) clinical practice. Insight into RNs' perceptions of using a CDSS in drug monitoring can provide a basis for further development of safer practices in drug management. MethodA qualitative interview study of 16 RNs. Data were analysed using a phenomenographic approach. ResultsThe RNs perceived a variety of aspects of using a CDSS in drug monitoring. Aspects of time' were evident, as was giving a standardisation' to the clinical work. There were perceptions of effects of obtained knowledge and evidence' and the division of responsibilities' between RNs and physicians of using the CDSS. ConclusionThe RNs perceived a CDSS as supportive in drug monitoring, in terms of promoting standardised routines, team-collaboration and providing possibilities for evidence-based clinical practice. ImplicationsImplementing a CDSS seems to be one feasible strategy to improve RNs' preconditions for safe drug management. Nurse managers' engagement and support in this process are vital for a successful result.
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34. |
- Johansson-Pajala, Rose-Marie
(author)
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Pharmacovigilance in municipal elderly care : From a nursing perspective
- 2017
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Doctoral thesis (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Medication management constitutes a large part of registered nurses' (RNs) daily work in municipal elderly care. They are responsible for monitoring multimorbid older persons with extensive treatments, and they often work alone, without daily access to physicians. RNs’ drug monitoring is, in this thesis, based on the concept of pharmacovigilance. Pharmacovigilance is about the science and the activities that aim to improve patient care and safety in drug use, that is, to detect, assess, understand and prevent drug-related problems.The overall aim was to explore conditions for pharmacovigilance from a nursing perspective, focusing on implications of RNs’ competence and use of a computerized decision support system (CDSS). Both quantitative and qualitative research methods were used, including a questionnaire (I), focus group discussions (II), individual interviews (III) and an intervention study (IV). In total 216 RNs and 54 older persons participated from 13 special accommodations, located in three different regions.RNs who had completed further training in pharmacovigilance rated their medication competence higher than those who had not. However, there was no difference between groups in the number of pharmacovigilant activities they performed in clinical practice (I). The RNs appeared to act as “vigilant intermediaries” in drug treatment. They depended on the nursing staff's observations of drug-related problems. The RNs continuously controlled the work of staff and physicians, and attempted to compensate for shortcomings in competence, accessibility and continuity (II). RNs’ use of a CDSS was found to affect drug monitoring, including aspects of time, responsibility, standardization of the work, as well as access to knowledge and opportunities for evidence-based care (III). The CDSS detected significantly more drug-related problems when conducting medication reviews, than the RNs did. Nevertheless, this did not result in any significant improvement in the quality of drug use in the follow up, three and six months later (IV).This thesis contributes to the recognition of pharmacovigilance from a nursing perspective. Increased medication competence seems to be insufficient to generate pharmacovigilant activities. RNs depend on other health care professionals and organizational conditions in order to perform their work. A CDSS has the potential to support RNs, both in structured medication reviews and in daily clinical practice. Inter-professional collaboration is crucial, with or without a CDSS, and the entire team needs to be aware of and take responsibility. Other important conditions is the existence of well-functioning communication channels, competence across the team, and established procedures based on current guidelines.
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35. |
- Johnell, Kristina, et al.
(author)
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Antiepileptic drug use in community-dwelling and institutionalized elderly : a nationwide study of over 1 300 000 older people
- 2011
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In: European Journal of Clinical Pharmacology. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0031-6970 .- 1432-1041. ; 51, s. 629-629
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- To investigate whether institutionalization is associated with the use of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) and to compare the association between use of AEDs and psychotropics in community-dwelling and institutionalized elderly, after adjustment for age, sex and co-morbidity (i.e. number of other drugs). We analyzed data on age, sex and dispensed drugs for individuals aged a parts per thousand yen65 years registered in the Swedish Prescribed Drug Register from July to September 2008, record-linked to the Swedish Social Services Register (n = 1 345 273: 1 258 565 community-dwelling and 86 708 institutionalized elderly). Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to analyze whether institutionalization and use of psychotropics (i.e. antipsychotics, anxiolytics, hypnotics/sedatives and antidepressants) were associated with the use of AEDs. AEDs were used by 2% of the community-dwelling and 9% of the institutionalized elderly. The most commonly used AEDs were carbamazepine, gabapentin, pregabalin, valproic acid and lamotrigine. Institutionalization was strongly associated with AED use (OR(adjusted) = 3.98; 95% CI 3.86-4.10). In community-dwelling elderly, AED use was associated with an increased probability of use of all types of psychotropics. However, among institutionalized elderly, the associations between use of AEDs and psychotropics showed a mixed pattern. AED use seems to be common among Swedish institutionalized elderly, and institutionalization is a strong determinant of AED use. Our results may also indicate an off-label prescribing of AEDs as an alternative to psychotropics in the institutional setting. This finding needs to be confirmed by others and evaluated with respect to outcomes of this treatment in institutionalized elderly.
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36. |
- Johnell, Kristina, et al.
(author)
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Comparison of prescription drug use between community dwelling and institutionalized elderly in Sweden
- 2012
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In: Drugs & Aging. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1170-229X .- 1179-1969. ; 29:9, s. 751-758
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background Most previous studies about drug use in the elderly population have either investigated drug use in institutions or in the community-dwelling setting. Hence, very few studies have compared drug use in institutionalized and community-dwelling elderly, maybe because of a lack of sufficiently large databases. Objective The aim of the study was to investigate differences in drug use patterns between community-dwelling and institutionalized elderly, after adjustment for age, gender and number of other drugs (used as a proxy for overall co-morbidity). Methods We analysed data from individuals aged >= 65 years who filled at least one drug prescription between July and September 2008 and were consequently registered in the Swedish Prescribed Drug Register (n = 1,347,564; 1,260,843 community-dwelling and 86,721 institutionalized elderly). A list of current prescriptions was constructed for every individual on the arbitrarily chosen date 30 September 2008. Outcome measures were the 20 most common drug classes and the 20 most common individual drugs. Logistic regression analysis was used to investigate whether institutionalization was associated with use of these drugs, after adjustment for age, gender and number of other drugs. Results Institutionalized elderly were more likely than community-dwelling elderly to use antidepressants, laxatives, minor analgesics, opioids and hypnotics/sedatives, after adjustment for age, gender and number of other drugs. On the contrary, institutionalization was negatively associated with use of lipid modifying agents, angiotensin II antagonists, selective calcium channel blockers, beta-blocking agents and ACE inhibitors, after adjustment for age, gender and number of other drugs. Conclusions Our results indicate that institutionalized elderly are more likely than community-dwelling elderly to use psychotropics, analgesics and laxatives, but less likely to receive recommended cardiovascular drug therapy, which may indicate a need for implementation of evidencebased guidelines for drug treatment in this vulnerable group of elderly patients. Further research is needed to elucidate to what extent the differences in drug use between community-dwelling and institutionalized elderly are explained by different underlying disease patterns and by different prescribing traditions in the different settings.
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37. |
- Johnell, Kristina, et al.
(author)
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Gender and use of hypnotics or sedatives in old age : a nationwide register-based study
- 2011
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In: International Journal of Clinical Pharmacy. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 2210-7703 .- 2210-7711. ; 33:5, s. 788-793
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objective To investigate whether gender is associated with use of hypnotics or sedatives and with different types of hypnotics or sedatives in older people after adjustment for age, socioeconomic status (i.e., education) and co-morbidity (i.e., number of other drugs). Setting Sweden Method We conducted a register-based analysis of data on gender, age, dispensed drugs, and education from people aged 75-89 years registered in the Swedish Prescribed Drug Register between July and October 2005 (n = 645,429). Main outcome measure The hypnotic or sedative drug classes were benzodiazepines, benzodiazepine related drugs (i.e., Z-drugs) and other types of hypnotics or sedatives. The individual hypnotics or sedatives were nitrazepam, flunitrazepam, triazolam, zopiclone, zolpidem, clomethiazole and propiomazine. Results In the total study population, 27.1% of the women and 18.1% of the men were dispensed at least one hypnotic or sedative drug. The logistic regression analyses of those who used hypnotics or sedatives (n = 151,700) revealed that women were more likely than men to use benzodiazepines (adjusted OR = 1.11; 95% CI 1.07-1.14) and benzodiazepine related drugs (adjusted OR = 1.14; 95% CI 1.12-1.17), whereas men were more likely to use other types of hypnotics or sedatives (adjusted OR = 0.69; 95% CI 0.67-0.71). Among the individual hypnotics or sedatives, the strongest associations with gender was found for nitrazepam (adjusted OR = 1.19; 95% CI 1.14-1.25 for women compared with men), zolpidem (adjusted OR = 1.18; 95% CI 1.16-1.21), clomethiazole (adjusted OR = 0.48; 95% CI 0.46-0.51) and propiomazine (adjusted OR = 0.77; 95% CI 0.75-0.79). Conclusion Use of hypnotics or sedatives in old age seems to be related to female gender. Also, among elderly users of hypnotics or sedatives, women appear to be more likely to use benzodiazepines and benzodiazepine related drugs than men. The explanation to these gender differences merits further investigation.
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38. |
- Johnell, Kristina, et al.
(author)
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Psychotropic drugs and the risk of fall injuries, hospitalisations and mortality among older adults
- 2017
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In: International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry. - : Wiley. - 0885-6230 .- 1099-1166. ; 32:4, s. 414-420
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- ObjectiveTo investigate whether psychotropics are associated with an increased risk of fall injuries, hospitalizations, and mortality in a large general population of older adults.MethodsWe performed a nationwide matched (age, sex, and case event day) case–control study between 1 January and 31 December 2011 based on several Swedish registers (n = 1,288,875 persons aged ≥65 years). We used multivariate conditional logistic regression adjusted for education, number of inpatient days, Charlson co-morbidity index, dementia and number of other drugs.ResultsAntidepressants were the psychotropic most strongly related to fall injuries (ORadjusted: 1.42; 95% CI: 1.38–1.45) and antipsychotics to hospitalizations (ORadjusted: 1.22; 95% CI: 1.19–1.24) and death (ORadjusted: 2.10; 95% CI: 2.02–2.17). Number of psychotropics was associated with increased the risk of fall injuries, (4 psychotropics vs 0: ORadjusted: 1.53; 95% CI: 1.39–1.68), hospitalization (4 psychotropics vs 0: ORadjusted: 1.27; 95% CI: 1.22–1.33) and death (4 psychotropics vs 0: ORadjusted: 2.50; 95% CI: 2.33–2.69) in a dose–response manner. Among persons with dementia (n = 58,984), a dose–response relationship was found between number of psychotropics and mortality risk (4 psychotropics vs 0: ORadjusted: 1.99; 95% CI: 1.76–2.25).ConclusionsOur findings support a cautious prescribing of multiple psychotropic drugs to older patients. © 2016 The Authors. International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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39. |
- Kalpouzos, Grégoria, et al.
(author)
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Telomerase Gene (hTERT) and Survival : Results From Two Swedish Cohorts of Older Adults
- 2016
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In: The journals of gerontology. Series A, Biological sciences and medical sciences. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1079-5006 .- 1758-535X. ; 71:2, s. 188-195
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Telomere length has been associated with longevity. As telomere length is partly determined by the human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT), we investigated the association between an hTERT polymorphism located in its promoter region ((-) (1327)T/C) and longevity in two cohorts of older adults. Participants from the Kungsholmen project (KP; n = 1,205) and the Swedish National study of Aging and Care in Kungsholmen (SNAC-K; n = 2,764) were followed for an average period of 7.5 years. The main outcomes were hazard ratios (HR) of mortality and median age at death. In both cohorts, mortality was lower in female T/T carriers, aged 75+ years in KP (HR = 0.8, 95% CI: 0.5-0.9) and 78+ years in SNAC-K (HR = 0.6, 95% CI: 0.4-0.8) compared with female C/C carriers. T/T carriers died 1.8-3 years later than the C/C carriers. This effect was not present in men, neither in SNAC-K women aged 60-72 years. The association was not modified by presence of cancer, cardiovascular diseases, number of chronic diseases, or markers of inflammation, and did not interact with APOE genotype or estrogen replacement therapy. The gender-specific increased survival in T/T carriers can be due to a synergistic effect between genetic background and the life-long exposure to endogenous estrogen.
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40. |
- Koponen, Marjaana, et al.
(author)
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Incidence of antipsychotic use in relation to diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease among community-dwelling persons
- 2015
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In: British Journal of Psychiatry. - : Royal College of Psychiatrists. - 0007-1250 .- 1472-1465. ; 207:5, s. 444-449
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background Behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia are frequently treated with antipsychotics. Aims To determine the incidence of antipsychotic use in relation to diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease. Method Cohort of all community-dwellers in Finland diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in 2005 and matched controls. All antipsychotics dispensed between 1995 and 2009 were extracted from the Finnish National Prescription Register. Results Altogether 1996/6087 (32.8%) persons with Alzheimer's disease initiated antipsychotic use. The incidence of antipsychotic use was fivefold among persons with Alzheimer's disease compared with controls, started to increase 2-3 years before diagnosis and was highest during the first 6 months after diagnosis. Conclusions A distinct increase in antipsychotic initiations occurs in the same time window as Alzheimer's disease diagnosis.
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41. |
- Krigsman, Kristin, 1979-
(author)
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Refill Adherence to Long-Term Drug Treatment with a Focus on Asthma/COPD Medication
- 2007
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Doctoral thesis (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Most patients are non-adherent with their medication sometimes, i.e. that they do not always use their medicines as prescribed. This might result in both under- and overuse and can lead to therapy failure, resulting in both unnecessary suffering and high costs. Therefore, medication adherence should be as high as possible. The aims of this thesis were to investigate the refill adherence to long-term drug treatment, especially for patients with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and to study treatment gaps for patients with undersupply and drug costs for patients with oversupply. Further aims were to compare different methods for assessing refill adherence and analyse whether the same patient has the same refill adherence pattern to two different chronic drug treatments, i.e. diabetes and asthma/COPD. The thesis shows that satisfactory refill adherence (80-120% of the prescribed dose) was 57% for repeat prescriptions with long-term drug treatment; undersupply was 21% and oversupply 22%. Patients with undersupply were without drugs more than half of the prescribed treatment time and the median oversupply for 90-100 days dispensation interval was 28 days. Patients who were exempt from charges had significantly higher oversupply than non-exempt patients and that leads to unnecessary cost for society. The level of satisfactory refill adherence for repeat prescriptions dispensed for asthma/COPD was on average 30%. The same low level was displayed for the elderly, where undersupply was more common than oversupply. Assessments of refill adherence during a one-year period gave the same results irrespective of whether the repeat prescriptions were from an individual pharmacy record database or were manually collected at a pharmacy.Patients with concomitant use of diabetes and asthma/COPD drugs do not have the same dispensation pattern for both drug types. The introduction of patient profiles as a new approach to complement the calculated refill adherence needs to be further studied in larger and more divergent populations. In the future, the new national pharmacy record database in Sweden has opened up for larger studies and will be valuable when studying patterns of drug utilization.
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42. |
- Lagerin, Annica, et al.
(author)
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District nurses' experiences of using a clinical decision support system and an assessment tool at elderly care units in primary health care : a qualitative study
- 2021
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In: Primary Health Care Research and Development. - 1463-4236 .- 1477-1128. ; 22
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Aim: The present study aimed to describe the experience of district nurses (DNs) in using a clinical decision support system (CDSS) and the safe medication assessment (SMA) tool during patient visits to elderly care units at primary health care centres. Background: In Swedish primary health care, general practitioners (GPs) prescribe and have the responsibility to regularly review older adults' medications, while DN (nurses specialised in primary health care) play an important role in assessing older adults' ability to manage their medications, detecting potential drug-related problems and communicating with patients and GPs about such problems. In a previous feasibility study, we found that DNs who use a combination of a CDSS and the SMA tool identified numerous potentially harmful or dangerous factors and took a number of nursing care actions to improve the safety and quality of patients' medication use. In telephone interviews, patients indicated that they were positive towards the assessment and interventions. Methods: Individual interviews with seven DNs who worked at six different primary health care centres in Region Stockholm were carried out in 2018. In 2019, an additional group interview was conducted with two of the seven DNs so they could discuss and comment on preliminary findings. Qualitative content analysis was used to analyse the interview transcripts. Findings: Using the tools, the DNs could have a natural conversation about medication use with older adults. They could get a clear picture of the older adults' medication use and thus obtain information that could facilitate collaboration with GPs about this important component of health care for older adults. However, for the tools to be used in clinical practice, some barriers would have to be overcome, such as the time-consuming nature of using the tools and the lack of established routines for interprofessional collaboration regarding medication discussions.
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43. |
- Lagerin, Annica, et al.
(author)
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District nurses' use of a decision support and assessment tool to improve the quality and safety of medication use in older adults : a feasibility study
- 2020
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In: Primary Health Care Research and Development. - 1463-4236 .- 1477-1128. ; 21
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Aim: To investigate whether district nurses (DNs) can identify factors related to the quality and safety of medication use among older patients via a clinical decision support system (CDSS) for medication and an instrument for assessing the safety of drug use [the Safe Medication Assessment tool (SMA)]. A secondary aim was to describe patients' experiences of the assessment. Background: DNs in Stockholm County have the opportunity to establish special units at primary health care centers (PHCCs) for patients aged 75 years and older. The units conduct drug utilization reviews and create care plans for older adults. Methods: Nine DNs at 7 PHCCs in Stockholm County used the tools with 45 patients aged 75 years and older who used one or more drugs. Outcome measures were the number of drugs, potential drug-related problems, nursing interventions, and patient satisfaction. Prevalences of drug-related problems and nursing interventions were calculated. Eleven patients answered a telephone questionnaire on their experiences of the assessment. Findings: DNs identified factors indicative of drug-related problems, including polypharmacy (9.8 drugs per person), potential drug-drug interactions (prevalence 40%), potential adverse drug reactions (2.7 per person), and prescribers from more than two medical units (60%). DNs used several nursing interventions to improve the safety of medication use (e.g., patient education, initiating a pharmaceutical review). The patients thought it was meaningful to receive information about their drug use and important to identify potential drug-related problems. With the support of the CDSS and the SMA tool, the DNs could identify several factors related to inappropriate or unsafe medication and initiated a number of interventions to improve medication use. The patients were positive toward the assessments. Using these tools, the DNs may help promote safe medication use in older patients.
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44. |
- Lagerin, Annica, et al.
(author)
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Extent and quality of drug use in community-dwelling people aged >= 75 years : A Swedish nationwide register-based study
- 2020
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In: Scandinavian Journal of Public Health. - : SAGE Publications. - 1403-4948 .- 1651-1905. ; 48:3, s. 308-315
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Aims: It is important for district nurses and other health professionals in primary care to gain more insight into the patterns and quality of drug use in community-dwelling older people, particularly in 75-year-olds, who have been the target of preventive home visits. This study aimed to examine the extent and quality of drug use in community-dwelling older people and to compare drug use in 75-year-olds with that of older age groups. Methods: Data from 2013 on people aged >= 75 years were obtained from the Swedish Prescribed Drug Register. Those living in the community (671,940/739,734 people aged >= 75 years) were included in the study. Quality of drug use was assessed by using a selection of indicators issued by the Swedish National Board of Health and Welfare. Results: The prevalence of polypharmacy and of many drug groups increased with age, as did several indicators of inappropriate drug use. However some drug groups, as well as inappropriate drugs, were prevalent in 75-year-olds and declined with age, for example diabetes drugs, drugs with major anticholinergic effects and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Conclusions: The substantial use of some drugs as early as 75 years of age confirms the value of including drug use as a topic in preventive home visits to 75-year-olds. The finding that polypharmacy and many measures of inappropriate drug use increased with age in community-dwelling older people also underscores the importance of district nurses' role in continuing to promote safe medication management at higher ages.
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45. |
- Lexomboon, Duangjai, 1965-, et al.
(author)
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The Effect of Xerostomic Medication on Oral Health in Persons With Dementia
- 2018
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In: Journal of the American Medical Directors Association. - : Elsevier. - 1525-8610 .- 1538-9375. ; 19:12, s. 1080-1085
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objectives: Medication-induced hyposalivation can increase the risk for oral complications, including dental caries and tooth loss. This problem is particularly important in people with dementia because of their declining ability to maintain oral care. The objective of this study was to describe the association between the number of xerostomic medications used and tooth loss and restorative and dental preventive treatment in a population of persons with dementia. Design: A longitudinal population-based register study with a 3-year follow-up was conducted. Data were extracted from the Swedish Dementia Registry (SveDem), the Swedish Prescribed Drug Register (SPDR), the Swedish National Patient Register (SNPR), and the Dental Health Register (DHR). Setting and participants: Participants were persons with dementia who were registered in the SveDem at the time of their dementia diagnosis. Measures: The exposure was continuous use of xerostomic medications over the 3 years prior to dementia diagnosis (baseline). The outcomes were the incidence of tooth extractions, tooth restorations, and dental preventive procedures. Poisson regression models were used to estimate incidence rate ratios (IRRs) for the association between the exposure and outcomes, adjusting for relevant confounders. Results: A total of 34,037 persons were included in the analysis. A dose-response relationship between the exposure and tooth extractions was observed. Compared with nonusers of xerostomic medication, the rate of tooth extractions increased with increasing number of xerostomic medications used (IRR = 1.03, 1.11, and 1.40 for persons using an average >0-1, >1-3, and >3 xerostomic medications, respectively). However, the risk for having new dental restorations and receiving preventive procedures did not differ between groups. Conclusion: Continuous use of xerostomic medications can increase the risk for tooth extraction in people with dementia. This study highlights the importance of careful consideration when prescribing xerostomic medications to people with dementia, and the need for regular and ongoing dental care.
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46. |
- Marengoni, Alessandra, et al.
(author)
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Coexisting chronic conditions in the older population : Variation by health indicators
- 2016
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In: European journal of internal medicine. - : Elsevier BV. - 0953-6205 .- 1879-0828. ; 31, s. 29-34
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: This study analyzes the prevalence and patterns of coexisting chronic conditions in older adults.Design: Cross-sectional.Participant and setting: A sample of 3363 people >= 60 years living in Stockholm were examined from March 2001 through August 2004.Measurements: Chronic conditions were measured with: 1) multimorbidity (>= 2 concurrent chronic diseases); 2) the Cumulative Illness Rating Scale, 3) polypharmacy (>= 5 prescribed drugs), and 4) complex health problems ( chronic diseases and/or symptoms along with cognitive and/or functional limitations).Results: A total of 55.6% of 60-74 year olds and 13.4% of those >= 85 years did not have chronic conditions according to the four indicators. Multimorbidity and polypharmacy were the most prevalent indicators: 38% aged 60-74 and 76% aged >= 85 had multimorbidity; 24.3% aged 60-74 and 59% aged >= 85 had polypharmacy. Prevalence of chronic conditions as indicated by the comorbidity index and complex health problems ranged from 16.5% and 1.5% in the 60-74 year olds to 38% and 36% in the 85 + year olds, respectively. Prevalence of participants with 4 indicators was low, varying from 1.6% in those aged 60-74 to 14.9% in those aged >= 85 years. Older age was associated with higher odds of each of the 4 indicators; being a woman, with all indicators but multimorbidity; and lower educational level, only with complex health problems.Conclusions: Prevalence of coexisting chronic conditions varies greatly by health indicator used. Variation increases when age, sex, and educational level are taken into account. These findings underscore the need of different indicators to capture health complexity in older adults.
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47. |
- Martin, Lene, 1953-, et al.
(author)
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Nurses' self-reported medication competence in relation to their pharmacovigilant activities in clinical practice
- 2015
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In: Journal of Evaluation In Clinical Practice. - : Wiley. - 1356-1294 .- 1365-2753. ; 21:1, s. 145-152
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Rationale, aims and objectivesAdverse drug reactions (ADRs) represent a major health problem and previous studies show that nurses can have an active role in promoting medication safety. The aim of this study was to describe and evaluate nurses' self-reported competence and pharmacovigilant activities in clinical practice and also to explore the impact of age, education, workplace and nursing experience on these matters.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was based on a questionnaire covering areas related to nurses' medication competence, including knowledge, assessment and information retrieval, and pharmacovigilant activities within these areas, for example, the detection and assessment of ADRs. A 45-item questionnaire was 2013 sent out to 296 nurses in different settings and counties in Sweden. They were selected on the basis of having applied to a university course including pharmacovigilance during 2008–2011. One hundred twenty-four had participated in the courses (exposed) and 172 had applied to the courses but not participated (unexposed).ResultsCompleted questionnaires were obtained from 75 exposed (60%) and 93 unexposed (54%) nurses. Overall nurses rated themselves high in medication competence but low in pharmacovigilant activities. Significant (P ≤ 0.001) differences between groups were observed regarding medication competence. The exposure of completed dedicated courses in pharmacovigilance was the strongest factor for self-reported medication competence when adjusted for age, other education, workplace and experience. No significant differences between the groups were found regarding the number of pharmacovigilant activities during the 6 months prior to answering the questionnaire.ConclusionDedicated university courses improved nurses' self-reported competence in pharmacovigilance but did not increase the number of related activities. Education per se seems to be not sufficient to generate pharmacovigilant activities among nurses.
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48. |
- Morin, Lucas, et al.
(author)
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Adequate, questionable, and inadequate drug prescribing for older adults at the end of life : a European expert consensus
- 2018
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In: European Journal of Clinical Pharmacology. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0031-6970 .- 1432-1041. ; 74:10, s. 1333-1342
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BackgroundClinical guidance is needed to initiate, continue, and discontinue drug treatments near the end of life.AimTo identify drugs and drug classes most often adequate, questionable, or inadequate for older people at the end of life.DesignDelphi consensus survey.Setting/participantsForty European experts in geriatrics, clinical pharmacology, and palliative medicine from 10 different countries. Panelists were asked to characterize drug classes as “often adequate,” “questionable,” or “often inadequate” for use in older adults aged 75 years or older with an estimated life expectancy of ≤ 3 months. We distinguished the continuation of a drug class that was previously prescribed from the initiation of a new drug. Consensus was considered achieved for a given drug or drug class if the level of agreement was ≥ 75%.ResultsThe expert panel reached consensus on a set of 14 drug classes deemed as “often adequate,” 28 drug classes deemed “questionable,” and 10 drug classes deemed “often inadequate” for continuation during the last 3 months of life. Regarding the initiation of new drug treatments, the panel reached consensus on a set of 10 drug classes deemed “often adequate,” 23 drug classes deemed “questionable,” and 23 drug classes deemed “often inadequate”. Consensus remained unachieved for some very commonly prescribed drug treatments (e.g., proton-pump inhibitors, furosemide, haloperidol, olanzapine, zopiclone, and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors).ConclusionIn the absence of high-quality evidence from randomized clinical trials, these consensus-based criteria provide guidance to rationalize drug prescribing for older adults near the end of life.
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49. |
- Morin, Lucas, et al.
(author)
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Aggressiveness of End-of-Life Care for Hospitalized Individuals with Cancer with and without Dementia : A Nationwide Matched-Cohort Study in France
- 2016
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In: Journal of The American Geriatrics Society. - : Wiley. - 0002-8614 .- 1532-5415. ; 64:9, s. 1851-1857
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- OBJECTIVES: To compare the aggressiveness of end-of-life care in hospitalized individuals with cancer with and without dementia in France. DESIGN: Nationwide register-based matched-cohort study. SETTING: Hospital facilities in France. PARTICIPANTS: All individuals with cancer aged 65 and older with a diagnosis of dementia who died between January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2013, matched one-to-one with individuals with cancer without dementia (n = 26,782 matched pairs). RESULTS: Older individuals with cancer with dementia were less likely to receive aggressive treatment in their last month of life than those who were not diagnosed with dementia. Dementia was associated with a significant decrease in the receipt of chemotherapy (2.8% vs. 8.5%, P < 0.001, adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 0.33, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.31-0.36) during the last month before death. Individuals with dementia were also less likely to receive radiation therapy (aOR = 0.49, 95% CI = 0.43-0.56), blood transfusions (aOR = 0.67, 95% CI = 0.64-0.70), artificial nutrition (aOR = 0.79, 95% CI = 0.73-0.85), and invasive ventilation (aOR = 0.62, 95% CI = 0.57-0.68), although they were more likely to remain hospitalized over their entire last month of life (aOR = 1.42, 95% CI = 1.37-1.48) and to have more than one emergency department visit (aOR = 1.22, 95% CI = 1.12-1.34). CONCLUSION: Older hospitalized adults with cancer with dementia are less likely to receive aggressive cancer treatment near the end of life than those without dementia. This discrepancy raises important ethical questions for clinicians and healthcare policy-makers.
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50. |
- Morin, Lucas, et al.
(author)
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Choosing Wisely? Measuring the Burden of Medications in Older Adults near the End of Life : Nationwide, Longitudinal Cohort Study
- 2017
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In: American Journal of Medicine. - : Elsevier BV. - 0002-9343 .- 1555-7162. ; 130:8, s. 927-936.e9
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND: The burden of medications near the end of life has recently come under scrutiny, because several studies suggested that people with life-limiting illness receive potentially futile treatments. METHODS: We identified 511,843 older adults (>65 years) who died in Sweden between 2007 and 2013 and reconstructed their drug prescription history for each of the last 12 months of life through the Swedish Prescribed Drug Register. Decedents' characteristics at time of death were assessed through record linkage with the National Patient Register, the Social Services Register, and the Swedish Education Register. RESULTS: Over the course of the final year before death, the proportion of individuals exposed to >= 10 different drugs rose from 30.3% to 47.2% (P <.001 for trend). Although older adults who died from cancer had the largest increase in the number of drugs (mean difference, 3.37; 95% confidence interval, 3.35 to 3.40), living in an institution was independently associated with a slower escalation (beta = -0.90, 95% confidence interval, -0.92 to -0.87). During the final month before death, analgesics (60.8%), anti-throm-botic agents (53.8%), diuretics (53.1%), psycholeptics (51.2%), and beta-blocking agents (41.1%) were the 5 most commonly used drug classes. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and statins were used by, respectively, 21.4% and 15.8% of all individuals during their final month of life. CONCLUSION: Polypharmacy increases throughout the last year of life of older adults, fueled not only by symptomatic medications but also by long-term preventive treatments of questionable benefit. Clinical guidelines are needed to support physicians in their decision to continue or discontinue medications near the end of life.
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