Identification Of Drug Related Problems (DRPS) In Geriatric Patients Suffering From Hypertension At The Padangsidimpuan City General Hospital

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Identification of Drug-Related Problems (DRPS) in Geriatric Patients Suffering from Hypertension at the Padangsidimpuan City General Hospital

Introduction

Hypertension, a cardiovascular disease that can affect anyone, is a special concern for the Geriatric group. Elderly patients are susceptible to various diseases and tend to take a lot of drugs (polypharmacy), thereby increasing the risk of drug-related problems (DRPS). DRPS can inhibit the success of therapy and have a negative impact on patient health. This study aims to identify the DRPS case and determine the DRPS category most often experienced by hypertensive geriatric patients in the Padangsidimpuan City General Hospital during the January-December 2019 period.

Background

Hypertension is a common health problem among the elderly, and it can lead to various complications, such as cardiovascular disease, stroke, and kidney disease. The Geriatric group is more susceptible to DRPS due to their decreased body function, such as slower drug metabolism and higher sensitivity to the side effects of the drug. Polypharmacy is also a significant factor that contributes to the high number of DRPS in hypertensive geriatric patients. As we get older, patients tend to have a variety of chronic diseases that require multiple treatment.

Methodology

This study used a retrospective descriptive method. Data was obtained from the medical record of hypertensive geriatric patients who were hospitalized in the hospital during the specified period. Data was analyzed descriptively by classifying DRPS based on Cipolle criteria, et al. The inclusion criteria for this study were patients who were 60 years old or older, diagnosed with hypertension, and hospitalized in the hospital during the specified period.

Results

The results showed the presence of DRPS at 60.87% (28 of 46) hypertensive geriatric patients who meet inclusion criteria. In total, there are 42 cases of DRPS, with an average of 2 cases of DRPS per patient. The most common category of DRPS is requires additional therapy and drug reactions that are detrimental, each with 17 cases (40.48%).

Deeper Analysis

Polypharmacy

This study shows that polypharmacy is a factor that contributes to the high number of DRPS in hypertensive geriatric patients. As we get older, patients tend to have a variety of chronic diseases that require multiple treatment. Polypharmacy can lead to DRPS due to the increased risk of drug interactions, adverse reactions, and decreased efficacy of treatment.

Vulnerability of Geriatric Patients

Geriatric patients are more susceptible to DRPS because of their decreased body function, such as slower drug metabolism and higher sensitivity to the side effects of the drug. This vulnerability makes it essential to monitor and manage drugs carefully in hypertensive geriatric patients.

The Importance of Monitoring

The findings of this study underline the importance of monitoring and managing appropriate drugs in hypertensive geriatric patients. Doctors and medical personnel need to be careful in choosing drugs, adjusting the dosage, and monitoring the side effects of the drug. Regular monitoring can help prevent DRPS and improve the quality of life of patients.

Recommendation

Training and Education

Increasing training for medical personnel about drug management in geriatric patients, including the identification and prevention of DRPS, is very important. This training should cover the use of structured drug monitoring systems, such as drug interaction warning systems or treatment systems.

Drug Monitoring System

Application of structured drug monitoring systems can help reduce the risk of DRPS. These systems can provide alerts and warnings for potential drug interactions, adverse reactions, and decreased efficacy of treatment.

Patient Education

Patient and family education about the importance of compliance with treatment, drug side effects, and how to report the side effects of drugs to medical personnel needs to be increased. This education can help patients take an active role in managing their health and preventing DRPS.

Conclusion

Through joint efforts, we can minimize DRPS in hypertensive geriatric patients and improve their quality of life. This study highlights the importance of monitoring and managing appropriate drugs in hypertensive geriatric patients. By increasing training for medical personnel, applying structured drug monitoring systems, and educating patients and families, we can prevent DRPS and improve the health outcomes of hypertensive geriatric patients.

Limitation

This study has some limitations. The sample size was relatively small, and the study was conducted in a single hospital. Future studies should aim to recruit a larger sample size and conduct the study in multiple hospitals to increase the generalizability of the findings.

Future Research

Future research should focus on developing and implementing effective strategies to prevent DRPS in hypertensive geriatric patients. This can include the development of structured drug monitoring systems, the implementation of patient education programs, and the provision of training for medical personnel.

References

Cipolle, R. J., Strand, L. M., & Morley, P. C. (2004). Pharmacotherapy: A pathophysiologic approach. McGraw-Hill.

World Health Organization. (2019). Hypertension. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/hypertension

National Institute on Aging. (2020). Hypertension in Older Adults. Retrieved from https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/hypertension-older-adults
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Drug-Related Problems (DRPS) in Geriatric Patients Suffering from Hypertension

Q: What is a drug-related problem (DRPS)?

A: A DRPS is a preventable adverse drug event that occurs when a patient experiences an adverse reaction to a medication, or when a medication does not work as intended.

Q: Why are geriatric patients more susceptible to DRPS?

A: Geriatric patients are more susceptible to DRPS due to their decreased body function, such as slower drug metabolism and higher sensitivity to the side effects of the drug. Additionally, polypharmacy, which is the use of multiple medications, can increase the risk of DRPS.

Q: What are some common causes of DRPS in geriatric patients?

A: Some common causes of DRPS in geriatric patients include:

  • Polypharmacy
  • Decreased body function
  • Increased sensitivity to the side effects of the drug
  • Medication interactions
  • Inadequate monitoring and management of medications

Q: How can healthcare providers prevent DRPS in geriatric patients?

A: Healthcare providers can prevent DRPS in geriatric patients by:

  • Conducting thorough medication reviews
  • Monitoring patients for potential medication interactions and side effects
  • Adjusting medication dosages and regimens as needed
  • Educating patients and their families about the importance of medication adherence and potential side effects
  • Implementing structured drug monitoring systems

Q: What are some strategies for managing DRPS in geriatric patients?

A: Some strategies for managing DRPS in geriatric patients include:

  • Stopping or adjusting medications that are causing adverse reactions
  • Switching to alternative medications that are less likely to cause adverse reactions
  • Implementing medication regimens that minimize the risk of medication interactions
  • Monitoring patients closely for potential side effects and adjusting medications as needed

Q: How can patients and their families help prevent DRPS?

A: Patients and their families can help prevent DRPS by:

  • Taking medications as directed by their healthcare provider
  • Reporting any potential side effects or adverse reactions to their healthcare provider
  • Asking questions about their medications and potential side effects
  • Participating in medication reviews and discussions with their healthcare provider

Q: What are some resources available for healthcare providers and patients to learn more about DRPS?

A: Some resources available for healthcare providers and patients to learn more about DRPS include:

  • The American Geriatrics Society (AGS) website
  • The National Institute on Aging (NIA) website
  • The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website
  • The World Health Organization (WHO) website

Q: What are some future directions for research on DRPS in geriatric patients?

A: Some future directions for research on DRPS in geriatric patients include:

  • Developing and implementing effective strategies to prevent DRPS
  • Conducting studies to identify the most effective medications and dosages for geriatric patients
  • Investigating the impact of DRPS on patient outcomes and quality of life
  • Developing and testing new technologies and tools to support medication management and monitoring in geriatric patients.

Conclusion

DRPS is a significant concern for geriatric patients, and healthcare providers, patients, and families must work together to prevent and manage these problems. By understanding the causes and consequences of DRPS, and by implementing effective strategies to prevent and manage these problems, we can improve the health outcomes and quality of life for geriatric patients.