Pattern Of Drug Use In Geriatric Patients In The Outpatient Installation Of Pandan Hospital, Central Tapanuli Regency
Patterns of Drug Use in Geriatric Patients in the Outpatient Installation of Pandan Hospital, Central Tapanuli Regency
Introduction
The healthcare landscape is constantly evolving, with an increasing focus on providing high-quality care to vulnerable populations, including geriatric patients. Geriatric patients, defined as individuals aged 60 years and over, often experience complex health problems that require intensive treatment. This can lead to the use of multiple medications, known as polypharmacy, which can pose a risk of side effects and harmful drug interactions. In this article, we will explore the pattern of drug use among geriatric patients in the outpatient installation of Pandan Hospital, Central Tapanuli Regency.
Background
Geriatric patients often face a multitude of health challenges, including hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease. These conditions can be managed through medication, but the complexity of these patients' health problems can lead to the use of multiple medications. In fact, data shows that geriatric patients tend to experience more health complications than younger populations, making them more vulnerable to the risks associated with polypharmacy. Therefore, it is essential to understand the pattern of drug use among geriatric patients, as well as the factors that affect the amount of drugs they consume.
Research Purposes
The primary purpose of this study is to identify the pattern of drug use in geriatric outpatients and analyze how patient characteristics can affect the number of types of drugs they use. By examining the medical records of geriatric patients, this study aims to provide valuable insights into the management of drug therapy in this age group.
Methodology
This research was conducted between September and October 2021 using a retrospective descriptive method. The data used was obtained from the medical records of outpatient geriatric patients at Pandan Hospital, Central Tapanuli Regency. The data collected was then presented in the form of tables, average values, and percentages. Data analysis was carried out using the Chi-Square test to examine the relationship between variables.
Research Results
The analysis of 357 medical records revealed that the majority of geriatric patients were women (52.69%) and 60-69 years old (56.86%). The most common diagnosis was hypertension (29.41%), with the most prescriptions derived from internal medicine polyclinics (32.49%). Notably, 62.75% of patients used five or more drugs per prescription, with an average drug use per patient of 5.15. The most widely prescribed type of drug was antihypertensive (24.81%), and the most common dosage form was tablet (66.81%). Furthermore, most of the drugs given were generic drugs (74.47%). Analysis using the Chi-Square test showed that there was no significant relationship between sex and age with the number of drug items used, but there was a significant relationship between the number of diagnoses and the number of drug items.
Conclusion
The results of this study provide valuable insights into the pattern of drug use among geriatric patients in Pandan Hospital. The findings indicate that the majority of patients experience polypharmacy, which can pose a risk of side effects and harmful drug interactions. Furthermore, the study suggests that factors such as sex and age have no significant effect on the amount of drugs used, but the number of diagnoses possessed by patients has a significant effect. This study highlights the need for more attention to prescribe drugs for geriatric patients in order to minimize the risk of side effects and drug interactions.
Implications for Practice
The findings of this study have significant implications for healthcare providers and policymakers. Firstly, healthcare providers should be aware of the potential risks associated with polypharmacy in geriatric patients and take steps to minimize these risks. This can be achieved through regular monitoring of patients' medication regimens and adjusting them as necessary. Secondly, policymakers should develop strategies to promote the safe use of medications in geriatric patients, such as providing education and training to healthcare providers on the management of polypharmacy.
Limitations of the Study
This study has several limitations that should be acknowledged. Firstly, the study was conducted in a single hospital setting, which may limit the generalizability of the findings. Secondly, the study relied on medical records, which may not provide a comprehensive picture of patients' medication use. Finally, the study did not examine the impact of polypharmacy on patients' health outcomes, which is an important area for future research.
Future Research Directions
This study highlights the need for further research on the management of polypharmacy in geriatric patients. Future studies should aim to examine the impact of polypharmacy on patients' health outcomes and develop strategies to promote the safe use of medications in this age group. Additionally, studies should investigate the effectiveness of interventions aimed at reducing polypharmacy in geriatric patients.
References
- [List of references cited in the study]
Appendix
- [Appendix containing additional tables and figures]
Abstract
This study aimed to identify the pattern of drug use in geriatric outpatients and analyze how patient characteristics can affect the number of types of drugs they use. The study was conducted in the outpatient installation of Pandan Hospital, Central Tapanuli Regency, and involved the analysis of 357 medical records. The results showed that the majority of geriatric patients experienced polypharmacy, with 62.75% of patients using five or more drugs per prescription. The study also found that the number of diagnoses possessed by patients had a significant effect on the number of drug items used. The findings of this study highlight the need for more attention to prescribe drugs for geriatric patients in order to minimize the risk of side effects and drug interactions.
Q&A: Patterns of Drug Use in Geriatric Patients
Introduction
In our previous article, we explored the pattern of drug use among geriatric patients in the outpatient installation of Pandan Hospital, Central Tapanuli Regency. This study aimed to identify the pattern of drug use in geriatric outpatients and analyze how patient characteristics can affect the number of types of drugs they use. In this Q&A article, we will address some of the most frequently asked questions about the study and its findings.
Q: What is polypharmacy, and why is it a concern in geriatric patients?
A: Polypharmacy refers to the use of five or more medications simultaneously. In geriatric patients, polypharmacy can be a concern because it can lead to an increased risk of side effects, drug interactions, and adverse health outcomes.
Q: What were the most common diagnoses and prescriptions among geriatric patients in this study?
A: The most common diagnosis was hypertension (29.41%), and the most prescriptions were derived from internal medicine polyclinics (32.49%). The most widely prescribed type of drug was antihypertensive (24.81%), and the most common dosage form was tablet (66.81%).
Q: How many geriatric patients in this study used five or more medications per prescription?
A: As many as 62.75% of patients used five or more medications per prescription, with an average drug use per patient of 5.15.
Q: Did the study find any significant relationships between patient characteristics and the number of medications used?
A: The study found that there was no significant relationship between sex and age with the number of medications used, but there was a significant relationship between the number of diagnoses and the number of medications used.
Q: What are the implications of this study for healthcare providers and policymakers?
A: The findings of this study highlight the need for more attention to prescribe drugs for geriatric patients in order to minimize the risk of side effects and drug interactions. Healthcare providers should be aware of the potential risks associated with polypharmacy in geriatric patients and take steps to minimize these risks. Policymakers should develop strategies to promote the safe use of medications in geriatric patients, such as providing education and training to healthcare providers on the management of polypharmacy.
Q: What are some potential limitations of this study?
A: This study has several limitations that should be acknowledged. Firstly, the study was conducted in a single hospital setting, which may limit the generalizability of the findings. Secondly, the study relied on medical records, which may not provide a comprehensive picture of patients' medication use. Finally, the study did not examine the impact of polypharmacy on patients' health outcomes, which is an important area for future research.
Q: What are some potential future research directions based on this study?
A: This study highlights the need for further research on the management of polypharmacy in geriatric patients. Future studies should aim to examine the impact of polypharmacy on patients' health outcomes and develop strategies to promote the safe use of medications in this age group. Additionally, studies should investigate the effectiveness of interventions aimed at reducing polypharmacy in geriatric patients.
Q: How can healthcare providers and policymakers work together to address the issue of polypharmacy in geriatric patients?
A: Healthcare providers and policymakers can work together to address the issue of polypharmacy in geriatric patients by developing and implementing strategies to promote the safe use of medications in this age group. This can include providing education and training to healthcare providers on the management of polypharmacy, developing guidelines for the use of medications in geriatric patients, and promoting the use of medication management tools and resources.
Conclusion
The findings of this study highlight the need for more attention to prescribe drugs for geriatric patients in order to minimize the risk of side effects and drug interactions. By understanding the pattern of drug use among geriatric patients and the factors that affect the number of medications used, healthcare providers and policymakers can work together to develop strategies to promote the safe use of medications in this age group.