A PROSPECTIVE CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY ON GERIATRIC PATIENTS WITH A STOPP/START BASED STRATEGIES IN POLYPHARMACY AT MULTI- SPECIALITY HOSPITAL
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Keywords
Polypharmacy; Geriatric Patients; STOPP/START Criteria; Prospective Study; Multi-Specialty Hospital
Abstract
Concurrent use of numerous medications, or polypharmacy, increases the risk of adverse drug events, interactions, and decreased adherence, making it a major concern in the management of elderly patients. Objective: The purpose of this prospective cross-sectional study was to assess the efficacy of criteria-based strategies for managing polypharmacy among elderly patients at a multispecialty hospital. The tools under consideration were the STOPP (Screening Tool of Older Persons' Prescriptions) and START (Screening Tool to Alert doctors to Right Treatment) tools. Methods: Geriatric patients aged 65 and above with polypharmacy, defined as using five or more medications concurrently, were included in the study. Data collection involved reviewing medical records, medication histories, and structured interviews to assess adherence and patient-reported outcomes. Results: In a study involving 80 elderly patients taking over five oral medications, STOPP/START criteria guided comprehensive medication reviews. High polypharmacy prevalence was observed, with notable drug therapy problems including interactions and inappropriate prescriptions. Post-intervention, patients exhibited improved medication knowledge, reflecting enhanced understanding. Moreover, adherence rates significantly increased, as evidenced by Medication Adherence Rating Scale questionnaire results. This study emphasizes the crucial role of medication review interventions in optimizing therapy and improving patient outcomes in the context of polypharmacy. Conclusions: This research adds to existing evidence supporting the utility of STOPP/START criteria in optimizing medication use and reducing polypharmacy-related risks among geriatric patients. It underscores the importance of regular medication reviews and collaborative healthcare efforts to improve medication safety and quality of care for this vulnerable population.
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