Prescribing omissions and inclusion of new medications in the pharmacotherapy of older adults in primary care

Abstract

The lack of use of a necessary medication involves considerable risks to the older person. Through the provision of comprehensive medication management (CMM) services, pharmacists may identify untreated health conditions that need pharmacological treatment. The purpose of this study is to describe potential prescribing omissions identified by pharmacists taking care of older adults in Brazilian primary care and whether they are included in the Screening Tool to Alert to Right Treatment (START). Data were collected directly from the records of 585 older adults followed up in CMM services in primary care in Minas Gerais, Brazil, from 2014-2017. Pharmacists identified the need to add at least one medication for 28.4 % of the older patients, totaling 233 drugs related to 31 different untreated health problems. One third (n=79) of the drugs suggested corresponded to some criterion proposed by START. These results emphasize the importance of holistic patient care in CMM services.