A lot of people over 70 suffer from multiple chronic diseases and take many medications. This often leads to serious side – effects and interactions. The Problem: The Prescribing of drugs is usually not a problem, only for the Discontinuation of the medication, there are hardly any guidelines.
The pharmacist, Dr. Emily Reeve from the University of South Australia says: "A typical older Australian has four chronic disease and regularly takes six medications, one of which is at a potential of damage to the Benefits outweigh." One reason for this is that there are hardly any recommendations for Doctors on when and how drugs may be dropped off. In order to capture the Situation and to develop action statements, has Reeve received a highly commended research commissioned by the Australian government.
Reeve describes: "In the culture of medicine, the Discontinuation of medications is not as important as the prescription of medication. The Discontinuation of inappropriate drugs may not seem uncomplicated, but it is not." To change this, is to set out the guidelines which will be tested in aged care facilities as to their effectiveness. "In nursing homes in Australia inappropriate drugs account for about 20 percent of the prescription costs. We have the opportunity here to address this Problem and to verwenden" the money instead for the quality of care;, Dr. Reeve says.
In addition to the risk for the health of Polypharmacy &ndash presents; therefore, the application of many drugs at the same time – a tremendous financial burden on the health care system. It is increasing worldwide, and is referred to by the world health organization (WHO) as one of the biggest challenges for the company. The WHO estimates that worldwide every year 18 billion dollars could be saved through correction of medication use.
ZOU/RF