Polypharmacy is the use of different medications consumed by one patient. Though inherently used in a
negative connotation, polypharmacy does have its benefits; however, the negatives of polypharmacy
outweigh the positives as it pertains to patient outcomes. Patricia T. Alpert and Tricia Gatlin outline the
necessary evil that is polypharmacy and what people and healthcare providers have done to address
issues related to it. A typical sight when communicating with patients experiencing different chronic
illnesses is a broad and detailed itinerary of drugs, which grows exponentially as individuals age. By
definition, the utilization of at least five prescription medications is viewed as polypharmacy (Alpert et
al., 2015). This is extremely regular in elderly patients and has been associated with an increased risk of
geriatric syndromes, overall negative outcomes, and ultimately, death (Alpert et al., 2015). Related to
drug adverse effects, falls, and issues with medication compliance and reconciliation, these risks
associated with polypharmacy are certainly worrisome. They explain also that since elderly patients
have many comorbidities that require different providers, polypharmacy is necessary in order to treat
each illness with the intent of a positive outcome; however, polypharmacy backfires at times when
reconciliation between medications is not utilized appropriately, if at all, and when medications are
prescribed independently of other prescribers which again, is a reconciliatory problem.
Efforts to tackle the issues with polypharmacy are stated in the article as well. Specific measures, such as
the Screening Tool of Older Persons Potentially inappropriate Prescriptions (STOPP) and the Screening
Tool to Alert doctors to the Right Treatments (START) were specifically formulated to tackle issues
relating to omission and commission (the point in which someone is prescribed a medication) (Alpert et
al., 2015). Though they tackle some issues relating to polypharmacy, it’s notable that these issues are
somewhat minimal compared to all the intricacies that are associated with polypharmacy and its related
parts. Using appraisal/screening tools to assess patients’ chances for side/adverse effects is a proactive
method to address issues related to negative outcomes and complications caused by medications. The
healthcare team as a whole has a duty to fulfill regarding the use of polypharmacy on the geriatric
population, and should continue to work on assessing the dangers relating to polypharmacy, as well as
looking for alternative therapies to avoid the use of polypharmacy in general.
Alpert, P. T., & Gatlin, T. (2015). Polypharmacy in Older Adults. Retrieved September 27, 2019, from
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