Document Detail


The relationship between comprehensive functional assessment and optimal pharmacotherapy in the older patient.
MedLine Citation:
PMID:  2688326     Owner:  NLM     Status:  MEDLINE    
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
Older patients hospitalized for treatment of an acute medical illness will have improved outcomes when approached in a comprehensive fashion focusing on the physical, social, and emotional aspects of life. When used by an interdisciplinary team, comprehensive functional assessment can address social, biomedical, nutrition, continence, mobility, pharmacotherapy, and psychological issues to enhance patient care. Although the appropriate use of medications is often cited as an important part of medical care for the older person, it has not been defined for this group of patients. This article outlines steps pharmacists can take to achieve optimal pharmacotherapy in older patients. Prior to attending a team conference, the pharmacist should interview the patient and review the chart. During the team conference, a comprehensive patient database will be generated that allows medications to be linked to diagnoses. To aid in selecting appropriate medications, the potential for drug-induced functional impairment of mobility, continence, and mental state is reviewed. Recommendations for therapy and establishment of therapeutic endpoints will conclude the patient conference. The pharmacist can contribute much in the process of comprehensive functional assessment and to the goal of achieving optimal pharmacotherapy in older patients.
Authors:
N J Owens; R A Silliman; M D Fretwell
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Publication Detail:
Type:  Journal Article; Review    
Journal Detail:
Title:  DICP : the annals of pharmacotherapy     Volume:  23     ISSN:  1042-9611     ISO Abbreviation:  DICP     Publication Date:  1989 Nov 
Date Detail:
Created Date:  1990-01-22     Completed Date:  1990-01-22     Revised Date:  2005-11-16    
Medline Journal Info:
Nlm Unique ID:  8904338     Medline TA:  DICP     Country:  UNITED STATES    
Other Details:
Languages:  eng     Pagination:  847-54     Citation Subset:  IM    
Affiliation:
College of Pharmacy, University of Rhode Island, Kingston 02881.
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MeSH Terms
Descriptor/Qualifier:
Aged*
Drug Therapy*
Humans
Patient Care Team
Physical Examination*

From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine


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