Topic 1: PolyPharmacy and Policy
Look at case study number two, PolyPharmacy Problems, p. 166 of Health Policy and Politics, A Nurses Guide, by Milstead. Formulate a policy to reduce the practice of multiple drug prescriptions. What tools might be included in the design phase of the policy process to increase the probability of success? What research from other countries could be helpful in addressing this issue? Support your reasoning.
At least 250 words with 2 references/citations
BTW, the books for this class are
Textbook: Policy and Politics for Nurses and Other Health Professionals 2nd ed.
Author: Nickitas, D. M., Middaugh, D. J. & Aries,N.
ISBN: 9781284053296
Publisher: Jones & Bartlett Learning
Textbook: Health Policy and Politics, 5th ed., 2016
Author: Milstead
ISBN: 9781284048865
Publisher: Jones & Bartlett
I dont have them so if you cant find something let me know, as for this assignment pg 166 is needed from one of the books.
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
Polypharmacy is a common problem encountered by healthcare professionals dealing with chronic conditions or elderly patients. The overuse of multiple medications can lead to drug interactions, adverse effects, and poor adherence to treatment regimens. It is essential to formulate policies that can address this issue effectively. This assignment aims to provide a policy to reduce the practice of multiple drug prescriptions and the tools that can be included in the design phase of the policy process to increase its success.
Answer:
The policy to reduce the practice of multiple drug prescriptions should primarily focus on minimizing the number of unnecessary medications and optimizing the dose and frequency of prescribed drugs. This can be done by increasing the awareness of prescribers, patients, and pharmacists about the risks associated with polypharmacy and the benefits of individualized treatment plans. The policy should also promote the use of non-pharmacological interventions where appropriate and encourage the deprescription of medications that are no longer required.
The tools that can be included in the design phase of the policy process to increase its success are:
1. Electronic health records (EHRs): EHRs can provide a comprehensive overview of patients’ medication history, allowing clinicians to identify potential drug interactions and duplications. EHRs can also help track patients’ adherence to treatment and identify the medications that are associated with adverse effects, leading to timely intervention.
2. Clinical decision support systems (CDSSs): CDSSs can assist prescribers in making evidence-based decisions by providing real-time alerts about potential drug interactions, duplications, or contraindications. CDSSs can also recommend alternative therapies and dosing regimens, taking into account patients’ comorbidities and individual needs.
Research from other countries can be helpful in addressing this issue by providing insights into successful policies and interventions implemented elsewhere. For instance, the World Health Organization (WHO) has developed guidelines on rational use of medicines, including principles on reducing polypharmacy. Some countries, such as Norway, have implemented policies to deprescribe medications for elderly patients with polypharmacy, resulting in significant reductions in the number of prescribed drugs and improved health outcomes.
In conclusion, a policy to reduce the practice of multiple drug prescriptions should aim to minimize unnecessary medications, optimize therapeutics, promote non-pharmacological interventions, and encourage deprescribing. The tools that can be included in the design phase of the policy process to increase its success are EHRs and CDSSs. Research from other countries, such as WHO and Norway, can provide useful guidelines and examples to address this issue effectively.
