The frequency and impact of drug-related problems with postoperative medication reported by orthopaedic patients after discharge.

Abstract

Following orthopaedic surgery, medication is vital for recovery and preventing complications, however drug-related problems (DRPs) can hinder medication use. The prevalence, types, and impact of DRPs on patients' activities of daily living (ADL) and the medication involved are unknown. Insight is needed for targeted interventions.

Aim: Our study had four aims to assess 1) the prevalence and types of DRPs with postoperative medication in orthopeadic patients 6 weeks after discharge; 2) the perceived impact of the reported DRPs on patients' ADL; 3) the postoperative medication most frequently causing DRPs; and 4) the association between DRP numbers and patient- and disease-related characteristics.

Methods: A cross-sectional study at a tertiary centre surveyed adult orthopaedic surgery patients 6 weeks post-surgery. Patients reported on demographics, DRPs and their ADL impact, health literacy, and medication beliefs. Clinical factors and medication use were extracted from medical records. Descriptive statistics and linear hierarchical regression analysis were conducted.

Results: Out of 484 patients (mean (standard deviation (SD)) age 61.1 (±12.7) years, 61.6% female), 87.4% reported at least one DRP, with 39.7% indicating it impacted ADL. The most frequent DRPs involved inadequate drug use, including intentionally used less (49.8%) and stopped earlier (44.6%). The most impactful DRPs involved negative experiences, including insufficient effect (69.3%) and side effect (57.6%). Opioids caused the most DRPs, averaging 1.8 per patient. Impactful DRPs were associated with female sex, knee and spine surgery, medication concerns, and younger age.

Conclusion: Most patients experienced at least one DRP within 6 weeks post-discharge, with nearly half reporting an impact on ADL. Inadequate drug use and negative experiences, particularly with opioids, are the most urgent DRPs to address.