Assessing the efficacy of home medication review in resolving drug-related problems in geriatric hypertensive patients: A community-based study

Home Medicines Review (HMR) is a health care service aimed to address various home medication management (HMM) issues which includes multiple services like maximizing knowledge regarding disease and its management, resolving drug-related problems and improving adherence to therapy. HMM issues are highly prevalent in geriatric patients owing to their chronic diseases like hypertension. The main objective of the study was to assess the impact of HMR in hypertensive geriatric patients in Dakshina Kannada. The study included 50 subjects of either gender over the course of 6 months on resolving patient DRP. The PCNE V9.01 was utilised for the purpose of identifying and categorizing the DRP. 78% had atleast one DRPs in their daily medication list. Pre-intervention study included pharmacist's interventions by oral counselling. Intervention was given at patient level only including lifestyle modifications, better medication practices wherever applicable. Patients requiring dosage adjustments, dosing schedule changes or an alternative drug therapy were referred to the prescriber. During post-intervention analysis out of the total 58 DRPs, 30 were resolved and 28 were not resolved as the study subjects did not see the physicians. Out of 39 interventions given 16 were accepted by the physician and appropriate decisions were made. This indicates a positive attitude towards intervention given by pharmacists. Conclusion: Home medication reviews proved to be an effective strategy in resolving DRPs among geriatric hypertensive patients in a community setting. This study highlights the importance of incorporating comprehensive medication management strategies into the care of older adults with chronic conditions, contributing to enhanced patient outcomes and overall healthcare quality. Further research is warranted to explore the long-term impact and cost-effectiveness of such interventions.