Pharmacoepidemiology of medications omitted in New Zealand Residential Aged Care Homes

Stephanie M. Garratt, Ngaire M. Kerse, Kathryn Peri, Monique F. Jonas, Shane L. Scahil

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleResearchpeer-review

4 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the dispensing, administration and omission of medications in residential aged care (RAC) homes in New Zealand (NZ). Methods: Secondary data from a medication management database were analysed, to identify the most frequently omitted regular medications and commonly reported reasons for omissions in a sample of 11 015 residents across 374 RAC homes. Results: Overall, 3.59 medication doses were omitted per 100 (±7.4) prescribed doses per resident (SD 7.43). Common regular medications omitted ranged from analgesics to psychotropic medications. Recording of justifications for medication omissions was inconsistent—only 48% of omissions had a recorded reason. Conclusions: A wide range of medications are regularly prescribed and administered to RAC home residents in NZ. Omitted doses are frequently recorded without a justification. Inconsistent recording of omissions can increase potential for error, particularly in relation to psychotropic medications. More consistent recording may help staff to maintain a high standard of quality care.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)e490-e497
Number of pages8
JournalAustralasian Journal on Ageing
Volume39
Issue number4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Dec 2020
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • aged care
  • geriatric medicine
  • new zealand
  • nursing homes
  • psychotropic drugs

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