Physician patient communication failure facilitates medication errors in older polymedicated patients with multiple comorbidities

Source: Family Practice Area: Evidence > Medicines Management > References Objective: To analyse the frequency of mistakes in communication between the physician and the patient and their incidence in errors in self-administered drugs. Methods: We undertook a descriptive, cross-sectional study in Spain based on interviews with a random sample of patients older than 65 years who were polymedicated (5 or more drugs) and had multiple comorbidities.  Data were analysed about the patients' reports of what the physician said, medication mistakes by the patients and their consequences. Results: Responses were provided by 382 patients.  A medication error in the last year was reported by 287 patients (75%), and 16 patients (4%) reported 4 or more errors.  Most cases concerned the dosage, a similar appearance of the medication or a lack of understanding of the physician's instructions.  Very severe consequences occurred in 19 cases (5%).  Multiple comorbidities (P = 0.006) and a greater number of treatments (P = 0.002) were ...
Source: NeLM - Care of Older People - Category: Geriatrics Source Type: news