Polypharmacy in Older Adults with Chronic Non-Communicable Diseases: The Role of Registered Nurse
Keywords:
polypharmacy, older adults, Non-Communicable Diseases, Nursing RolesAbstract
The older adults are a demographic group prone to experiencing multiple non-communicable diseases (NCDs) concurrently, often leading to polypharmacy. While intended for therapeutic purposes, the use of multiple medications can result in adverse outcomes, such as side effects or drug-drug interactions, which can impair their quality of life. Nurses, who play a crucial role in medication management, must therefore proceed with great caution to strike a balance between disease treatment and preserving the quality of life for older adults with complex chronic conditions and higher hospitalization rates. This presents a significant challenge for nurses in the current healthcare system, where they have a vital role in assessment, coordination, and counseling to mitigate the risks associated with polypharmacy in this population.
This article aims to enable nurses to apply nursing strategies for managing polypharmacy in older adults with NCDs, prevent adverse drug events, and effectively fulfill their nursing roles in caring for this patient group.
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