TY  - JOUR
PY  - 2012//
TI  - Evaluation of a web-based tool in screening for medication-related problems in community-dwelling older adults
JO  - Consultant pharmacist
A1  - Lukazewski, Alan
A1  - Mikula, Britney
A1  - Servi, Adam
A1  - Martin, Beth
SP  - 106
EP  - 113
VL  - 27
IS  - 2
N2  - OBJECTIVE: The primary objective was to evaluate the effectiveness of a Web-based program, Monitor-Rx, in identifying older adults at risk for drug-related geriatric syndromes or inappropriate medicines. DESIGN: This prospective pilot study compared medicationrelated risks generated by the Web-based program with those identified by a certified geriatric pharmacist (CGP). SETTING: Wisconsin-based community pharmacy serving primarily older adults. PARTICIPANTS: 29 community-dwelling older adults (mean age: 81.6 years, mean daily medications: 11.7). INTERVENTIONS: Each participant received a complete medication history, including self-identified geriatric syndromes. Each participant's demographic information and medications were entered into Monitor-Rx and concurrently reviewed by a CGP. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Number of potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs), anticholinergic medicines, and identified geriatric syndromes. RESULTS: All participants were identified as at risk for falls by Monitor-Rx and the CGP. Significant medication-related risks identified were urinary incontinence, cognition/memory, nutrition, and dental care. Monitor-Rx identified more participants at risk for geriatric syndromes than the CGP; however, PIMs were identified more frequently by the CGP. Twenty-six participants self-identified at least one geriatric syndrome. Prevalence of anticholinergic use was more than 75%. CONCLUSIONS: In the participants screened, Monitor-Rx was successful at identifying those with a high risk of drug-related geriatric syndromes. An interview was also important to clarify use of the PIM and to identify whether at-risk participants were actually experiencing the drugrelated geriatric syndromes. Use of the Web-based tool does not supplant the experience of a well-trained geriatric pharmacist and the professional judgment that comes with that experience.<p />  <p>Language: en</p>
LA  - en
SN  - 0888-5109
UR  - http://dx.doi.org/10.4140/TCP.n.2012.106
ID  - ref1
ER  -