Polypharmacy in the Geriatric Population

The project entailed the development and review of a clinical practice guideline (CPG) for reducing polypharmacy in the geriatric patient population. Polypharmacy is associated with increased risk of adverse drug events (ADEs) such as drug-drug interactions, poor adherence to pharmacotherapy, and increased risk of falls. Additionally, polypharmacy tends to increase high hospitalization rates and emergency department (ED) visits. From a nursing practice perspective, polypharmacy worsens patient outcomes and increases nurses’ workload and healthcare costs for patients. The purpose of this project was to develop a CPG with evidence based recommendations on how to reduce polypharmacy among older adults. The practice-focused question was “What evidence based on content expert review using the AGREE II tool, supports the quality and usability of the clinical practice guideline to reduce polypharmacy among geriatric patients in an outpatient mental health clinic?” The CPG was presented to six healthcare experts who, using the AGREE tool, found the six domain averages were between 6.39 and 6.71 and stated the guideline was well-developed and included clear recommendations that were relevant to nursing practice. These included steps nurses should follow while initiating polypharmacy management, screening patients for polypharmacy, deprescribing medications, and providing follow-up and monitoring. Therefore, the adoption of the proposed guideline into nursing practice can help promote individualization of psychotherapy and, in turn, enhance equity and inclusivity in geriatric care.