ABSTRACT
Objectives:
The iatrogenic triad is a significant global health problem in the elderly population. This study aimed to evaluate the iatrogenic triad in the elderly and identify potential preventive measures to mitigate its occurrence.
Materials and Methods:
A preliminary observational study was conducted on 150 ambulatory elderly patients to assess potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs), polypharmacy, and drug interactions. The AGS Beers Criteria 2019, Polypharmacy, Medication Complexity Regimen Index (MRCI), and Micromedex (a drug information software) were used to assess the harmful triad. Before and after data collection, we observed, identified, and unfolded potential strategies to avoid the harmful triad in the elderly population.
Results:
MRCI is 30.49 ± 13.77, suggesting a moderate level of complexity in the drug regimens of elderly patients. Among the PIMs identified by the AGS Beer criteria for 2019, glimepiride (45) and diclofenac (23) were found to be the most frequently prescribed. Moderate-level drug-drug interactions were identified between aspirin and metoprolol (20), metoprolol and metformin (13), and aspirin and enalapril (11). All drug-ethanol and drug-food interactions were rapid and often unknown to patients. Furthermore, the study found that MRCI and polypharmacy were significantly associated with the number of PIMs and drug interactions (p < 0.01). Based on data collection, this study identified three possible ways to prevent the iatrogenic triad in elderly patients: interaction, collaboration, and continuing education.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, this study sheds light on medication regimen complexity, PIMs, and drug interactions in elderly patients. The study also highlights three possible ways to prevent the iatrogenic triad: interaction, collaboration, and continuing education. By implementing these strategies, healthcare providers can help prevent harm and improve the quality of care for elderly patients.
INTRODUCTION
The iatrogenic triad, which consists of potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs), polypharmacy, and drug-drug interactions (DDI),1 is a significant concern in the field of geriatrics. PIMs refer to the use of a medicine for which the risks outweigh the potential benefits, particularly, when more effective alternatives are available.2 High prevalence rates of PIM usage (ranging from 18 to over 40%) have been observed across various healthcare settings.3
Moreover, older patients frequently use a greater number of medications, leading to polypharmacy. This increased medication use is likely to result in PIM in this population. Furthermore, PIM usage has been associated with hospitalization4 and mortality,5 underscoring the importance of addressing this issue in geriatric care.
Co-morbidities and polypharmacy (> 5 medications) are the primary factors contributing to an increased risk of DDI in elderly patients. Furthermore, age-related changes in drug pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics may increase the likelihood of developing DDI.6 To assess the complexity of medication regimens, the medication regimen complexity index (MRCI) is employed. This validated 65-item scoring system considers the number of medications, dosage forms, administration instructions, frequency of dosing, and restrictions on food dosing.7 In addition, polypharmacy and higher medication complexity are responsible for approximately 50% of medication non-adherence rates in elderly patients.8
DDIs, such as when anticoagulants intensify blood thinner effects, can increase the MRCI, introducing more variables such as dosage timing. This increased complexity can hinder medication adherence; patient juggling multiple medications might miss doses. Therefore, minimizing DDIs and managing MRCI are crucial to promote adherence, thereby optimizing health outcomes.
To date, no outpatient studies have investigated the impact of pharmacist intervention on the MRCI in the elderly population.9,10 However, drug interactions, if unavoidable, can be managed through increased awareness and knowledge. In a study by Bories et al.11 a higher prevalence of PIMs and severe to moderate DDIs were observed in the hospital settings compared with nursing homes and primary care, independent of polypharmacy rates.
To the best of our knowledge, there is a scarcity of research in India that investigates drug-alcohol and drug-food interactions in patients and seeks to identify potential methods to prevent the iatrogenic triad. Our study assessed PIMs, drug interactions, and medication regimen complexity in elderly patients. Through our investigation, we identified three potential strategies that may help prevent or mitigate the harmful triad in this population, emphasizing the need for continued research and intervention development in this area.
RESULTS
A total of 150 elderly patients participated in the study. Table 1 shows that the mean age of the elderly was 69.30 ± 5.16 years, and the mean score of the MRCI is 30.49 ± 13.77. Nearly more than half of the patients were males (52.67%), with most of them being non-smokers (72%) and non-alcoholics (74.67%). Polypharmacy (use of > 5 drugs) constituted nearly three-quarters of prescriptions (72.66%). A total of 158 DDIs were detected in the patients, and 97.47% of these interactions were moderate DDIs.
According to AGS Beer’s criteria, 2019, the most prescribed PIMs are glimepiride (45) and diclofenac (23) (Table 2). The most reported DDIs are aspirin and metoprolol (20), metoprolol and metformin (13), and aspirin and enalapril (11), all with a moderate level of severity of interaction (Table 3).
MRCI and polypharmacy are significantly associated with interactions and the number of PIMs. However, polypharmacy has a significantly positive correlation with the number of PIMs, whereas MRCI has a significantly positive correlation with drug interactions (Table 4). All drug-ethanol and drug-food interactions are rapid, and patients are unaware of them (Table 5).
DISCUSSION
The key results of the study revealed that the mean age was 69.30 ± 5.16 years, and the mean MRCI score was 30.49 ± 13.77. Polypharmacy was present in 72.66%, and 158 DDIs, mostly moderate, were detected. The most common PIMs were glimepiride and diclofenac. MRCI and polypharmacy significantly correlated with DDIs and PIMs, with patients largely unaware of rapid drug-ethanol and drug-food interactions.
A recent study found that individuals with an MRCI score of 22 upon hospital discharge were more prone to unanticipated hospital readmissions within 30 days.15 Another study indicated that a cut-off score of 33 on the MRCI was optimal in identifying medication-related readmission risks.16 However, it should be noted that these thresholds may vary based on different contexts. Non-etheless, few studies,17,18 have consistently demonstrated that polypharmacy, i.e., the use of five or more medications, is a predictor of unplanned hospitalizations.
Wimmer et al.18 found that older adults living at home who had complex medication regimens and were taking numerous medications were more likely to experience unplanned hospitalizations. The study also revealed that the two predictors, medication regimen complexity and number of medications, had similar sensitivity and specificity in predicting unplanned hospitalizations. These results indicate that it may be possible to use these parameters to anticipate unplanned hospitalizations in the elderly. To support this, the MRCI has been recently proposed as a tool for identifying individuals who may benefit from medication therapy management.19
The concept of the iatrogenic triad in the elderly refers to three interrelated elements that can adversely affect the health of older adults: polypharmacy (the concurrent use of multiple medications), DDIs, and the use of PIMs.20 A study conducted in Brazil explored the prevalence and inter-relationship of these elements in older adults. The research found that a high percentage of the elderly population was exposed to the iatrogenic triad. Specifically, 44.6% experienced polypharmacy, 72.3% were at risk of DDIs, and 42.1% were using PIMs as per Beers criterion. Almost one-third (29.3%) of the study participants were exposed to all three elements of the iatrogenic triad simultaneously. The study also found that frailty and having a caregiver were associated with this triad.20
Research has demonstrated that the iatrogenic triad is prevalent in the elderly population. For instance, a study on elderly women reported that nearly 90% of the participants used at least one element of the iatrogenic triad. The study also noted a high index of continuous use medications, PIMs, and potential drug interactions, particularly among enzymatic inhibitors. It was observed that old age was associated with the presence of all elements of the iatrogenic triad, underscoring the importance of vigilant medication management in this population.21
According to the 2019 AGS Beer’s criteria, more than half of the prescriptions in our study (54.60%) included medications that were inappropriate for elderly patients. Among such medications, the antidiabetic drugs glimepiride and glibenclamide pose a higher risk of prolonged hypoglycemia in the elderly population. The evidence supporting this recommendation is of high quality, and the recommendation itself is strongly endorsed. Prolonged hypoglycemia can lead to adverse outcomes, including bone fractures from falls, seizures, long-term cognitive impairment (such as dementia), frailty, extended hospital stays, and even mortality in hospitals.22 It is crucial for physicians to be aware of these PIMs to avoid their use in elderly patients. If physicians are aware, there is an opportunity to replace PIMs with alternative drugs where the benefits outweigh the risks.
No scholarly research originating from India has documented any instances of drug-alcohol or drug-food interactions. Our study highlights the rapid onset and potential severity of drug-alcohol and drug-food interactions, ranging from moderate to major. Patients who are not educated on these interactions by a clinical pharmacist are often unaware of the associated risks, which can result in therapeutic failure. For instance, concurrent intake of food can decrease furosemide exposure and efficacy, whereas alcohol consumption while taking aspirin can increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding. These interactions are typically unknown to both patients and physicians, underscoring the need for clinical pharmacist involvement in such cases.
Moreover, our study identified three potential strategies to prevent the iatrogenic triad in elderly patients: interaction, collaboration, and continuing education. Notably, we found no previous studies in India that have outlined such systematic approaches for mitigating the risks associated with the iatrogenic triad in the elderly.
CONCLUSION
We observed the iatrogenic triad in the elderly. The iatrogenic triad in the elderly may be prevented using three possible ways that we observed in our study: interaction of patients with the clinical pharmacist to obtain the BPMH history; collaboration of the clinical pharmacist with physicians for informed decision-making and optimizing the pharmacotherapy; and continuing education activity led by a clinical pharmacist to update the knowledge on drug safety and prescribing in the physicians.
Study design, study site, and duration of the study
A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 150 elderly patients attending outpatient departments at a government-funded, 1.000-bed hospital. This facility charges a nominal amount for diagnostic and other medical services while providing necessary medications at no cost to the patients. Owing to its operation in the public sector and its status as one of the major hospitals in nearby regions, the hospital faces a disproportionate doctor-to-patient ratio. The hospital offers surgery and emergency services around the clock. The study spanned six months, from January 7 to July 7, 2022. The manuscript has been reported in accordance with the STROBE guidelines.
Study participants, sampling technique, and sample size estimation
This study focused on elderly patients who were prescribed at least one medication, irrespective of the presence of any co-existing medical conditions. Patients with time constraints were excluded from the study to ensure data reliability. A convenience sampling approach was employed to select each participant, providing a practical and efficient method for participant recruitment. Due to the study’s timeline constraints, 150 patients were ultimately included in the research, allowing for a manageable sample size while still offering valuable insights into the topic.
Ethical approval
The Vignan Institute of Pharmaceutical Technology Institutional Human Ethical Committee approved the study (approval no.: VIPT/IEC/89/2022, date: 20.01.2022). The participants were informed of the objectives of the study. We assured the confidentiality of the data and obtained informed consent from each participant.
Study instruments
American Geriatric Society (AGS) Beer’s Criteria, 2019#*#ref12#*#
The 2019 AGS Beers Criteria is an update to the 2015 Beers Criteria, providing a comprehensive list of PIMs that should be avoided in elderly patients in specific situations or, in most cases, across the board, particularly when considering certain diseases or conditions. This updated criteria includes a list of PIMs for most older adults, drugs to be avoided for those with certain conditions, DDIs to be aware of, drugs to use with caution, and guidance on dose adjustments in cases of renal failure. For each class of PIMs, the criteria outline the rationale, recommendation, quality of evidence, and strength of recommendation, ensuring a well-informed approach to medication management in geriatric care.
Micromedex#*#ref13#*#
Micromedex is an evidence-based medical information software that serves as a reliable source of drug interaction-related information. To emphasize the importance of addressing these interactions, our study reported drug interactions that exhibited major and moderate severity, rapid and delayed onset reactions, and good and excellent documentation. Nevertheless, in the case of drug-ethanol interactions, we also included results with fair documentation to ensure a comprehensive analysis. Furthermore, we meticulously documented the mechanism of interaction for every instance, highlighting the sophisticated and rigorous approach employed in this academic investigation.
Definitions
Major drug interaction is any life-threatening drug interaction that requires medical intervention to minimize or prevent serious adverse effects. Moderate drug interaction is any drug interaction that may intensify the patient’s condition and/or require an alteration in therapy. Excellent documentation indicates that controlled studies have established the existence of the interaction. Good documentation lacks well-controlled studies but strongly suggests an interaction. Fair documentation suspects an interaction based on pharmacological considerations from lead clinicians or documentation is good for a pharmacologically similar drug.
Medication regimen complexity index#*#ref14#*#
The MRCI is a validated, 65-item scale designed to quantify the complexity of a patient’s drug regimen. This index considers factors such as the number of prescribed medications, dosage form, frequency of administration, and additional instructions for use. Consequently, a higher MRCI score signifies a more intricate and complex medication regimen, thereby emphasizing the importance of understanding and managing medication complexity in clinical practice.
Outcomes
The primary outcome of this study was to thoroughly analyze the iatrogenic triad, which encompasses PIMs, polypharmacy (> 5 medications), and DDIs. Concurrently, the secondary outcome is to identify effective strategies that can mitigate or prevent harm caused by the iatrogenic triad in elderly patients, ultimately contributing to improved patient outcomes and enhanced quality of geriatric care. Another secondary outcome is to identify medication regimen complexity using MRCI.
Data collection
Data collection was performed in two distinct parts. The initial part encompassed gathering the demographic and clinical details of the patients, such as their age, gender, smoking and alcoholism status, department name, diagnosis of the patient’s condition, and the number of prescribed drugs. The subsequent phase involved prescription auditing to identify PIMs, medication regimen complexity, and potential DDIs, following Beer’s criteria (2019).
Data analysis
Quantitative data were presented as mean and standard deviation or median and interquartile range, depending on whether the data were normally distributed or not. Qualitative data are presented as frequencies and percentages. To investigate the relationship between MRCI, polypharmacy (> 5 medications), PIMs, and drug interactions, paired-samples t-test or Wilcoxon test was used based on the normality assumption. The p value, effect size, and 95% confidence interval were reported for the tests. Spearman’s Rho correlation was conducted to examine the degree of association between the medication regiment complexity index, polypharmacy, and drug interactions. The level of statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.
Statistical analysis
Statistical analysis was performed using Jeffrey’s Amazing Statistics Programme software (version 0.14.1.0).
Interaction
Patients will have the opportunity to interact with the clinical pharmacist (Figure 1). Typically, patients are required to register as outpatients and then wait to consult with a physician. During this waiting period, the clinical pharmacist will meet the patient and collect the best possible medication history (BPMH) using a standard proforma. The BPMH includes information such as current medications, drugs discontinued within the last six months, drug allergies, over-the-counter medications, alternative medicine, vitamin and mineral supplements, herbal supplements, and recent immunization. The clinical pharmacist will record this comprehensive information in patient case sheets. The patient will then consult with the physician using the updated case sheet. Public hospitals should actively foster collaboration with pharmacy colleges to encourage their participation as stakeholders in the process of mitigating the iatrogenic triad in vulnerable populations such as the elderly. By cultivating a symbiotic relationship between these institutions, a more comprehensive approach can be employed to address and prevent potential complications arising from medical interventions.
Collaboration
Based on the information obtained from the BPMH and drug allergy records provided by the clinical pharmacist, the physician will proceed to prescribe appropriate drugs. The clinical pharmacist will then conduct a thorough review of the prescription to identify PIMs, drug interactions, and instances of polypharmacy. In cases where discrepancies are identified, both the physician and clinical pharmacist will consult established evidence and guidelines to inform their decision-making. Upon reaching a consensus, the physician will proceed to individualize and represcribe the therapy as necessary (Figure 1).
Collaborative interventions between pharmacists and physicians have been shown to improve the medication appropriateness index scores of elderly patients.23 A collaborative care approach with a focus on pharmacists has been found to be effective in reducing drug-related problems, potential DDIs, and PIMs, as well as improving positive clinical outcomes related to quality-of-life measures in elderly patients with mental health concerns.24 Moreover, interventions aimed at optimizing medication usage have been successful in reducing the risk of serious adverse drug reactions (ADRs) in older adults.25 Nonetheless, the acceptability of pharmacist-led interventions as a means of optimizing treatment is a crucial consideration.
Continuing education
Continuing medical education is an essential tool for keeping physicians abreast of new developments and advances in medicine. This education is facilitated through various channels, such as dear doctor letters, seminars and conferences, and pharmacovigilance activities. Dear doctor letters disseminate vital information, including new drug approvals by the FDA, recent inappropriate drug usage in high-risk populations, and ADRs that commonly occur in hospitals. Clinical pharmacist-led seminars and conferences cover diverse aspects of drug safety, whereas pharmacovigilance activities enable unsolicited reporting of ADRs by healthcare and allied healthcare personnel in high-risk populations. The implementation of such measures serves to deter the prescribing or caution the use of drugs that pose potential risks to patient safety (Figure 1).
In the D-PRESCRIBE randomized trial, Martin et al.26 established a pharmacist-led intervention group aimed at promoting educational deprescribing brochures and providing evidence-based pharmaceutical opinions to physicians. This study focused on older adults in Quebec and compared the outcomes of the intervention group with those receiving standard care. Results revealed that after 6 months, participants who received the educational intervention discontinued prescriptions for inappropriate medications. However, further research is necessary to establish the generalizability of these findings to broader patient populations.
The interplay between these three methods-interaction, collaboration, and continuing education-can significantly minimize the iatrogenic triad in the elderly. The patient-centered approach, coupled with strong professional collaboration and an emphasis on continual learning, forms a robust defense against the potential pitfalls associated with polypharmacy and complex medical care in the elderly population. They form a synergistic approach that addresses various aspects of medication safety and management. Combining these factorscan improve medication-related outcomes, reduce the iatrogenic triad, and enhance the overall well-being of the elderly population.
Study limitations
This study has some limitations. First, the small sample size is small and affects the generalizability of the results. Second, the health policy making of integrating pharmacists into patient care may require feasibility and acceptability of multiple stakeholders. However, considering the benefit of the approach and the significant number of pharmacy colleges in Andhra Pradesh, it may be possible to implement the approach in real time for optimal results.
Potential implications of the study
This study has important implications for improving the quality of care for elderly patients and preventing the iatrogenic triad. By implementing the strategies identified in this study, healthcare providers can reduce the risk of harm and improve outcomes for this vulnerable population.
Improved medication management for the elderly
The study’s findings highlight the need for healthcare providers to review and adjust medication regimens for elderly patients to reduce the risk of PIMs, polypharmacy, drug interactions, and medication regimen complexity. This could lead to better health outcomes and quality of life for elderly patients.
Development of clinical guidelines
The study findings could inform the development of clinical guidelines for medication management in elderly patients. These guidelines could provide healthcare providers with a framework for assessing medication regimens, identifying PIMs, and managing drug interactions in elderly patients.
