Multidisciplinary intervention to identify and resolve drug-related problems in Norwegian nursing homes

Abstract

Objective: to describe an innovative team intervention to identify and resolve DRPs (drug-related problems) in Norwegian nursing homes. Design: descriptive intervention study. Setting: three nursing homes in Bergen, Norway. Subjects: a total of 142 long-term care patients (106 women, mean age 86.9 years). Results: systematic medication reviews performed by pharmacists in 142 patients revealed altogether 719 DRPs, of which 504 were acknowledged by the patients ’ physician and nurses, and 476 interventions were completed. “ Unnecessary drug ” and “ Monitoring required ” were the most frequently identified DRPs. Drugs for treating the nervous system and the alimentary tract and metabolism were most commonly questioned. Conclusions: the multidisciplinary team intervention was suitable to identify and resolve drug-related problems in nursing home settings. Systematic medication reviews and involvement of pharmacists in clinical teams should therefore be implemented on a regular basis to achieve and maintain high-quality drug therapy.