A branch of pharmacology, focusing on the assessment of the biochemical and physiological impacts of drugs.
Published in Chapter:
A Digital Health Perspective on Medication Use and Polypharmacy Management for Improving Healthcare Outcomes in Geriatric Patients
Tungki Pratama Umar (University College London, UK),
Andrei Tanasov (Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Romania),
Bella Stevanny (Universitas Sriwijaya, Indonesia),
Dessy Agustini (Universitas Sriwijaya, Indonesia),
Tirth Dave (Bukovinian State Medical University, Ukraine), Ayman Nabhan (Al Andalus University for Medical Sciences, Syria), Maysa Madany (South Valley University, Egypt),
Muiz Ibrahim (International Higher School of Medicine, International University of Kyrgyzstan, Kyrgyzstan),
Dang Nguyen (Massachusetts General Hospital, USA),
Shivani Jain (Genesis Institute of Dental Sciences and Research, India), and
Nityanand Jain (Riga Stradins University, Latvia)
Copyright: © 2024
|Pages: 39
DOI: 10.4018/979-8-3693-0260-6.ch001
Abstract
The high prevalence of multiple comorbidities poses unique medication-related challenges for geriatric patients. Polypharmacy is a particular concern since taking several medications simultaneously increases the likelihood of adverse drug events and the risk of drug interactions while decreasing patient adherence. These factors are associated with suboptimal health outcomes and a heightened burden on the healthcare system (insurance claims) and the patient (out-of-pocket expenses). These challenges can significantly affect the quality of life of geriatric patients. This chapter critically examines the impact of medication use and polypharmacy on the quality of life of older patients. In addition, the authors discuss how artificial intelligence-based digital tools and precision medicine can address these issues by streamlining medical decision-making, improving the patient experience, and allowing remote monitoring. Finally, they interpret the findings from the lens of ethical considerations associated with the adoption and implementation of digital applications and gadgets.