The Continuity of Chronic Medications in Multimorbid Patients during Perioperative Period: Retrospective Analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 76 (2) ◽  
pp. 210-220
Author(s):  
Maria D. Nigmatkulova ◽  
E. B. Kleymenova ◽  
Liubov P. Yashina ◽  
Dmitry A. Sychev

Background. Failure of continuity at care transitions results in 50% of all medication errors and up to 20% of adverse drug events (ADEs). In surgical patients medication errors occur more often than in medical patients due to perioperative corrections of medications and greater number of in-hospital transitions. The frequency of ADE in surgical patients varies from 2.3 to 27.7%. Aims to determine the prevalence and structure of unintentional discrepancies (UDs) in medications at admission to and discharge from surgery departments, report their potential clinical impact and analyse possible risk factors. Methods. Retrospective observational study was conducted in a general hospital in Russia. The study included patients hospitalized for elective surgery in Surgical Departments from January to June 2019. The pre-admission Best Possible Medication History (BPMH) for every patient was obtained. The BPMHs were compared with admission medication orders and hospital discharge prescriptions to identify UDs. Detected UDs were analysed for potential ADE with severity evaluation. Results. 206 patients were included, 55.83% were female, mean age 63.85 (9.38), median of chronic medications was 3 drugs. At least one UD was detected in 70.87% of patients at admission and in 92.72% at discharge, respectively, with averages of 1.30 and 2.81 discrepancies per patient. Cardiovascular drugs were the most frequent class involved at both admission (72.2%) and discharge (68.05%) in UDs. The most often UDs at both admission (51.68%) and discharge (94.65%) were omissions, incorrect dose (22.47% and 2.25%), and additional medications (11.6% and 1.55%). UDs had the potential to cause significant ADEs in 81.27%, serious ADEs in 18.35% of cases. Only 0.37% of UDs could contribute to life-threatening ADEs. The relative risk of discrepancies in patients of 60 years and older was 1.292-fold higher; three and more chronic medications increase risk 1.565-fold; diabetic or thyroid medications increase risk 1.932-fold. Conclusions. We reported on the first study of medication discrepancies conducted in Russian hospital. Estimated frequency, structure and risk factors of UDs in medications at admission to and discharge from surgery departments are similar to those from other countries. To decrease UDs in medications, implementation of medication reconciliation is needed.

Blood ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 116 (21) ◽  
pp. 3337-3337
Author(s):  
Grigoris T Gerotziafas ◽  
Miltos Chrysanthidis ◽  
Reda Isaad ◽  
Hela Baccouche ◽  
Chrysoula Papageorgiou ◽  
...  

Abstract Abstract 3337 Introduction: Risk assessment models (RAM) are helpful tools for the screening VTE risk in hospitalized patients. Most of the available RAMs have been constructed on a disease-based or surgery-based approach and include some of the most relevant risk factors for VTE. There is limited information on the impact and importance of individual and comorbidity related risk factors for VTE present during hospitalization on the global VTE risk. Incorporation of the most frequent VTE risk and bleeding risk factors related to comorbidities might improve the ability of RAM to detect real-life patients at risk VTE and to evaluate drawbacks for the application of thromboprophylaxis. Aim of the study: The primary aim of the COMPASS programme was to evaluate the prevalence of the all known VTE and bleeding risk factors reported in the literature in real-life surgical and medical hospitalized patients. Methods: A prospective multicenter cross-sectional observational study was conducted in 6 hospitals in Greece and 1 in France. All inpatients aged >40 years hospitalised for medical diseases and inpatients aged >18 years admitted due to a surgical procedure and hospitalisation for a period exceeding three days were included. Patients and their treating physicians were interviewed with standardised questionnaire including all VTE and bleeding risk factors described in literature (130 items) on the third day of hospitalisation. Patients not giving informed consent, or receiving anticoagulant treatment for any reason or hospitalised in order to undergo diagnostic investigation without any further therapeutic intervention were excluded. Results: A total of 806 patients were enrolled in the study (414 medical and 392 surgical). Most frequent causes of hospitalisation in medical patients were infection (42%), ischemic stroke (14%), cancer (13%), gastrointestinal disease (9%), pulmonary disease (4%), renal disease (3%) and rheumatologic disease (1,4%). Surgical patients were hospitalised for vascular disease (22%) cancer (19,4%) gastrointestinal disease (12,5%), infection (8%), orthopaedic surgery and trauma (14%) or minor surgery (7%). Analysis of the frequency of risk factors for VTE showed that active cancer, recent hospitalisation, venous insufficiency and total bed rest without bathroom privileges were frequent in both groups. Medical patients had significantly more frequently than surgical patients several important predisposing risk factors for VTE. Moreover, medical patient had more frequently than surgical ones bleeding risk factors. The data for the most frequent risk factors are summarised in Table 1. Conclusion: COMPASS is the first registry that provides key data on the prevalence of all known VTE and bleeding risk factors in real life medical and surgical patients hospitalised in two countries of European Union. The analysis of the data shows that in addition to risk stemin from the disease or surgical act both medical and surgical patients share common VTE risk factors. The careful analysis of the most frequent and relevant VTE risk factors will allow the derivation of a practical VTE and bleeding risk assessment model taken into account these factors. Disclosures: Chrysanthidis: Sanofi-Aventis: Employment.


2015 ◽  
Vol 113 (06) ◽  
pp. 1216-1223 ◽  
Author(s):  
Serena Granziera ◽  
Alexander T. Cohen

summaryPrimary prevention is the key to managing a significant proportion of the burden of venous thromboembolism (VTE), defined as deep venous thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE). This is because VTE may lead to sudden death or are often misdiagnosed and therefore treatment is not feasible. Primary prevention usually commences in hospital as VTE following hospitalisation adds to the significant disease burden worldwide. Numerous medical, surgical and other risk factors have been recognised and studied as indications for prophylaxis. The risk of VTE continues following admission to hospital with a medical or surgical condition, usually long after discharge and therefore prolonged primary prophylaxis is often recommended. Clinical and observational studies in surgical patients show this risk extends for months and perhaps more than one year, for medical patients the risk extends for at least several weeks. For the specific groups of patients at higher risk of developing VTE primary prevention, either pharmaceutical or mechanical, is recommended. The aim of this review is to describe the population at risk, the main related risk factors and the approach to thromboprophylaxis in different populations.


2014 ◽  
Vol 24 (2) ◽  
pp. 65-69
Author(s):  
M Nur-e-elahi ◽  
I Jahan ◽  
O Siddiqui ◽  
SU Ahmed ◽  
AI Joarder ◽  
...  

Background Surgical site infections (SSI) are the most common nosocomial infection in surgical patients, accounting for 38% of all such infections, and are a significant source of postoperative morbidity resulting in increased hospital length of stay and increased cost. Objectives To find out the incidence of wound infection in patients following elective surgery and the most likely causative organisms and their resistance pattern. Methods Prospective data were collected on 496 surgical patients admitted in the surgery department in BSMMU from January 2010 to June 2010. All preoperative risk factors were evaluated. Patients operated were followed in the post operative period and if any wound infection noted, swab from the site of infection was sent for culture and sensitivity and antibiotics were given accordingly. Results Following 496 elective operations 20.16 % patients developed wound infection. Highest numbers of infection were seen in the fifth decade with slight female preponderance. Wound infection progressively rises with the degree of contamination and increasing operative time. The common risk factors for development of surgical wound infection were anemia (52%), malnutrition (44%), diabetes (38%), jaundice (30%), contaminated operation (44%) dirty operation (38 %), obesity and smoking. The most predominant isolated organism was Escherichia coli (43%) followed by Staphylococcus aureus (33%) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (11%). Ceftriaxone still remains the most effective antibiotic although the incidence of resistance is rising. Conclusion Despite a good numbers of variables influence surgical site infections; it is still possible to reduce the infection rate by correcting modifiable risk factors, reducing degree of contamination and duration of operation. To battle the emerging resistance of pathogens a definitive guideline is essential. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbsa.v24i2.19804 Journal of Bangladesh Society of Anaesthesiologists 2011; 24(2): 65-69


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elien B. Uitvlugt ◽  
Marjo J. A. Janssen ◽  
Carl E. H. Siegert ◽  
Eva L. Kneepkens ◽  
Bart J. F. van den Bemt ◽  
...  

Background: Hospital readmission rates are increasingly used as a measure of healthcare quality. Medicines are the most common therapeutic intervention but estimating the contribution of adverse drug events as a cause of readmissions is difficult.Objectives: To assess the prevalence and preventability of medication-related readmissions within 30 days after hospital discharge and to describe the risk factors, type of medication errors and types of medication involved in these preventable readmissions.Design: A cross-sectional observational study.Setting: The study took place across the cardiology, gastroenterology, internal medicine, neurology, psychiatry, pulmonology and general surgery departments in the OLVG teaching hospital, Netherlands.Participants: Patients with an unplanned readmission within 30 days after discharge from an earlier hospitalization (index hospitalization: IH) were reviewed.Measurements: The prevalence and preventability of medication-related readmissions were assessed by residents in multidisciplinary meetings. A senior internist and hospital pharmacist reassessed the prevalence and preventability of identified cases. Generalized estimating equation with logistic regression was performed to identify risk factors of potentially preventable medication-related readmissions.Results: Of 1,111 included readmissions, 181 (16%) were medication-related, of which 72 (40%) were potentially preventable. The number of medication changes at IH (Adjusted odds ratio [ORadj]: 1.14; 95% CI: 1.05–1.24) and having ≥3 hospitalizations 6 months before IH (ORadj: 2.11; 95% CI: 1.12–3.98) were risk factors of a preventable medication-related readmission. Of these preventable readmissions, 35% were due to prescribing errors, 35% by non-adherence and 30% by transition errors. Medications most frequently involved were diuretics and antidiabetics.Conclusion: This study shows that 16% of readmissions are medication-related, of which 40% are potentially preventable. If the results are confirmed in larger multicentre studies, this may indicate that more attention should be paid to medication-related harm in order to lower the overall readmission rates.


2016 ◽  
Vol 40 (1) ◽  
pp. 86 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alison Mudge ◽  
Katherine Radnedge ◽  
Karen Kasper ◽  
Robert Mullins ◽  
Julie Adsett ◽  
...  

Objective Multimorbidity and associated polypharmacy are risk factors for hospital re-admission. The Targeting Hospitalization Risks in Vulnerable Elders (THRIVE) clinic is a novel multidisciplinary out-patient clinic to improve transitions of care and decrease re-admission risk for older medical patients with frequent hospital admissions. This pilot study examined the effect of the THRIVE model on medication count, tablet load and potentially inappropriate medicines (PIMs). Methods Participants with frequent medical admissions were referred within 2 weeks of discharge from hospital and assessed at baseline and then at 4 and 12 weeks by the THRIVE team. A thorough reconciliation of all medications was performed collaboratively by a clinical pharmacist and a physician. Optimising medications, including deprescribing, was in collaboration with the participants’ general practitioner. The complete medication history of each patient was compared retrospectively by an independent assessor at baseline and after the 12-week clinic, comparing total number of regular medications, tablet load and PIMs (measured using the Screening Tool of Older Persons Prescriptions (STOPP) tool). Results All 17 participants attending the pilot THRIVE clinic were included in the study. At 12 weeks, there was a significant reduction in mean medication count (from 14.3 to 11.2 medications; P < 0.001) and mean tablet load (from 20.5 to 16.9 tablets; P < 0.01). There was an absolute reduction in the total number of PIMs from 38 to 14. Common medications deprescribed included opioids, tricyclic antidepressants, benzodiazepines and diuretics. Conclusions Patients who attended the THRIVE clinic had a significant reduction in medication count and tablet load. The pilot study demonstrates the potential benefits of a multidisciplinary out-patient clinic to improve prescribing and reduce unwarranted medications in an elderly population. An adequately powered comparative study would allow assessment of clinical outcomes and costs. What is known about the topic? Elderly patients are prone to polypharmacy. The identification and deprescribing of potentially inappropriate medications is effective in reducing adverse drug events in this population. However, acute hospitalisation is not always the ideal setting to initiate deprescribing. What does the paper add? Intensive multidisciplinary out-patient care for frequently re-admitted patients optimises their medication management plan and helps reduce the use of unwarranted medications. What are the implications for practitioners? Effective deprescribing in elderly patients can be achieved after hospital discharge using a multidisciplinary collaborative model, but costs and clinical benefits require further investigation.


2007 ◽  
Vol 98 (12) ◽  
pp. 1220-1225 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ali Seddighzadeh ◽  
Urszula Zurawska ◽  
Ranjith Shetty ◽  
Samuel Goldhaber

SummaryPatients who undergo surgery are at a high risk of developing venous thromboembolism (VTE). To further define the demographics, comorbidities, and risk factors of VTE in patients undergoing major surgery, we analyzed 1,375 hospitalized non-orthopedic surgery patients in a prospective registry of 5,451 patients with ultrasound confirmed deep vein thrombosis (DVT) from 183 hospitals in the United States. Extremity edema (67.9%), extremity discomfort (44.9%), and dyspnea (18.9%) were among the most common presenting symptoms among these surgical patients. Compared to medical patients, surgical patients presented with a more occult clinical picture and complained less often of extremity edema (67.9% vs. 73.7%; p=0.0001), extremity discomfort (44.9% vs. 56.4%; p<0.0001), or difficulty walking (6.6% vs. 11.2%; p<0.0001). Immobility within 30 days of DVT diagnosis, prior hospitalization within 30 days of DVT diagnosis, presence of an indwelling central venous catheter, obesity (BMI >30 kg/m2), and previous smoking were the most common VTE risk factors among surgical patients. Among surgical patients who developed DVT, some form of prophylaxis had been used in only 44%. Once diagnosed with DVT, surgical patients received IVC filters more often than medical patients (20.0% vs. 14.1%; p<0.0001; adjusted OR=1.49, 95% CI=1.17–1.92; p<0.001). In conclusion, VTE prophylaxis remains underutilized in surgical patients. The IVC filter utilization rate in surgical patients is significantly higher than in medical patients. Future studies should focus on devising mechanisms to improve implementation of prophylaxis and investigate the long-term safety and efficacy of IVC filters in surgical patients.


VASA ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 40 (2) ◽  
pp. 123-130
Author(s):  
Klein-Weigel ◽  
Richter ◽  
Arendt ◽  
Gerdsen ◽  
Härtwig ◽  
...  

Background: We surveyed the quality of risk stratification politics and monitored the rate of entries to our company-wide protocol for venous thrombembolism (VTE) prophylaxis in order to identify safety concerns. Patients and methods: Audit in 464 medical and surgical patients to evaluate quality of VTE prophylaxis. Results: Patients were classified as low 146 (31 %), medium 101 (22 %), and high risk cases 217 (47 %). Of these 262 (56.5 %) were treated according to their risk status and in accordance with our protocol, while 9 more patients were treated according to their risk status but off-protocol. Overtreatment was identified in 73 (15.7 %), undertreatment in 120 (25,9 %) of all patients. The rate of incorrect prophylaxis was significantly different between the risk categories, with more patients of the high-risk group receiving inadequate medical prophylaxis (data not shown; p = 0.038). Renal function was analyzed in 392 (84.5 %) patients. In those patients with known renal function 26 (6.6 %) received improper medical prophylaxis. If cases were added in whom prophylaxis was started without previous creatinine control, renal function was not correctly taken into account in 49 (10.6 %) of all patients. Moreover, deterioration of renal function was not excluded within one week in 78 patients (16.8 %) and blood count was not re-checked in 45 (9.7 %) of all patients after one week. There were more overtreatments in surgical (n = 53/278) and more undertreatments in medical patients (n = 54/186) (p = 0.04). Surgeons neglected renal function and blood controls significantly more often than medical doctors (p-values for both < 0.05). Conclusions: We found a low adherence with our protocol and substantial over- and undertreatment in VTE prophylaxis. Besides, we identified disregarding of renal function and safety laboratory examinations as additional safety concerns. To identify safety problems associated with medical VTE prophylaxis and “hot spots” quality management-audits proved to be valuable instruments.


2020 ◽  

Background: The outbreak of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has led to a major concern for those who are more vulnerable to infections. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the most important risk factors for severe COVID-19 pneumonia. Methods: This retrospective study included information on clinical and epidemiological features of 105 patients with severe COVID-19 pneumonia hospitalized in Tajrish Hospital, Tehran, Iran. Initially, the medical records of the patients were investigated, and an interview was conducted based on a pre-prepared checklist to seek information about symptoms, past medical history, medication history, and behavior before hospitalization. Results: Out of 105 participants, 76 (72.5%) cases were male, and 54 (51.4%) patients were older than 54 years old. The majority of the patients (n=18; 17.1%) had both hypertension and diabetes (n=12; 11.4%). Metformin (n=36; 34.3%) was the most used medication amongst the studied patient. In addition, 24 (22.9%) patients were recreational hookah smokers, and the majority (75%) of them were under the age of 46 years old. Eventually, 19 patients were excluded from the study, of whom 11 individuals had diabetes, and 10 cases were using metformin. Conclusion: Apparently, hookah smoking played a critical role in the spread of COVID-19 in Iran and has made younger people more susceptible. In addition to older age, the immunosuppressive effects of Metformin seem to make diabetic patients with an impaired immune system more vulnerable to severe COVID-19 pneumonia. More studies on the immune system of vulnerable individuals by identifying their differences can help to protect them.


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