An Evaluation of Nurses' Role in Managing Polypharmacy Among Elderly Patients in Federal Medical Centre, Katsina State
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Background of the Study: Polypharmacy, the concurrent use of multiple medications by a patient, is a growing concern, especially among the elderly population. As people age, they often develop multiple chronic conditions, leading to the prescription of several medications simultaneously (Smith et al., 2024). Polypharmacy increases the risk of adverse drug reactions, drug interactions, non-adherence to medication regimens, and hospitalizations, all of which can negatively affect the health and quality of life of elderly patients (Oluwatayo et al., 2023). In Nigeria, the issue of polypharmacy is exacerbated by inadequate healthcare infrastructure, irregular access to medications, and lack of coordination among healthcare providers (Bamidele et al., 2023).
Nurses play a central role in managing polypharmacy in elderly patients by performing medication reconciliations, educating patients about their medications, monitoring for side effects, and collaborating with other healthcare professionals (Jones & Smith, 2024). In Federal Medical Centre, Katsina State, where a significant number of elderly patients receive treatment, polypharmacy poses a particular challenge. Nurses’ role in mitigating the risks associated with polypharmacy has not been fully explored, and this study seeks to investigate the extent to which nurses in Katsina are involved in managing polypharmacy among elderly patients, and the impact of their interventions.
Statement of the Problem: Polypharmacy is a major healthcare challenge among elderly patients, leading to increased health risks such as adverse drug events and complications. Despite the growing recognition of the role of nurses in managing polypharmacy, there is limited research in Katsina State on how nurses address this issue, particularly within the context of Federal Medical Centre. Nurses’ involvement in medication management, although crucial, may be impeded by various factors, including lack of adequate training, time constraints, and insufficient resources. This study will evaluate how nurses in Federal Medical Centre, Katsina, manage polypharmacy among elderly patients and identify the challenges they face.
Objectives of the Study:
- To assess the role of nurses in managing polypharmacy among elderly patients in Federal Medical Centre, Katsina.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of nurse-led interventions in reducing the risks associated with polypharmacy.
- To identify barriers that hinder nurses from effectively managing polypharmacy in elderly patients.
Research Questions:
- What role do nurses play in managing polypharmacy among elderly patients in Federal Medical Centre, Katsina?
- How effective are nurse-led interventions in reducing the risks of polypharmacy in elderly patients?
- What are the challenges nurses face in managing polypharmacy in elderly patients in Katsina State?
Research Hypotheses:
- Nurse-led interventions are effective in reducing the risks associated with polypharmacy among elderly patients.
- Nurses who have specialized training in pharmacology are more effective in managing polypharmacy in elderly patients.
- Lack of coordination among healthcare providers is a major barrier to managing polypharmacy in elderly patients in Katsina State.
Scope and Limitations of the Study: This study will focus on elderly patients receiving care at Federal Medical Centre, Katsina. The research will be limited to exploring the role of nurses in polypharmacy management and may not fully capture the role of other healthcare professionals. Limitations include the potential for reporting biases in interviews and the variability in nursing practices across different wards and departments.
Definitions of Terms:
- Polypharmacy: The concurrent use of multiple medications by a patient, typically defined as the use of five or more medications.
- Elderly Patients: Individuals aged 65 years and older who are receiving healthcare services.
- Nurse-Led Interventions: Interventions initiated and carried out by nurses, such as patient education, medication reconciliation, and monitoring, aimed at improving patient outcomes and reducing medication-related risks.
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