High-Risk Medications in the Elderly Action Steps for Pharmacies
The following information is intended to be a general overview of some action steps a pharmacy can consider implementing to increase quality and performance in this area. It does not constitute legal or other professional advice by Health Mart®. Each pharmacist should apply his or her own professional judgment.
1. IDENTIFY PATIENTS OVER AGE 65
Identify patients over age 65 who are taking drugs or classes of drugs on the high-risk medications in the elderly list.
- Participate in medication therapy management programs that include high-risk medication–targeted interventions and/or comprehensive medication reviews (CMRs)
- Familiarize your staff with the high-risk medications list and common classes of high-risk medications and review medications for coaching opportunities during traditional counseling interactions
- When performing prospective DUR, look for these high-risk medications in patients who are 65 and older
2. DISCUSS WITH PATIENT
If a high-risk medication is identified, discuss it with the patient at the pharmacy or by phone.
- Ask open-ended questions to find out what the patient knows about the medication. Ask for permission to discuss the potential risk(s) of taking this medication for patients 65 and older.
- Offer to call and/or fax the prescriber to find out if discontinuing the medication or taking another medication might be recommended
- Use the Beers Criteria and associated risks as clinical proof when discussing potential therapeutic interchange with prescribers
3. CONTACT PHYSICIAN
If applicable, contact physician via phone or fax to let them know about the potential high-risk medication identified, as well as any pertinent information from the discussion with the patient.
- Use physician fax templates (such as samples outlined in Appendix C) and customize as needed