The role of pharmacists in managing polypharmacy among elderly or multi-morbid patients in collaboration with primary care physicians; Review

Abstract

Polypharmacy, the simultaneous use of multiple medications, is a prevalent issue among elderly and multi-morbid patients, posing significant risks such as adverse drug events (ADEs), medication non-adherence, and drug-drug interactions. Addressing polypharmacy requires a collaborative approach involving pharmacists and primary care physicians (PCPs). Collaboration between pharmacists and PCPs is essential to optimize care. Through shared decision-making, medication therapy management (MTM) programs, and integration into primary care teams, pharmacists contribute to reducing medication-related problems and improving patient adherence. Challenges such as communication barriers, role ambiguity, and insufficient policy support can hinder effective collaboration. Strategies to address these challenges include interprofessional training, leveraging electronic health records (EHRs), and expanding pharmacists' roles through supportive policies and reimbursement models.
This review highlights that pharmacist-PCP collaborations lead to improved patient outcomes, including a reduction in ADEs, enhanced medication adherence, and significant cost savings. Future directions should focus on integrating pharmacists into patient-centered care models, adopting advanced technologies, and fostering interprofessional education to strengthen collaborative practices. By addressing the complexities of polypharmacy, healthcare systems can enhance patient safety, improve quality of life, and achieve sustainable care outcomes for vulnerable populations.