eFit – HCP: Medication Optimization

Medication Optimization, or optimizing drug therapy, is an essential part of caring for an older adult. The process of prescribing a medication is complex and includes: Deciding that a drug is indicated, choosing the best drug, determining a dose and schedule appropriate for the patient’s physiologic status, monitoring for effectiveness and toxicity and educating the patient about expected side effects and indications for seeking consultation. (1)

 

Medication Appropriateness Index (MAI):
Instructions    Link

Anticholinergic Cognitive Burden Scale (Idaho Health Care Association):
Scale
Antihyperclycemics Deprescribing Algorithm (Canadian Family Physician):
Algorithm
Antipsychotic (AP) Deprescribing Algorithm (Canadian Family Physician):
Algorithm
Deprescribing Antipsychotics for Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia and Insomnia (Canadian Family Physician):
Guideline
Deprescribing Benzodiazepine Receptor Agonists (Canadian Family Physician):
Guideline
Deprescribing Proton Pump Inhibitors (Canadian Family Physician):
Guideline
Opioid Prescribing for Acute Pain (Heath Quality Ontario):
Quality Standards
Opioid Prescribing for Chronic Pain (Health Quality Ontario):
Quality Standards
Medication Review (British Columbia Ministry of Health):
Guideline
Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI) Deprescribing Algorithm (deprescribing.org):
Algorithm
Use of Antipsychotics in Behavioural and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia Discussion Guide (Centre for Effective Practice):
Guide

Reading List: Optimizing Medications in Older Adults

Pocket Guide to the AGS 2015 Beers Criteria (American Geriatrics Society):
Criteria

View the CSAH Lesson on Medication Optimization


View CSAH Courses for HCP: Caring for the Older Adult

This series of courses provides a foundation for understanding, recognizing, assessing and managing health care concerns in the older adult.  Each Lesson includes short narrated modules that focus on these four themes.

View HCP Continuous Learning

We share aging-related courses and archived content offered by other leaders in the field of geriatric care.

View Senior Friendly Care’s Medication Adherence – Clinician Learning Series

Learn how to assess and address medication adherence. Co-developed with Chris Fan-Lun, BScPhm, ACPR, BCGP Pharmacy Clinical Coordinator, Sunnybrook Health Sciences.