Defining geriatric care in a developing country: A Multidisciplinary model empowering clinical pharmacists

Background

The elderly population often has complex health needs due to multimorbidity, polypharmacy, and inappropriate prescriptions. Clinical pharmacists play an important role in optimizing pharmacotherapy as a part of a multidisciplinary geriatric care team. However, there is a lack of integrated models in developing countries.

Aim

To develop a standardized framework for the provision of clinical pharmacy services in geriatric care – A Comprehensive Geriatric Care Model.

Methods

A systematic service design process was used to develop an innovative geriatric care model in a tertiary hospital in southern India. The roles of stakeholders were captured through interviews and observations. Evidence-based clinical pharmacy services were developed focusing on medication reconciliation, medication review, patient counselling, and transitions of care.

Results

The Comprehensive Geriatric Care Model integrates the pharmacist into coordinated care. The responsibilities of physicians, nurses, patients, caregivers, and pharmacists throughout the inpatient stay are shown in swim-lane diagrams. Pharmacy services address inappropriate prescriptions, poor adherence, adverse drug reactions, and fragmented care.

Conclusions

The systematic development of an interprofessional geriatric care model embedded with evidence-based clinical pharmacy services was made possible using a patient-centered service design methodology. The implementation and evaluation of this collaborative approach could significantly improve the quality of care and outcomes for older adults.