“A 77-year-old woman was referred to a geriatric day hospital with concerns about mobility and falls, pain, constipation, cognition and polypharmacy. Comorbidities included cerebrovascular disease, coronary artery disease, hypertension, dementia, fibromyalgia, myositis, bipolar disorder, arthritis, remote duodenal ulcer and hypothyroidism. A stroke 3 years earlier resulted in increasing difficulties with transfers and ambulation, leading to 3–4 falls weekly. Chronic pain was attributed to fibromyalgia. The patient was frustrated by her loss of independence, because she now required daily assistance with washing and dressing. Staff at her retirement residence managed her complex medication regimen (see Box 1 for the list of medications). Placement in a long-term care facility was being considered.”
Read more on the case of managing polypharmacy in a 77-year-old woman with multiple prescribers via CMAJ.
Learn more about polypharmacy risk reduction via SharedCare Partners for Patients.
Family Medicine Residency Site: Abbotsford-Mission 