Reducing polypharmacy by improving the geriatric evaluation by utilizing the virtual video connect

Abstract

<p>The issue of polypharmacy in the geriatric population requires continual monitoring to reduce adverse patient outcomes, such as falls, drug interactions, and mortality. Over the years, several resources have been used to help to mitigate potential polypharmacy by healthcare professionals. Unfortunately, many healthcare providers don't know how to use these lists, or patients' health conditions predicate prescribing potentially inappropriate medications. Employing telehealth technologies that are mainly designed to assess geriatric syndromes of older adults can improve veterans' access to care and coordination and enhance the quality of life. The presented PICOT question is: In geriatric veterans (P), what is the benefit of telehealth as a means for a medication review and education (I) during a geriatric evaluation vs. current NFSG Veteran's Health system medication reconciliation (C) on reduction of polypharmacy (O) over a three-month period (T)? Based on the appraised available research, evidence supports the use of a comprehensive geriatric evaluation with the help of telemedicine while reducing polypharmacy.&nbsp;</p>