A recent study reveals that older Australians receive an average of 31 Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) prescriptions annually, highlighting the growing need for medication management among this demographic. As life expectancy increases, many individuals aged 65 and over are facing the challenges of multiple chronic health conditions, leading to a significant rise in medication use.
The research, which analysed a decade of national data from the PBS, indicates that approximately one in three Australians over the age of 70 take five or more different medications. This increase is driven by conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and cognitive issues, including dementia. The study involved a 10% sample of older Australians from 2013 to 2023, examining their interactions with healthcare prescribers and pharmacies.
According to the findings, older Australians typically visit their prescribers, which include general practitioners and specialists, an average of five times a year. They also make around 16 visits to pharmacies annually to collect their PBS-subsidised medications. The number of individuals aged 65 and older using five or more PBS medications surged by 32% during the study period, escalating from 1.03 million to 1.35 million.
It is important to note that the study only focused on PBS-subsidised medications dispensed, leaving out unfilled prescriptions and over-the-counter medications. Consequently, the actual number of medications taken by older Australians is likely higher.
Managing Medications: Risks and Challenges
While medications are vital for health management, they can also introduce risks. A higher medication count increases the likelihood of errors, adverse side effects, and drug interactions. Physiological changes associated with aging, such as diminished kidney and liver function, further heighten these risks. In some instances, the potential for harm may outweigh the benefits of certain medications.
The complexity of managing multiple prescriptions can significantly impact the daily lives of older adults. Increased medical visits and pharmacy trips, along with rising prescription costs, can lead to stress and hinder independence.
Consider a hypothetical case study of an 80-year-old woman named Jean. She relies on ten different medications for various health issues, including high blood pressure and diabetes. Managing her medication schedule has become a full-time job, affecting her social life and overall well-being. She now requires assistance from her daughter for transportation and prescription management, illustrating the broader challenges faced by many older individuals.
Solutions and Support for Older Australians
For older Australians managing multiple medications, consulting with healthcare professionals is crucial. Regular discussions with a doctor or pharmacist can help determine whether current medications are appropriate and how to manage them effectively. Many older adults may qualify for government-funded medication reviews, which assess medication regimens to maximize benefits while minimizing risks.
Despite the availability of these reviews, uptake remains low, prompting recent campaigns aimed at raising awareness. In the case of Jean, after receiving a thorough medication review, her pharmacist implemented several changes to simplify her regimen. Adjustments included altering the timing of her medications and suggesting combination therapies that reduced the total number of tablets she needed to take each day.
The pharmacist also collaborated with Jean’s community pharmacy to create a pill organiser and establish a reminder system, alleviating some of the burdens associated with her medication management. Following the review, adjustments were made to her prescriptions, resulting in a halved dosage of one medication and the discontinuation of another.
Jean’s experience underscores a broader trend among older Australians who desire to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives. With the right support and resources, there is significant potential to alleviate the pressures of medication management, allowing seniors to not only live longer but also live well.
The authors of the study, Hui Wen Quek, a PhD candidate at the University of Western Australia, and Amy T Page, Director for the Centre for Optimisation of Medicines, emphasize the importance of proactive management of medications for older adults. The insights from this research aim to foster better health outcomes and enhance quality of life among Australia’s aging population.
