Background: The demographic profile of the population in Ireland is changing, with an associated increase in the use of medications. The prevalence of polypharmacy (on ≥5 regular medicines) increased from 1997 to 2012, particularly among those aged >65 years, from 17.8% to 60.4% respectively. The prescription of multiple medications in adults is associated with an increased risk of unnecessary and non-clinically indicated drugs, drug interactions, adherence problems, increased drug costs and adverse drug events (ADEs). ADEs are defined as harm caused by a drug or the inappropriate use of a drug and account for approximately 15-20% of all healthcare related adverse events. Medication taking behaviour can also have an effect on health outcomes.
Aims: The focus of this research programme is on medication quality and safety. The specific objectives are:
To provide an estimate of the extent, type, severity and risk predictors of ADEs in prospective ageing
cohorts in primary care.
To provide an estimate of the extent, type and severity of ADEs resulting in hospital admission and
associated costs.
To develop and evaluate, in a pilot trial, an intervention to help reduce ADEs.
To determine the association between medication taking behaviour, changes to medicines and
outcomes including ADEs, quality of life, healthcare utilisation and disease progression.
To estimate the national burden, costs and outcomes of ADEs and poor adherence to medicines.
Potential benefits: The research is expected to provide valuable information on the frequency and costs of
drug related problems and treatment failures, and their impact on important health outcomes. The additional value of the research will be in providing information on the risk prediction of ADEs, and ways of reducing future ADEs amongst the more than a million people taking medicines every day. This information will lead to great benefits for the public, healthcare professionals and policy makers.
