As a practitioner in the field of online therapy, it's crucial to stay informed about the latest research that can improve your practice. The Proceedings of the Canadian Medication Appropriateness and Deprescribing Network’s 2023 National Meeting offers valuable insights that can help you enhance your skills and provide better care to your clients.
Why Medication Appropriateness Matters
Polypharmacy, defined as the use of five or more medications, is a growing concern, especially among older adults. It is associated with adverse drug events (ADEs), falls, cognitive impairment, hospitalizations, and even death. The Canadian Medication Appropriateness and Deprescribing Network (CADeN) focuses on addressing this issue by promoting the appropriate use of medications and deprescribing potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs).
Key Takeaways from the Research
The 2023 National Meeting highlighted several critical areas that can be directly applied to your practice:
- Public Awareness: Increasing public awareness about the risks of polypharmacy and the importance of medication reviews can empower clients to take an active role in their health.
- Knowledge Dissemination: Providing educational resources adapted to different languages and contexts can help bridge knowledge gaps among clients and healthcare providers.
- Support for Healthcare Providers: Integrating medication appropriateness tools within your workflow can facilitate better client outcomes.
- Access to Health Information: Improving access to client health information can help you make more informed decisions and provide safer care.
Implementing These Insights in Your Practice
Here are some actionable steps you can take to incorporate these findings into your online therapy practice:
- Conduct Regular Medication Reviews: Schedule periodic medication reviews with your clients to identify any PIMs and discuss safer alternatives.
- Educate Your Clients: Use educational materials to inform your clients about the risks associated with polypharmacy and the benefits of deprescribing.
- Collaborate with Other Healthcare Providers: Work closely with your clients' healthcare providers to ensure a coordinated approach to medication management.
- Utilize Technology: Leverage electronic health records and decision support tools to keep track of your clients' medications and ADEs.
Encouraging Further Research
Staying updated with the latest research is vital for continuous improvement. Encourage your team to engage in further research and participate in professional development opportunities. The insights gained from the CADeN's National Meeting can serve as a foundation for exploring new strategies to enhance medication appropriateness in your practice.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Proceedings of the Canadian Medication Appropriateness and Deprescribing Network’s 2023 National Meeting.
