What does poly-pharmacy in older adults refer to?

Poly-pharmacy in older adults specifically refers to the concurrent use of multiple medications. This phenomenon is particularly relevant in geriatric care due to the higher prevalence of chronic conditions in older populations, leading to patients being prescribed several drugs at once to manage their various health issues.

This can result in a complex medication regimen, but the defining characteristic is the simultaneous use of multiple medications, which can increase the risk of drug interactions, side effects, and compliance challenges. Understanding this concept is crucial for healthcare professionals who need to evaluate and optimize medication management for older patients to enhance safety and health outcomes.