2214 Using poisons Centre data to identify potential safety risks associated with the use of monitored dosage systems.

Abstract Introduction Monitored dosage systems (MDS) encompass a wide range of devices to help management of medication. This research uses poison centre data to explore risks associated with their use. Method A search of accidental overdose enquiries to the UK National Poisons Information Service (NPIS) between 1/01/2017–31/12/22, classified as ‘therapeutic error/medical error’ involving patients aged 65 or over was performed. Enquiries involving an MDS were identified. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and chi-square test. Results There were 394 enquiries concerning 393 patients and mean patient age was 81 years. There were significantly more females (n = 266) than males (n = 127), p = <0.0001. Exposures occurred at home (n = 372), in care homes (n = 18), in prisons (n = 2) and in hospital (n = 1). Cognitive impairment was reported in 32.5% patients (n = 127). The 10 most common medications involved were bisoprolol (n = 74), lansoprazole (n = 59), atorvastatin (n = 58), aspirin (n = 47), omeprazole (n = 43), amlodipine (n = 44), paracetamol (n = 42), clopidogrel (n = 42), ramipril (n = 42) and metformin (n = 35). Most patients were asymptomatic (n = 312). Common symptoms recorded were somnolence (n = 16), dizziness (n = 13), confusion (n = 11), fatigue (n = 7) and hypotension (n = 5). Common reasons for incidents were a mistake by patient or family member (n = 189), medications taken unwitnessed (n = 88), MDS incongruent with current prescription (n = 22), patient took another person’s medications (n = 19), patient took medication in MDS in addition to that in normal packaging (n = 15) and extra doses administered by different people (n = 15). Almost 51% of patients were recommended to attend Emergency Department (ED) by the NPIS (n = 200) and 18% were advised to contact their GP (n = 71). Conclusion MDS are perceived to improve adherence, these results reveal their potential harm. For example, most of patients in these enquiries were advised to seek medical help. MDS harm is likely underreported as this was a retrospective study and some information was not routinely collected. Further work including a prospective study is needed alongside support of safer medicine use through improved communication, education, and alternative tailored support.

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Journal
Age and Ageing
Published
2024-08-01
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1093/ageing/afae139.072
Primary Topic
Pharmaceutical Practices and Patient Outcomes
Type
article
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article

2214 Using poisons Centre data to identify potential safety risks associated with the use of monitored dosage systems.

Laura J. Gray, Heather E. Price, Elizabeth S. Edwards, Charlene Thomas
Age and Ageing
Pharmaceutical Practices and Patient Outcomes
article

2214 Using poisons Centre data to identify potential safety risks associated with the use of monitored dosage systems.

Laura J. Gray, Heather E. Price, Elizabeth S. Edwards, Charlene Thomas
article en

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Monitored dosage systems (MDS) encompass a wide range of devices to help management of medication. This research uses poison centre data to explore risks associated with their use. Method A search of accidental overdose enquiries to the UK National Poisons Information Service (NPIS) between 1/01/2017–31/12/22, classified as ‘therapeutic error/medical error’ involving patients aged 65 or over was performed. Enquiries involving an MDS were identified. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and chi-square test. Results There were 394 enquiries concerning 393 patients and mean patient age was 81 years. There were significantly more females (n = 266) than males (n = 127), p = <0.0001. Exposures occurred at home (n = 372), in care homes (n = 18), in prisons (n = 2) and in hospital (n = 1). Cognitive impairment was reported in 32.5% patients (n = 127). The 10 most common medications involved were bisoprolol (n = 74), lansoprazole (n = 59), atorvastatin (n = 58), aspirin (n = 47), omeprazole (n = 43), amlodipine (n = 44), paracetamol (n = 42), clopidogrel (n = 42), ramipril (n = 42) and metformin (n = 35). Most patients were asymptomatic (n = 312). Common symptoms recorded were somnolence (n = 16), dizziness (n = 13), confusion (n = 11), fatigue (n = 7) and hypotension (n = 5). Common reasons for incidents were a mistake by patient or family member (n = 189), medications taken unwitnessed (n = 88), MDS incongruent with current prescription (n = 22), patient took another person’s medications (n = 19), patient took medication in MDS in addition to that in normal packaging (n = 15) and extra doses administered by different people (n = 15). Almost 51% of patients were recommended to attend Emergency Department (ED) by the NPIS (n = 200) and 18% were advised to contact their GP (n = 71). Conclusion MDS are perceived to improve adherence, these results reveal their potential harm. For example, most of patients in these enquiries were advised to seek medical help. MDS harm is likely underreported as this was a retrospective study and some information was not routinely collected. Further work including a prospective study is needed alongside support of safer medicine use through improved communication, education, and alternative tailored support.

Age and AgeingVol. 53(Supplement_3)
Singleton Hospital (GB), University Hospital Llandough (GB)
Good health and well-being
Openalex Percentile: Top 83%
Pharmaceutical Practices and Patient Outcomes
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