ASSESSING THE BENEFITS OF TARGETED COUNSELLING IN MULTIMORBID ELDERLY PATIENTS FOR POLYPHARMACY MANAGEMENT: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF PRE AND POST INTERVENTION DATA

Abstract

Objective: This study evaluates the impact of targeted counseling on polypharmacy management among multimorbid elderly patients by comparing clinical outcomes before and after the intervention.
Methods: A six-month observational study was conducted involving 200 elderly patients diagnosed with multimorbidity in Erode, Tamil Nadu. Participants were selected based on stringent inclusion criteria, ensuring they had at least two chronic conditions requiring complex medication regimens. Educational interventions, including awareness videos and detailed pamphlets, were implemented. Baseline and follow-up data were collected through Google Forms to assess changes in medication adherence, understanding of polypharmacy risks, and patient-reported quality of life. Pre- and post-intervention comparisons were analyzed using statistical methods, with a p-value of <0.05 indicating significance
Results: The targeted counseling intervention led to significant improvements in key outcomes for multimorbid elderly patients. Medication adherence increased substantially from 45% to 76% post-intervention (p < 0.05), highlighting the effectiveness of structured education. Participants demonstrated a 35% improvement in understanding polypharmacy risks, such as drug interactions and inappropriate prescribing. Additionally, an 18% reduction in potentially inappropriate medications was achieved, reflecting better deprescribing practices. Patient-reported surveys revealed enhanced satisfaction, with 74% reporting improved daily functioning and quality of life, showcasing the positive impact of personalized counseling interventions.
Conclusion: The findings demonstrate that targeted counseling interventions are a practical and effective strategy for managing polypharmacy in multimorbid elderly populations. Through educational tools and patient-specific counseling, this approach enhances medication adherence, reduces inappropriate prescriptions, and improves quality of life. The study underscores the importance of integrating structured counseling into routine geriatric care, providing a model for addressing polypharmacy's challenges and optimizing healthcare outcomes in aging populations.