Drug-related problems in the elders of the British Virgin Islands

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Abstract
Objective: To explore the extent of drug-related problems in elderly patients in the Caribbean. Methods: Comprehensive medication reviews were carried out on a 1 in 20 sample of the elderly population of the British Virgin Islands, a UK dependent territory located in the Caribbean. Fifty non-institutionalised patients, 65 years or older and taking at least one prescribed medicine, were interviewed for the study. Key findings: On average, 4.5 prescribed medications, 4.7 over-the-counter preparations and 3.3 herbal remedies/natural products were used by the sample. A mean of 5.9 potential drug-related problems per patient were identified and a mean of 3.7 complications relating to the sub-optimal use of medicines per patient were observed. Conclusion: This study has highlighted the need for a multidisciplinary review of the prescribing, dispensing and monitoring of elderly patients receiving prescribed medications. The pharmacist has a role to play in helping prescribers achieve this review, and in educating patients in ways in which they can get the best out of their medicines.