FRIEND Trial: Design and Implementation of Educational Modules and Medication Optimisation in Residential Aged Care
Tracks
Ballroom 3
Best practice
Diet / Nutrition
Exercise
Implementation
Medications
| Thursday, November 14, 2024 |
| 4:15 PM - 4:30 PM |
Speaker
Ms Chidiamara Maria Njoku
Phd Candidate
James Cook University
FRIEND Trial: Design and Implementation of Educational Modules and Medication Optimisation in Residential Aged Care
Abstract
Background: Frailty represents an increased vulnerability to life stressors and adverse outcomes in older adults living within residential aged care facilities. Effective treatment of frailty comprises medication optimization, exercise and nutrition. Currently, medication optimisation interventions in aged care are delivered in isolation with short-term effects and limited sustainability. We report the preliminary feasibility of multidisciplinary investigator-supported medication review and medication optimization education as part of a comprehensive frailty intervention.
Methods: The Frailty Reduction via Implementation of Robust Exercise, Nutrition, and Deprescribing (FRIEND) trial (ANZCTR No.ACTRN12622000926730p) is a hybrid implementation-effectiveness translational trial evaluating the implementation of best-practice frailty intervention in a residential aged care facility (Townsville, Australia). The medication optimisation component involves two educational modules (~3 hours total), a pharmacist-led medication review, and investigator-supported case conferences with resident’s doctors, and staff over six months.
Results: 27 residents completed in-person frailty education. 30 caregivers and 21 staff were offered medication optimisation education modules. A new electronic medication prescribing software was adopted by the facility for effective medication management. Comprehensive medication review was completed for 27 residents during intervention. A total of 432 medications were prescribed for 27 residents with 138 (32%) medications recommended to be continued, and 294 (68%) potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) to be either withdrawn (39%) or reviewed (29%).
Conclusions: The medication optimisation process identified a significant number of potentially inappropriate medications in residents and initiated preliminary institutional changes in medication management to support long-term translation. Final trial results and wider dissemination of education modules are expected late 2024.
Methods: The Frailty Reduction via Implementation of Robust Exercise, Nutrition, and Deprescribing (FRIEND) trial (ANZCTR No.ACTRN12622000926730p) is a hybrid implementation-effectiveness translational trial evaluating the implementation of best-practice frailty intervention in a residential aged care facility (Townsville, Australia). The medication optimisation component involves two educational modules (~3 hours total), a pharmacist-led medication review, and investigator-supported case conferences with resident’s doctors, and staff over six months.
Results: 27 residents completed in-person frailty education. 30 caregivers and 21 staff were offered medication optimisation education modules. A new electronic medication prescribing software was adopted by the facility for effective medication management. Comprehensive medication review was completed for 27 residents during intervention. A total of 432 medications were prescribed for 27 residents with 138 (32%) medications recommended to be continued, and 294 (68%) potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) to be either withdrawn (39%) or reviewed (29%).
Conclusions: The medication optimisation process identified a significant number of potentially inappropriate medications in residents and initiated preliminary institutional changes in medication management to support long-term translation. Final trial results and wider dissemination of education modules are expected late 2024.
Biography
Sr. Chidimara M. Njoku MPharm is a registered UK Pharmacist with over 16 years of experience in Hospital pharmacy practice and Community settings. Over 16 years, Chidi was the Formulary Pharmacist for the University of North Midlands Teaching Hospitals and North Staffordshire Joint Formulary Committee. The role involves reviewing of every medication used in the hospitals and the Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Integrated Care System. Chidi completed all the requirements and is now a registered practicing Australian Pharmacist and currently working for Priceline Pharmacy Stockland. Chidi completed her MPhil at the University of Tasmania in 2020 investigating the prevalence of and risk factors for COPD-related hospital readmission in the four major hospitals in Tasmania from 2011-2015.
Chidi subsequently took on a Clinical Consultancy role for Southern Cross Care Tasmania, a leading organisation in delivering care to the elderly in Tasmania. This role involved medication management review, developing clinical policy and guidelines, research, education, and training of staff. Chidi’s main research interests are in medication optimisation in nursing residential homes, respiratory medicines, and improving research outcomes/output within developing countries. She has experience in systematic reviews and management of big data using Microsoft Database and is currently a sessional academic at James Cook University for master’s students in the nursing department. Chidi is currently a PhD candidate at James Cook University as part of the Frailty Reduction via Implementation of Exercise, Nutrition Support, and Deprescribing (FRIEND) trial where she coordinates the medication optimisation of residents participating in the trial from The Good Shepherd Home, Townsville. Her thesis is exploring the efficacy, barriers and facilitators of medication optimisation performed as part of a holistic frailty intervention in residential aged care.
Session Chair
Yulisna Mutia Sari
Assistant Professor/Research Fellow
Herb Feith Indonesian Engagement Centre, Monash University
