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Purpose <p>Polypharmacy is prevalent in older adults with chronic conditions, often leading to functional decline and diminished quality of life. The aim was to examine the effects of an interdisciplinary intervention on functional decline in community-dwelling older adults undergoing polypharmacy.</p> Methods <p>This prospective observational study was conducted from June 2021 to May 2022 at a Spanish public hospital outpatient clinic. Participants were adults aged 75 and older, prescribed five or more medications. A multidisciplinary team performed comprehensive medication reviews alongside standard care. The primary outcome was the change in functional capacity, assessed using standardized scales.</p> Results <p>Among 104 participants (mean age 86.2&#xa0;years; 66% female), 376 recommendations were made, averaging 4.2 interventions per participant, with a 63.8% acceptance rate. No significant changes were found in the Barthel Index or Lawton scores. However, Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) scores increased by 1.1 points (95% CI 0.4–1.8) at six months. Quality of life improved at three months but not at 6&#xa0;months, except for reduced anxiety and depression. Healthcare utilization decreased, shown by fewer primary care and emergency visits.</p> Conclusion <p>Specialized polypharmacy management improved SPPB scores and short-term quality of life while reducing healthcare utilization, suggesting the importance of targeted interdisciplinary interventions in managing polypharmacy in older adults.</p>

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Optimizing polypharmacy management in older adults: impact of an interdisciplinary outpatient clinic on long-term function and quality of life

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

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  • 发表日期：

    2026年3月7日

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  • Victoria Roncal-Belzunce,
  • Marta Gutiérrez-Valencia,
  • Bernardo Abel Cedeño-Veloz,
  • Ramón San Miguel Elcano,
  • Virginia Ruiz Izquieta,
  • Irene Guruceaga-Eguillor,
  • Itxaso Marín-Epelde,
  • Arkaitz Galbete,
  • Marina Sánchez-Latorre,
  • Maite Sarobe-Carricas,
  • Nicolás Martínez-Velilla

摘要

Purpose

Polypharmacy is prevalent in older adults with chronic conditions, often leading to functional decline and diminished quality of life. The aim was to examine the effects of an interdisciplinary intervention on functional decline in community-dwelling older adults undergoing polypharmacy.

Methods

This prospective observational study was conducted from June 2021 to May 2022 at a Spanish public hospital outpatient clinic. Participants were adults aged 75 and older, prescribed five or more medications. A multidisciplinary team performed comprehensive medication reviews alongside standard care. The primary outcome was the change in functional capacity, assessed using standardized scales.

Results

Among 104 participants (mean age 86.2 years; 66% female), 376 recommendations were made, averaging 4.2 interventions per participant, with a 63.8% acceptance rate. No significant changes were found in the Barthel Index or Lawton scores. However, Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) scores increased by 1.1 points (95% CI 0.4–1.8) at six months. Quality of life improved at three months but not at 6 months, except for reduced anxiety and depression. Healthcare utilization decreased, shown by fewer primary care and emergency visits.

Conclusion

Specialized polypharmacy management improved SPPB scores and short-term quality of life while reducing healthcare utilization, suggesting the importance of targeted interdisciplinary interventions in managing polypharmacy in older adults.