Physicians and hospital pharmacists’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices towards polypharmacy in older patients with chronic diseases

This web-based cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of physicians and hospital pharmacists towards polypharmacy in older adult patients with chronic diseases in China. This study enrolled 374 physicians and pharmacists (270 females, 92 physicians) in 20 Chinese provinces between December 2022 and March 2023. The knowledge, attitude, and practice scores were 12.65 ± 2.05 (possible range, 0–18), 29.07 ± 2.68 (possible range, 7–35), and 26.16 ± 5.56 (possible range, 7–35), respectively. Working as a hospital pharmacist (vs. physician) was independently associated with adequate knowledge (OR = 2.190; 95% CI = 1.291–2.713; P = 0.004). Working in a tertiary hospital (OR = 4.296; 95% CI = 1.390-13.272; P = 0.011) was independently associated with a positive attitude. Knowledge score (OR = 1.176; 95%CI = 1.038–1.333; P = 0.011), hospital pharmacist (OR = 0.276; 95% CI = 0.137–0.557; P < 0.001), master’s degree or higher (OR = 1.754; 95% CI  = 1.011–3.045; P = 0.046) and senior professional title (OR = 2.020; 95% CI = 1.032–3.952; P = 0.040) were independently associated with proactive practice toward polypharmacy in older adults. Physicians and hospital pharmacists had favorable knowledge, positive attitudes, and proactive practice toward polypharmacy. In conclusion, enhancing knowledge through continuous education, promoting interprofessional collaboration, educating patients, and conducting regular evaluations for quality improvement are necessary to improve the KAP of healthcare professionals toward polypharmacy in older adults.