Ensuring Safe Medication Use in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Policy Study

Abstract

Medication is a critical component of successful and healthy aging. This study identified the problems of medicine use among the elderly and examined relevant domestic and international intervention methods to propose policy measures to support the safe use of medicines among the elderly. As a policy case, the visiting pharmacy program of the community-integrated care project and the pilot project for multi-drug management in collaboration with doctors and pharmacists were analyzed, and the relevant policies of Japan and Europe, which experienced an ultra-aged society before Korea, were examined. Older adults are particularly vulnerable to medication-related issues, including duplication of medications due to physical and mental decline and multiple chronic conditions. Policies and projects that reduce medication-related problems and promote safe and effective medication use among the elderly should be expanded in an aged society.