IADR Abstract Archives
Impact of Polypharmacy on Oral Health of Older Inpatients
Objectives: Polypharmacy and anti-resorptive medications can have significant impact on the mouth, reducing saliva and potentially increasing the risk of developing medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw. The aim of this study was to determine the number of medications participants were taking on admission to hospital and at discharge, particularly the use of intravenous (IV) anti-resorptive medication and whether participants were referred to the hospital dentist for assessment prior to administration of the medication.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was implemented over a 12-month period at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (TQEH), Adelaide. Patients were recruited from the Fracture Ward and Geriatric Evaluation and Management Unit (GEMU). General health data was collected from patient interviews and medical records and a comprehensive dental assessment was conducted, however radiographs were not included.
Results: Seventy-five patients aged 84.2±6.7 (mean ±SD) years agreed to participate, fifty-five (71%) female. Twenty-two (29%) experienced a hip fracture, the remaining were admitted for worsening of their general health. The dental assessment revealed 56 (75%) participants required referral to a dentist for management of general dental conditions. On admission patients were taking 8.57±4.4 medications which increased to 10.61±4.1 on discharge (p < 0.001). Nine (12%) participants were prescribed IV anti-resorptive medication prior to admission, this increased to 19 (25%) on discharge. Only one of these patients saw the dentist during their inpatient stay.
Conclusions: Polypharmacy was common among the participants and the number of daily medications used increased during their stay. Dental assessments were not routine prior to the introduction of this study, as demonstrated by only one referral for a dental clearance prior to the administration of intravenous anti-resorptive medication. There is an important role for the dental professional in the acute care setting to ensure good oral health is part of general health management in the interest of total patient care.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was implemented over a 12-month period at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (TQEH), Adelaide. Patients were recruited from the Fracture Ward and Geriatric Evaluation and Management Unit (GEMU). General health data was collected from patient interviews and medical records and a comprehensive dental assessment was conducted, however radiographs were not included.
Results: Seventy-five patients aged 84.2±6.7 (mean ±SD) years agreed to participate, fifty-five (71%) female. Twenty-two (29%) experienced a hip fracture, the remaining were admitted for worsening of their general health. The dental assessment revealed 56 (75%) participants required referral to a dentist for management of general dental conditions. On admission patients were taking 8.57±4.4 medications which increased to 10.61±4.1 on discharge (p < 0.001). Nine (12%) participants were prescribed IV anti-resorptive medication prior to admission, this increased to 19 (25%) on discharge. Only one of these patients saw the dentist during their inpatient stay.
Conclusions: Polypharmacy was common among the participants and the number of daily medications used increased during their stay. Dental assessments were not routine prior to the introduction of this study, as demonstrated by only one referral for a dental clearance prior to the administration of intravenous anti-resorptive medication. There is an important role for the dental professional in the acute care setting to ensure good oral health is part of general health management in the interest of total patient care.