Collaborative, Pharmacist-Led Approach Crucial in Polypharmacy

A collaborative and patient-centered approach is crucial in improving polypharmacy outcomes, according to a study published in Intelligent Hospital.¹ Employing the use of various medical providers in this approach, researchers suggested that pharmacists take lead throughout these multidisciplinary efforts.

“Polypharmacy is more common among older adults, many of whom have multiple chronic conditions, defined as 2 or more chronic conditions such as arthritis, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, coronary heart disease, depression, diabetes, and hypertension,” wrote the National Institute on Aging.² “But taking too many drugs can lead to safety concerns.”

Polypharmacy is when a patient is taking more than 1 medication at a time, usually exceeding 5 or more. In fact, while there is no universal definition for polypharmacy and the number of prescriptions that denote it, the most accepted numerical range of prescriptions for polypharmacy is 5 or more, according to a study published in BMC Geriatrics.^1-3

Pharmacists are positioned perfectly to either manage or help reduce prescriptions for patients taking multiple. | image credit: gordon / stock.adobe.com

READ MORE: Deprescribing Leads to Reduction in Polypharmacy, Inappropriate Medication Use

There is also an alternative definition of polypharmacy, meaning the use of more medications than clinically needed. Nevertheless, despite the variation in definitions, polypharmacy continues to be a challenge for older adult patients, paving the way for pharmacists and their medication expertise to provide guidance.

“This review examines the underlying causes, consequences, and clinical implications of polypharmacy, emphasizing the essential role of pharmacists in its prevention and management,” wrote authors of the current study.¹ “Through a systematic analysis of current literature, we highlight how pharmacists contribute to optimizing treatment plans, enhancing patient safety, highlighting deprescribing, and facilitating interprofessional collaboration.”

Researchers conducted a systematic search of 6 different electronic databases and focused on specific terms related to polypharmacy and the pharmacist’s role. Those terms included: patient, health, polypharmacy, ramification, and utilization. Researchers then summarized each article included in the review and presented the notable themes of each.

In presenting their results of the review, the authors broke their findings down into various characteristics of polypharmacy, including the fundamentals, etiology, ramification, classification, concerns, role of the pharmacist in polypharmacy, and even more.

“Pharmacists have an essential role in tackling the problem of polypharmacy, which involves an individual taking several medications at the same time,” wrote the authors.¹ “The individual in question is tasked with doing a thorough evaluation of medications, wherein they evaluate the suitability of each prescription, detect any interactions, and take into account the overall treatment plan.”

After exploring the overarching impacts of polypharmacy and its prominence among the older population, study researchers then discussed the pharmacist’s role and the duties they share or delineate to other providers. Pharmacists are the medication experts compared with other providers, positioning them perfectly to either manage or help reduce prescriptions for patients taking multiple.

More specifically, researchers noted that pharmacists have the ability to educate patients on their medication regimens. Pharmacist guidance can help patients better understand the purpose of each drug they’re taking, potential side effects, as well as the importance of each prescribed treatment plan.

“In summary, [pharmacists’] participation in polypharmacy involves a holistic approach that includes managing medications, providing education, collaborating with others, and ongoing monitoring,” they wrote.¹ “This ultimately ensures the safe and effective use of multiple medications.”

Upon researchers conducting their review, they ultimately uncovered the complex health care scenario that is realized through polypharmacy. In regard to patients on more than 5 medications, polypharmacy can pose challenges like increased adverse effects, medication nonadherence, and increased health care costs.

However, amid these ongoing challenges, pharmacists have significantly demonstrated their ability to manage polypharmacy. While their main expertise lies in medication management, pharmacists in polypharmacy should rely on physicians and other providers to fully assist in improving patient outcomes.

It’s studies like the current that continue to highlight pharmacists’ crucial role in polypharmacy and in health care overall.

“The overall data highlights the importance of implementing a thorough and collaborative approach to polypharmacy, which includes ongoing assessments, careful prescribing habits, and a focus on patient-centered care,” they concluded.¹ “In general, the study highlights the essential role that pharmacists play in improving patient outcomes and supporting the safe and effective use of medications, particularly in the context of polypharmacy and its associated problems.”

READ MORE: Deprescribing Interventions Could Safely Reduce Number of Potentially Inappropriate Prescriptions

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References

1. Havelikar U, Sonawane HK, Khandare RS, et al. Optimizing patient care: an inclusive review of polypharmacy and the vital role of pharmacists in mitigation. Intelligent Hospital. Published online June 29, 2025:100006. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.inhs.2025.100006

2. The dangers of polypharmacy and the case for deprescribing in older adults. National Institute on Aging. August 24, 2021. Accessed July 18, 2025. https://www.nia.nih.gov/news/dangers-polypharmacy-and-case-deprescribing-older-adults

3. Masnoon N, Shakib S, Kalisch-Ellett L, et al. What is polypharmacy? a systematic review of definitions. BMC Geriatr. 2017 Oct 10;17(1):230. doi: 10.1186/s12877-017-0621-2.