Medication issues for nursing older people.

Older people have increased risks of developing drug-related iatrogenic disease caused by inappropriate treatment (Royal College of Physicians of London (RCP) 1997). Most problems are predictable and thus preventable. This article aims to enhance critical reflection skills and raise awareness about professional responsibility and accountability in medication issues that may impact on older people. This is the first of two parts and provides an overview of medication in relation to older people and the ageing process. The potential adverse effects on older people of poor prescribing and monitoring of medicines are highlighted. After reading this article you should be able to: n Understand the pharmacological and therapeutic issues of medication for older people n Understand the potential hazards of poor prescribing and monitoring practices in treating older people n Critically reflect on your own professional practice and accountability in issues relating to medicine administration n Understand factors influencing concordance of older people relating to therapeutic medication. Now do Time Out 1