Gerontology & Geriatric Research

Expertise of and Attitudes towards Older Adults among Clinical Pharmacists

Walf Keass^* Department of Geriatric Neurology, Division of Geriatric Medicine, University of Alberta Hospital, Edmonton, Canada
^*Correspondence: Walf Keass, Department of Geriatric Neurology, Division of Geriatric Medicine, University of Alberta Hospital, Edmonton, Canada, Email:

Received: 01-Feb-2023, Manuscript No. jggr-23-21261; Editor assigned: 03-Feb-2023, Pre QC No. P-21261; Reviewed: 15-Feb-2023, QC No. Q-21261; Revised: 20-Feb-2023, Manuscript No. R-21261; Published: 27-Feb-2023, DOI: 10.35248/2167-7182.2023.12.660

Introduction

As the global population ages, the role of clinical pharmacists in geriatric care has become increasingly important. Older adults are more likely to have complex medical conditions and take multiple medications, which can increase the risk of drug interactions and adverse effects. Clinical pharmacists play a crucial role in ensuring that medications are appropriate, safe, and effective for older adults. In this article, we will explore the expertise of and attitudes towards older adults among clinical pharmacists.

Description

Clinical pharmacists undergo specialized training in pharmacology, drug therapy, and patient care. They are experts in the use of medications to treat and manage various health conditions. In geriatric care, clinical pharmacists must have a thorough understanding of the physiological changes that occur with aging and how these changes can impact the way medications are metabolized and eliminated from the body.

Clinical pharmacists are responsible for conducting comprehensive medication reviews for older adults to identify potential drug interactions, adverse effects, and inappropriate use of medications. They work closely with other healthcare providers, including physicians, nurses, and social workers, to develop individualized medication regimens that are safe and effective for older adults. Medication management, clinical pharmacists also play a critical role in medication education and counselling for older adults and their caregivers. They provide information about medication side effects, drug interactions, and proper medication administration to ensure that older adults can manage their medications safely and effectively at home.

Attitudes towards older adults among healthcare professionals, including clinical pharmacists, can have a significant impact on the quality of care provided to older adults. Negative attitudes towards aging and older adults can lead to ageism, which can result in inadequate or inappropriate care. Research has shown that clinical pharmacists generally have positive attitudes towards older adults. They recognize the unique needs and challenges faced by older adults and value the important role that older adults play in society. Clinical pharmacists who have experience working with older adults tend to have more positive attitudes towards aging and older adults than those who have less experience. There is still room for improvement in attitudes towards older adults among clinical pharmacists. Some studies have found that clinical pharmacists may hold negative attitudes towards older adults who have cognitive impairments or who are noncompliant with medication regimens. It is important for clinical pharmacists to recognize that these attitudes can impact the care they provide and work to address any biases they may have [1].

P-values or lower were regarded as significant for the findings. The Statistical Software version was used to carry out all of the analyses that were presented. This study only allowed voluntary, anonymous participation. The study protocol was approved by the Medical University of Silesia's regional bioethics committee. The protocol followed the most recent iteration of the Helsinki Convention when it was created for the study Increased complications, such as lead dislodgements, are linked to increased use of numerous studies conducted evaluated the risk factors for lead dislodgements.

Clinical pharmacists undergo specialized training in pharmacology, drug therapy, and patient care. They are experts in the use of medications to treat and manage various health conditions. In geriatric care, clinical pharmacists must have a thorough understanding of the physiological changes that occur with aging and how these changes can impact the way medications are metabolized and eliminated from the body. Clinical pharmacists are responsible for conducting comprehensive medication reviews for older adults to identify potential drug interactions, adverse effects, and inappropriate use of medications. They work closely with other healthcare providers, including physicians, nurses, and social workers, to develop individualized medication regimens that are safe and effective for older adults [2].

In addition to medication management, clinical pharmacists also play a critical role in medication education and counselling for older adults and their caregivers. They provide information about medication side effects, drug interactions, and proper medication administration to ensure that older adults can manage their medications safely and effectively at home.

Attitudes towards older adults among healthcare professionals, including clinical pharmacists, can have a significant impact on the quality of care provided to older adults. Negative attitudes towards aging and older adults can lead to ageism, which can result in inadequate or inappropriate care. Research has shown that clinical pharmacists generally have positive attitudes towards older adults. They recognize the unique needs and challenges faced by older adults and value the important role that older adults play in society. Clinical pharmacists who have experience working with older adults tend to have more positive attitudes towards aging and older adults than those who have less experience. However, there is still room for improvement in attitudes towards older adults among clinical pharmacists. Some studies have found that clinical pharmacists may hold negative attitudes towards older adults who have cognitive impairments or who are noncompliant with medication regimens. It is important for clinical pharmacists to recognize that these attitudes can impact the care they provide and work to address any biases they may have [3-5].

Conclusion

Clinical pharmacists play a critical role in geriatric care by ensuring that medications are appropriate, safe, and effective for older adults. Their expertise in pharmacology and drug therapy, combined with their positive attitudes towards older adults, make them valuable members of the healthcare team. As the global population continues to age, the importance of clinical pharmacists in geriatric care will only continue to grow.

Acknowledgement

None.

Conflict of Interest

None.

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