Abstract

MEDEIROS, Eloá Fátima Ferreira et al. An interdisciplinary intervention as a strategy for Rational Use of Drugs by the elderly. Ciênc. saúde coletiva [online]. 2011, vol.16, n.7, pp. 3139-3149. ISSN 1413-8123.  http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S1413-81232011000800014.

This research assessed the effectiveness of interdisciplinary interventions involving physicians, pharmacists and nutritionists, aimed at the promotion of the Rational Use of Drugs. It is a study of a prospective and analytical nature conducted with a population of elderly females, where the effectiveness of the intervention was assessed according to indicators of the Rational Use of Drugs established by the World Health Organization. Statistical analysis was performed using the t test or the one-way ANOVA for discrete variables, as well as the chi-square test for categorical analyses. After the intervention, an average reduction in drug consumption was observed in comparison with the research performed prior to the intervention (p=0.001). The drugs used in cardiovascular therapy were those consumed most, which tallies with the diseases mentioned by the elderly. It was seen that interdisciplinary intervention among the elderly can contribute to improve rational drug use indicators, especially prescription drugs.

Keywords : Elderly; Drugs; Indicators; Interdisciplinary healthcare team.