DRUG-NUTRIENT INTERACTIONS IN 3 LONG-TERM-CARE FACILITIES

Objective To assess the risk of drug-nutrient interactions (DNIs) in t hree long-term-care facilities. Design Retrospective audit of charts. Setting Three long-term-care facilities in central New York State. Sub jects Fifty-three patients selected randomly from each facility. Measu rement Data were collected from the medical record of each patient for a period of 6 months. A computerized algorithm was used to assess the risk for DNIs. Mean drug use, most frequently consumed drugs, inciden ce of potential DNIs, and the most commonly observed potential DNIs ar e reported. Results In facilities A, B, and C, respectively, patients consumed a mean of 4.86, 4.04, and 5.27 drugs per patient per month an d were at risk for a mean of 1.43, 2.69, and 1.43 potential DNIs per p atient per month. The most commonly observed potential DNIs were gastr ointestinal interactions affecting drug bioavailability and interactio ns affecting electrolyte status. Conclusions Patients in long-term-car e facilities, who are primarily elderly and chronically ill and who co nsume multiple medications, are at notable risk for certain DNIs. Effo rts need to be made to ensure appropriate pharmacologic and nutrition therapies as well as adequate and timely monitoring of patients In the se facilities. Dietitians can play an important role in training other health professionals and in designing policies to prevent DNIs.