장기요양시설에서의 약물 관리와 약사의 역할

Abstract

The elderly usually have a high risk of drug-related problems by polypharmacy, therefore they are in need ofdrug management in long-term care facilities. This study aims to obtain the implications for developing a drugmanagement system in long-term care facilities by pharmacists suitable for Korea by reviewing the drug managementprograms in long-term care facilities in countries that experienced population aging first. The United States, Canada,Australia, and Japan have enacted laws to optimize drug management in long-term care facilities according to the socialdemands of the aging population and operate specific programs based on those laws. Drug management programs in longtermcare facilities operate in a variety of forms to suit the circumstances of each country. In long-term care facilities,pharmacists participate in the medication regimen review, in setting up drug related service frames and in developingrelevant policies of the facilities. The results of the pharmacist's medication regimen review are not only provided to thedoctor but also included in the medical record and kept for a while. Pharmacists emphasize cooperation with physiciansand other health practitioners for proper drug management in long-term care facilities. In Korea, where the number oflong-term care facilities is increasing along with the surge in the elderly population, it is necessary to develop a drugmanagement system by pharmacists for safe drug use in long-term care facilities.