Thesis Abstract

Abstract
This thesis explores the critical role of pharmacists in medication therapy management for geriatric patients. The aging population faces numerous challenges related to medication management, including polypharmacy, drug interactions, and age-related physiological changes that impact drug responses. Pharmacists play a crucial role in optimizing medication therapy for geriatric patients to enhance therapeutic outcomes and minimize adverse effects. The study delves into the background of the issue, highlighting the unique needs of older adults in terms of medication management. The problem statement underscores the complexity and risks associated with medication use in the elderly population, necessitating specialized care from pharmacists. The objectives of the study are to assess the current practices of pharmacists in medication therapy management for geriatric patients, identify challenges and barriers faced in this area, and propose strategies to enhance pharmacist involvement in geriatric care. The limitations of the study include potential biases in data collection and generalizability of findings due to the specific focus on pharmacists and geriatric patients in a particular setting. The scope of the study encompasses a comprehensive review of literature on geriatric pharmacotherapy, pharmacist interventions in medication management, and best practices for optimizing drug therapy in older adults. The significance of the study lies in its potential to improve patient outcomes, reduce healthcare costs, and enhance interdisciplinary collaboration in geriatric care. The structure of the thesis includes an introduction that sets the context for the study, a literature review that synthesizes existing knowledge on the topic, a research methodology detailing the study design and data collection methods, a discussion of findings that analyzes the results and implications, and a conclusion that summarizes key findings and offers recommendations for future research and practice. In conclusion, this thesis sheds light on the pivotal role of pharmacists in medication therapy management for geriatric patients. By enhancing pharmacist involvement in geriatric care, healthcare providers can better meet the complex medication needs of older adults, ultimately improving quality of life and health outcomes in this vulnerable population.

Thesis Overview

The research project titled "Exploring the Role of Pharmacists in Medication Therapy Management for Geriatric Patients" aims to investigate the crucial role of pharmacists in optimizing medication therapy for elderly patients. As the population continues to age globally, the healthcare needs of the elderly, particularly in managing complex medication regimens, have become increasingly challenging. This study seeks to shed light on the specific responsibilities and contributions of pharmacists in ensuring the safe and effective use of medications among geriatric individuals. The project will begin with a comprehensive literature review to examine existing evidence on the role of pharmacists in medication therapy management for older adults. This review will explore key concepts such as polypharmacy, medication adherence, drug interactions, and adverse drug reactions that are prevalent in the geriatric population. By synthesizing findings from previous studies, the research aims to identify gaps in the current literature and highlight the importance of pharmacist interventions in addressing medication-related issues in older patients. The research methodology will involve qualitative and quantitative approaches to gather data from pharmacists, healthcare providers, and geriatric patients themselves. Interviews, surveys, and observational studies will be conducted to gain insights into the perspectives of various stakeholders regarding the role of pharmacists in medication therapy management. By analyzing these data, the study aims to identify best practices and potential areas for improvement in the delivery of pharmaceutical care to geriatric patients. The findings of this study are expected to provide valuable insights into how pharmacists can enhance medication therapy management for elderly individuals. By elucidating the challenges faced by both pharmacists and geriatric patients in this context, the research aims to propose evidence-based strategies to optimize medication use, improve patient outcomes, and reduce healthcare costs associated with medication-related problems in the elderly population. Overall, this research project seeks to contribute to the growing body of knowledge on the role of pharmacists in geriatric care and advocate for the integration of pharmacist-led interventions in multidisciplinary healthcare teams serving older adults. By emphasizing the importance of pharmaceutical expertise in addressing the unique medication needs of geriatric patients, this study aims to promote patient safety, medication adherence, and overall quality of care for the elderly population."