Study protocol for a single-centre prospective non-blinded randomised 12-month parallel-group superiority study to compare the efficacy of pharmacist intervention versus usual care for elderly patients hospitalised in orthopaedic wards

摘要

IntroductionGiven that polypharmacy and potentially inappropriate prescribing are common in elderly orthopaedic patients, pharmacist interventions to improve medication practices among this population are important. However, past studies have reported mixed results regarding the effectiveness of pharmacist-led interventions in inpatient elderly care. Furthermore, few randomised controlled trials have evaluated patient-relevant outcomes as a primary endpoint. Therefore, we will evaluate whether a pharmacist-led intervention could reduce readmission of hospitalised elderly orthopaedic patients with polypharmacy or potentially inappropriate prescribing.