The association between patient self-reported experiences with medication discharge counselling and hospital readmissions: A cross-sectional analysis of a population-based survey.

Objective: To investigate the association between patient-reported experiences with new medication discharge counselling and readmission to hospital or emergency department (ED) visits within 30 days of discharge.

Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study of patient-reported experiences from 8715 patients who reported being prescribed a new medication at discharge from a public hospital. Completeness of medication counselling was assessed based on (i) explanation of medication purpose, (ii) explanation of medication side effects, (iii) patient involvement in decision to use medication, (iv) provision of contradictory information.

Changes in medication regimen complexity index following medication-related hospital admissions: A retrospective single-centre study.

Background: Medication-related hospitalisations present an opportunity for de-prescribing and simplification of medication regimens. The Medication Regimen Complexity Index (MRCI) is a tool for measuring the complexity of medication regimens.

Objectives: To evaluate whether MRCI changes following medication-related hospitalisations, and to evaluate the relationship between MRCI, length of stay (LOS) in hospital, and patient characteristics.

The association between polypharmacy and cognitive ability in older adults: A national cohort study.

Background: Polypharmacy, the use of multiple medications by one individual, may be associated with adverse health outcomes including poor cognition. However, it remains unclear whether a longitudinal relationship exists.

Objectives: To investigate the association between polypharmacy and 3-year cognitive ability in older adults.

Psychosocial job strain and polypharmacy: a national cohort study.

Objectives Psychosocial job strain has been associated with a range of adverse health outcomes. The aim of this study was to examine the association between psychosocial job strain and prospective risk of polypharmacy (the prescription of ≥5 medications) and to evaluate whether coping strategies can modify this risk. Methods Cohort study of 9703 working adults [mean age 47.

Statin use and fall-related hospitalizations among residents of long-term care facilities: A case-control study.

Background: Statins are associated with muscle-related adverse events, but few studies have investigated the association with fall-related hospitalizations among residents of long-term care facilities (LTCFs).

Objective: The objective of the study is to investigate whether statin use is associated with fall-related hospitalizations from LTCFs.

Methods: A case-control study was conducted among residents aged ≥65 years admitted to hospital from 2013 to 2015.

Current approaches to the pharmacological treatment of Alzheimer's disease.

Background: Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia and is a major contributor to morbidity and mortality in older Australians.

Objective: The aim of this article is to provide an overview of available pharmacological therapies for the symptomatic treatment of Alzheimer's disease.

Discussion: Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AChEIs) or memantine may be trialled in people with Alzheimer's disease to delay symptoms of cognitive and functional decline.

The Effect of Xerostomic Medication on Oral Health in Persons With Dementia.

Objectives: Medication-induced hyposalivation can increase the risk for oral complications, including dental caries and tooth loss. This problem is particularly important in people with dementia because of their declining ability to maintain oral care. The objective of this study was to describe the association between the number of xerostomic medications used and tooth loss and restorative and dental preventive treatment in a population of persons with dementia.

Prioritizing interventions to manage polypharmacy in Australian aged care facilities.

Background: Polypharmacy is highly prevalent in residential aged care facilities (RACFs). Although polypharmacy is sometimes unavoidable, polypharmacy has been associated with increased morbidity and mortality.

Objective: To identify and prioritize a range of potential interventions to manage polypharmacy in RACFs from the perspectives of health care professionals, health policy and consumer representatives.

Analgesic use and pain in residents with and without dementia in aged care facilities: A cross-sectional study.

Aim: To investigate analgesic use and pain in people with and without dementia in Australian residential aged are facilities.

Methods: A cross-sectional study of 383 residents of six residential aged are facilities was conducted. Nurses assessed self-reported and clinician-observed pain.