Effectiveness of medication reviews in identifying and reducing medication-related problems among people with intellectual disabilities: A systematic review

Abstract

Background: Polypharmacy is common in people with intellectual disabilities. Using multiple medication may lead to unintended medication-related problems (MRPs). Medication review may serve as a tool to reduce MRPs. This systematic review assessed the scientific evidence for the effectiveness of medication reviews in identifying and reducing MRPs in people with intellectual disabilities. Method: Literature databases were searched up to August 2017. Studies were selected that included the effect of medication reviews on identifying and/or reducing MRPs in people with intellectual disabilities with no restriction of type of medication, age and level of intellectual disabilities. Results: The eight studies that fulfilled the inclusion criteria report that systematic medication reviews appear to assist in the identification and reduction of MRPs. Conclusion: There is a lack of studies about the effect of medication reviews on identification and reduction of MRPs, especially health outcomes for people with intellectual disabilities. Further studies with long-term follow-up are needed.