Tools zur therapieoptimierung bei multimorbiden geriatrischen patienten am lebensende - Hilfe oder "nur" denkanstoß?

Abstract

Pharmacotherapy for end-of-life patients with multimorbidity is a major challenge. Estimating prognosis can be much more difficult when compared to patients suffering from cancer alone. Nevertheless, it is crucial in order to prescribe in the context of the following determining factors: disease, co-morbidities, functional status, life expectancy and therapy goals. Since such patients are prone to adverse drug reactions, inappropriate prescriptions should be avoided, since evidence concerning the benefits or risks for various drugs used is as yet inadequate. Several tools can be of help to improve pharmacotherapy for this vulnerable group of patients. © 2014 Springer-Verlag.