Study of the use of modified release medications in older adults
Research type
Research Study
Full title
An investigation into the use of modified release medications in older adults with swallowing difficulties
IRAS ID
153348
Contact name
Simmi Patel
Contact email
Research summary
Swallowing difficulties are more common in the older adult population (65 and over) compared to their younger counterparts due to the natural process of ageing and age related diseases. Swallowing difficulties can complicate medicine taking, and can result in the crushing of tablets or opening of capsules to help patients swallow medications. This method can be hazardous, particularly for medicines that have a special design which influences how the drug is released in the body.
Modified release medicines are designed to have a special coating or a matrix that breaks down slowly to release the drug content over a long period of time. These medicines provide many benefits and are particularly advantageous for older adults. It reduces the pill burden as patients have to take their medication less frequently, it allows better symptom and disease management and reduces side effects. The modification of these medicines can result in toxicity. The aim of this study is to determine the extent and nature of problems with the use of modified release oral medications in older adults with swallowing difficulties.
This is a prospective study in a secondary care setting. Medical notes and drug charts will be used to collect information on the use of modified release oral medications in older adults with swallowing difficulties. A data collection pro forma will be used to determine whether the patient is prescribed any modified release medications, whether this has been changed to an alternative dosage form to aid administration to older adults with swallowing difficulties or whether this medication has been manipulated (i.e. crushing tablets or opening of capsules) to make it easier to swallow. The information gained from this study may help develop best practice guidance for medicines management of modified release medications for older adults with swallowing difficulties and would be used to identify particular drugs that would need the development of novel modified release oral dosage forms for these patients.
REC name
Yorkshire & The Humber - South Yorkshire Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
14/YH/1105
Date of REC Opinion
29 Jul 2014
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion