• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Computer Information Conference
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• 2021.07a
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• pp.699-700
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• 2021

This study investigated patterns of co-occuring chronic diseases and disorders in old ages. For this purpose, we utilized data from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey for 3,734 old adults aged over 65. Data on 18 conditions were obtained, and analyzed using network analysis, associated rule mining, cluster analysis. The majority of participants has multimorbidity. Association rules analysis reveals unexpected comorbidities with high lift and confidence. Also, some morbidity clusters were present. Diabetes and emotional disorder had the greatest comorbidity and represent complex comorbid conditions. Old age is characterized by a complex pattern of multimorbidity and comorbidity. In conclusion, particular combinations of morbidities were very prevalent and will be needed to policy of health care interventions for old ages.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Pharmacy
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.1-9
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• 2018

Polypharmacy is increasing owing to an increase in the elderly population and multimorbidities associated with the increased risk of administration of potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs). The negative effects of polypharmacy on various health conditions and aspects, such as fall, fracture, mortality, cognitive function, and dementia, have been reported. The management of excess and inappropriate polypharmacy through proper interventions and local or national guidelines has been highlighted. The purpose of polypharmacy management is to appropriately prescribe medicines that are essential to treat diseases in patients and to avoid inappropriate polypharmacy, such as interactive or duplicate medicines under prescription and PIMs for specific diseases. Community pharmacists in Australia, the EU, USA, and Japan are collaborating with prescribers to review medications to ensure that the patients can be prescribed appropriate medications. The service cost is reimbursed by public or private insurers. A study in the United States has shown that even with medication review costs, the overall medication cost has reduced. In Korea, various projects such as Drug Utilization Review service and safe use of medicines have been conducted; however, no national guidelines or management measures have been established. It is necessary to implement a national long-term plan on polypharmacy management. Furthermore, a phased implementation plan is required. Shortly, active medication review services and education programs for healthcare professionals with the support of the government should be considered in Korea with reference to other countries in order to raise awareness of seriousness and risks of inappropriate polypharmacy.