The article by Brody (2019) states that older adults suffer from a drug epidemic. It refers to the fact that such individuals take approximately 15 prescription medications a year in addition to over-the-counter drugs. Many factors, including the fragmented healthcare industry, irregular doctor visits, and medication availability, are responsible for the given state of affairs. Thus, this issue is significant to the healthcare system, my future, and required professional behaviors.
The drug epidemic is important because it adversely affects the medical industry. On the one hand, some medications imply side effects, meaning that their intake can bring more harm than benefit. On the other hand, if an individual is prescribed many drugs, it is typical that they fail to follow the doctor’s prescription accurately. It results in the fact that medication therapy does not improve health conditions.
Since I am a future healthcare provider, this specific issue significantly affects me. It is so because the article has helped me understand that the drug epidemic essentially impacts population health, meaning that it is necessary to address the problem. That is why I feel my personal responsibility in mitigating the adverse effects of medication overuse. Furthermore, the article relates to the specific course outcome that will be described below.
Healthcare providers should demonstrate specific behaviors to assume roles in their professions. Firstly, one should ensure that the offered assistance is beneficial for a patient. Since it is not obligatory to prescribe a drug, Brody (2019) shows that patients can be advised to avoid hypotensive medication if they “lose weight and reduce their sodium intake” (para. 17). Secondly, significant behavior is to respect the health peculiarities of people. That is why healthcare providers can motivate patients to “maintain an accurate list of all their medications” (Brody, 2019, para. 18). These behaviors can lead to the fact that older people will be protected against the drug epidemic.
References
Brody, J. E. (2019). The hidden drug epidemic among older people. The New York Times.