Renal Risk Medication Quick Guide to Aid Pharmacist-Led Medication Review in Frail Hospitalized Geriatric Patients: A Multicenter Exploratory Study

Background/objectives: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects approximately 800 million individuals worldwide and poses a growing health challenge. To support safer prescribing practices, our research group developed a renal risk medication quick guide (RRMQG), which provides recommendations for the 50 most prevalent renal risk medications (RRMs). This study explored the usefulness of implementing the RRMQG in Danish hospital settings. Methods: In this multicenter pilot study conducted across six Danish hospitals, 28 clinical pharmacists applied the RRMQG during medication reviews of frail, geriatric patients with renal impairment from May to October 2023. Useability was explored through structured surveys completed by the pharmacists. Results: Among 182 patients, 378 RRMs were detected, and 14% of these were associated with potential drug-related problems (DRPs). The RRMs were distributed across 35 of the 50 from the RRMQG, and patients received an average of two RRMs each. Most pharmacists found the RRMQG manageable for implementation in practice. Conclusions: The RRMQG was useful and manageable for implementation in practice in Danish hospitals, particularly due to its medication-specific recommendations. However, adjustments to the RRMQG may be beneficial by, for example, adding opioids or context-relevant medications to meet individual needs.