Reviewing Polypharmacy in Elderly Individuals of Rural Regions

The elderly population experiences great variability in health, disability, age-related changes, polymorbidity, and associated polypharmacy. Polypharmacy refers to the simultaneous use of multiple drugs to treat a single condition. Polypharmacy often leads to high healthcare costs, unpropitious events, confusion, and errors in the management of the individual’s health. The remote monitoring approach to medicine, especially for elderly populations in rural regions, with limited access to care, has significantly increased. Continuous monitoring of appropriate medication prescription, consistent review of medication lists, and re-evaluation of patient needs are crucial for ensuring that polypharmacy is minimized, and therefore the patient wellbeing is maximized. This study aims to present a comprehensive catalog of information in uniform terminology, define the general definition and features of polypharmacy in elderly people from rural areas, and enable the reader to use that information optimally for their specific application. Our study reveals the current understanding of polypharmacy in elderly individuals from rural regions. We proposed a novel system design for the remote monitoring of elderly patients to minimize polypharmacy. We aim to develop a unique mobile-based application for patient uses and a web-based application for doctors. Our applications will communicate with the medical IoT devices connected with the patients to obtain data. By using our application, providers can monitor their elderly patients’ health data and will be able to make better informed decisions for prescribing medications. Our approach will help elderly people in rural areas and their providers minimize adverse effects due to polypharmacy.