Identification of Medication-Related Risks in Bariatric Surgery Patients by Performing Structured Medication Reviews.

PURPOSE: More medication-related issues are seen with the growing demand for bariatric surgery, because of possible altered pharmacokinetics after surgery. Collaboration with a pharmacist could improve the short- and long-term safety and efficacy of pharmacotherapy in patients undergoing bariatric surgery. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of a structured medication review to identify medication-related risks before bariatric surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The impact on pharmacy-led interventions of introducing a structured medication review was evaluated in a historically controlled study. In the retrospective part, we evaluated patient characteristics, medication use, and number of pre-surgery consultations with a pharmacist before the introduction of medication reviews. A flowchart was developed to detect the use of medicines with risks associated with bariatric surgery. In the prospective part, we evaluated pharmacy-led interventions after the introduction of structured medication reviews using the flowchart. Outcome effectiveness was measured through the number of pre-surgery pharmacy-led interventions. RESULTS: Before using the flowchart for screening on risk medicines, 40 (2.6%) pharmacy-led interventions were identified in 1536 patients. In the prospective group, 195 patients were included and 88 (45%) interventions were identified (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: A structured medication review before bariatric surgery significantly increased the number of pharmacy-led interventions in bariatric surgery patients. This procedure will shift interventions to pre-surgery instead of post-surgery, contributing to the optimization of pharmacotherapy at an early stage.

Technology-based interventions in the treatment of overweight and obesity: A systematic review.

The prevalence of obesity increases worldwide. The use of technology-based interventions can be beneficial in weight loss interventions. This review aims to provide insight in the effectiveness of technology-based interventions on weight loss and quality of life for patients suffering overweight or obesity compared to standard care. Pubmed, PsycInfo, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, CINAHL and Embase were searched from the earliest date (of each database) up to February 2015. Interventions needed to be aimed at reducing or maintaining weight loss in persons with a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 25 kg/m(2) and have a technology aspect. Cochrane Collaboration's tool for assessing risk of bias was used for rating the methodological quality. Twenty-seven trials met inclusion criteria. Thirteen studies showed significant effects on weight loss compared to controls. Most interventions used a web-based approach (42%). Interventions were screened for five technical key components: self-monitoring, counsellor feedback and communication, group support, use of a structured program and use of an individually tailored program. All interventions that used a combination of all five or four components showed significant decreases in weight compared to controls. No significant results for quality of life were found. Outcomes on program adherence were reported in six studies. No significant results were found between weight loss and program adherence. Evidence is lacking about the optimal use of technology in weight loss interventions. However, when the optimal combination of technological components is found, technology-based interventions may be a valid tool for weight loss. Furthermore, more outcomes on quality of life and information about the effect of technology-based intervention after bariatric surgery are needed.