Aim: To report on the current state of regional medical collaboration efforts in Takarazuka City and to identify factors related to polypharmacy.
Methods: This study was conducted using the National Health Insurance and Medical Care System for the Elderly databases from 2016 to 2021. Prescription claim data from November of each year were examined to identify factors associated with polypharmacy (six or more drugs). Trends in the number of regional medical collaboration activities were investigated.
Results: This study focused on long-term prescription patients. Being male, visiting multiple medical institutions, and having public expense burdens were factors associated with polypharmacy. Conversely, visits to medical institutions and pharmacies in Takarazuka City were associated with polypharmacy suppression. Regional medical collaboration increased the provision of medication information sheets.
Conclusion: Regional medical collaboration in Takarazuka City associated to the prevention of polypharmacy. Enhancing region-specific strategies of dissemination of information sheets and interprofessional cooperation suppress polypharmacy.
