A cross-sectional survey of medical and pharmacy students in West Virginia regarding the definition and associated consequences of polypharmacy

ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to examine the difference in perceptions of polypharmacy and its consequences among medical students and pharmacy students in West Virginia.MethodsCurrent medical and pharmacy students in West Virginia completed an anonymous online survey in Qualtrics. A follow-up reminder e-mail was sent one month after the initial e-mail inviting students to participate in the survey.ResultsThe response rate was 17.5% for medical students and 11.8% for pharmacy students. Approximately 68% of students had heard of the term polypharmacy (68.37%, n = 134). Of those who had heard of the term polypharmacy, the most common definition was “patient taking more than five medications” (86.57%, n = 116). The most common consequence of polypharmacy among the students was “risk of side effects” (95.52%, n = 128).ConclusionThis study found many areas of agreement between medical and pharmacy students regarding the definition of polypharmacy, but there were also some differences. Polypharmacy should have one distinct definition to reduce confusion regarding the term.