provenience of polypharmacy

Provenance of polypharmacy refers to the origin and reasons why patients, especially older adults, end up taking multiple medications. It often results from treating various health conditions that coexist, such as diabetes, hypertension, and arthritis. Healthcare providers may prescribe several drugs to manage these issues, but sometimes, medications overlap or become unnecessary. Factors like fragmented care, lack of coordination among providers, or patient requests can also contribute. Understanding the provenance helps identify ways to optimize medication use, reduce risks, and ensure that each medication truly benefits the patient's health.