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Inappropriate prescribing for the elderly: beers criteria-based review.
1College of Pharmacy, South Dakota State University, Brookings 57007, USA. rajender_aparasu@sdstate.edu
The Annals of Pharmacotherapy
|August 5, 2000
Summary
Inappropriate medication use in the elderly is common, affecting up to 23.5% of patients. Long-acting benzodiazepines and amitriptyline were frequently prescribed, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to improve geriatric prescribing practices.
Area of Science:
- Geriatric Pharmacology
- Medication Safety
- Public Health
Background:
- The Beers criteria identify inappropriate medication use in older adults.
- Prescribing practices in various healthcare settings require evaluation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review literature applying the Beers criteria to elderly prescribing.
- To identify patterns and factors of inappropriate medication use in geriatric patients.
Main Methods:
- Searched MEDLINE for studies using "Beers criteria" and related terms (1992-1999).
- Reviewed eight studies that applied the Beers criteria in diverse healthcare settings.
- Examined methodologic issues, prevalence, nature, and factors of inappropriate medication use.
Main Results:
- Most studies modified the Beers criteria.
- Inappropriate medication use ranged from 14.0% to 23.5% of elderly patients.
- Long-acting benzodiazepines, dipyridamole, propoxyphene, and amitriptyline were common culprits. Higher medication counts were linked to inappropriate prescribing.
Conclusions:
- Consistent patterns of inappropriate prescribing exist despite methodological variations.
- Findings can guide interventions to improve geriatric medication management.
- Further research is needed on national trends and healthcare impact.