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Drugs and the elderly, Part 1: The problems facing managed care
M H Beers1, R W Baran, K Frenia
1Merck & Co, Inc, 5 Sentry Parkway East, Blue Bell, PA 19422, USA. beersm@merck.com
The American Journal of Managed Care
|January 11, 2001
Summary
Limited research exists on medication use in the elderly for managed care professionals. More literature is needed on geriatric pharmacology and pharmacy integration within managed care settings.
Area of Science:
- Geriatric Pharmacology
- Health Services Research
- Pharmacy Practice
Background:
- The elderly population experiences unique challenges with medication management.
- Managed care organizations require specific guidance on optimizing medication use in older adults.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and summarize clinical information on medication use in the elderly.
- To explore strategies for improving prescribing practices within managed care environments.
Main Methods:
- Nonquantitative evaluation of the general medical literature.
- Focus on problems and systems approaches relevant to managed care.
Main Results:
- A significant gap exists in literature addressing managed care directly regarding elderly medication use.
- Few articles discuss how managed care can integrate geriatric pharmacology and pharmacy principles.
Conclusions:
- There is a notable lack of literature for managed care professionals on pharmacology, pharmacoepidemiology, and drug utilization review for the elderly.
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