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[Study on drug use in elderly outpatients in Beijing]
1Xuanwu Hospital of Capital University of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100053, China.
Zhonghua Liu Xing Bing Xue Za Zhi = Zhonghua Liuxingbingxue Zazhi
|February 20, 2002
Summary
Elderly patients had higher prescription rates, more medications per prescription, and increased daily drug doses (DDD) compared to general patients. Rational drug use in this population requires greater attention.
Area of Science:
- Geriatric pharmacology
- Drug utilization studies
- Public health
Context:
- Drug use patterns in elderly patients are critical for public health.
- Understanding prescribing habits in older adults informs healthcare policy.
- Previous studies have not fully elucidated drug use in Beijing's elderly population.
Purpose:
- To analyze drug use, prescription patterns, and daily drug doses (DDD) in elderly patients.
- To provide evidence for safe, effective, and rational drug use in the elderly.
- To improve disease prevention and quality of life for older adults.
Summary:
- Elderly patients accounted for 19.9% of prescriptions, with an average of 2.71 drugs per prescription, higher than general patients.
- Cardiovascular drugs and vitamins were most common; Vitamin E nicotinate was the most frequent.
- Daily drug doses (DDD) for elderly patients were higher than general patients and increasing, particularly for antihypertensives.
Impact:
- Findings highlight a high rate of prescription, polypharmacy, and DDD in elderly patients.
- The study underscores the need for increased focus on rational drug use in geriatric populations.
- Results can guide interventions to optimize medication management and improve health outcomes for seniors.