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Potentially inappropriate medications in the elderly: a French consensus panel list
Marie-Laure Laroche1, Jean-Pierre Charmes, Louis Merle
1Department of Pharmacology-Toxicology, Centre of Pharmacovigilance, University Hospital Dupuytren, 87042, Limoges, France. marie-laure.laroche@chu-limoges.fr
European Journal of Clinical Pharmacology
|June 8, 2007
Summary
A Delphi method expert consensus established a list of 36 potentially inappropriate medication criteria for French elderly patients aged 75 and over. This list aids prescribers in optimizing drug safety and efficacy.
Area of Science:
- Geriatrics
- Pharmacology
- Public Health
Background:
- North American lists of potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) lack applicability in France.
- Drug-related problems are a significant concern in the elderly population.
- A tailored PIM list for French elderly is needed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish a list of potentially inappropriate medications specifically for the French elderly population.
- To adapt PIM criteria to the French healthcare context.
- To improve medication safety in geriatric patients in France.
Main Methods:
- A two-round Delphi method involving 15 French experts (geriatricians, pharmacologists, pharmacists, GPs, pharmacoepidemiologist).
- Experts evaluated a literature-based questionnaire on medication inappropriateness using a 5-point Likert scale.
- Consensus was reached on criteria and therapeutic alternatives.
Main Results:
- A final list of 36 criteria for individuals aged 75 years and older was established.
- Twenty-nine criteria applied to all patients, with five specific to certain medical conditions.
- Medications were categorized by unfavorable benefit/risk ratio and questionable efficacy.
Conclusions:
- The developed list serves as an epidemiological tool for prescribers.
- It provides a guideline for identifying and managing potentially inappropriate medications in French elderly.
- The consensus offers alternative therapies to improve patient outcomes.
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