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Updated: Jul 8, 2026
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A Novel Approach for the Administration of Medications and Fluids in Emergency Scenarios and Settings
Published on: November 9, 2016
Variation in medication information for elderly patients during initial interventions by emergency department
Victor Cohen1, Samantha P Jellinek, Antonios Likourezos
1Arnold & Marie Schwartz College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences, Long Island University, Brooklyn, NY, USA. vcohen@maimonidesmed.org
Summary
Medication discrepancies are common in elderly emergency department (ED) patients. Approximately one-third of older adults have differing medication information between ED physicians and outside caregivers, impacting care.
Area of Science:
- Geriatric Medicine
- Emergency Medicine
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Accurate medication histories are crucial for safe and effective patient care, especially in emergency settings.
- Elderly patients often present complex medication regimens and may have difficulty recalling all prescribed drugs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate discrepancies in medication information for elderly patients in the emergency department (ED).
- To compare patient-reported medication data with information from external sources (pharmacies, physicians).
- To analyze the time from patient arrival to initial diagnosis and treatment in the ED.
Main Methods:
- Collected medication histories from elderly patients (65+) in an urban academic ED.
- Pharmacists compiled external medication profiles by contacting physicians and pharmacies.
- Recorded times for ED arrival and initial diagnostic/therapeutic interventions.
Main Results:
- Significant discordance (mean >30%) in drug names between patient reports and external sources.
- Commonly discrepant medication classes included antihypertensives, supplements, analgesics, and anticoagulants.
- Median time to diagnostic intervention was 37 minutes; median time to therapeutic intervention was 81.5 minutes.
Conclusions:
- A substantial proportion (approx. one-third) of elderly ED patients have differing medication information compared to external sources.
- These medication information gaps highlight potential risks in emergency care for older adults.
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