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Updated: May 16, 2026
06:52
Assessment of Dependence in Activities of Daily Living Among Older Patients in an Acute Care Unit
Published on: September 30, 2020
[Drug-related problems in the elderly]
Andrea Bor1, Mária Matuz, Péter Doró
1Szegedi Tudományegyetem, Gyógyszerésztudományi Kar Klinikai Gyógyszerészeti Intézet Szeged Szikra. bor.gytk@gmail.com
Orvosi Hetilap
|December 4, 2012
Summary
Polypharmacy in elderly patients increases risks and healthcare costs. This study adapted the Beers criteria for the Hungarian population to identify and reduce potentially inappropriate medication use in older adults.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Clinical Pharmacy
- Public Health
Context:
- Aging populations in developed countries present significant healthcare challenges.
- Elderly patients frequently experience polypharmacy due to comorbidities.
- Polypharmacy elevates risks of drug interactions, adverse events, and reduced quality of life.
Purpose:
- To address the growing problem of polypharmacy among elderly patients.
- To adapt existing guidelines, such as the Beers criteria, for a specific national context.
- To provide alternative therapeutic suggestions and reduce drug-related problems in older adults.
Summary:
- Polypharmacy is common in elderly patients, leading to increased healthcare burdens and adverse drug reactions.
- The Beers criteria, a list of potentially inappropriate medications for older adults, was adapted for the Hungarian drug spectrum.
- The adapted list aims to mitigate risks associated with medication use in the elderly population.
Impact:
- Reduced drug-related problems and adverse events in elderly patients.
- Improved patient compliance and quality of life for older adults.
- Potential for significant financial savings for patients and healthcare systems.
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