Clinical Alerts to Decrease High-Risk Medication Use in Older Adults

High-risk medications (HRMs) account for 14.6% to 54.6% of all medications used in older adults, and have been linked to >50% of adverse drug events (ADEs). HRM-related ADEs lead to increased morbidity and mortality, increased hospital length of stay, and financial costs for patients and health care systems. It has been well documented that incorporating information technology in patient care in the form of clinical alert systems can effectively decrease HRM use and improve patient safety. The current article seeks to identify and discuss clinical alert systems focusing on HRMs, their impact on prescribing for older adults, and challenges to the implementation of electronic decision systems. [Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 43(7), 7-12.].