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Characteristics of Drug-RElated Hospitalizations for Nursing HOme Residents: Cross-Sectional RENHO Study
Alice Lopez1, Chiara Alfarano1, Marianne Lepetit2
1Department of Medical and Clinical Pharmacology, Regional Pharmacovigilance Centre of Toulouse, Toulouse University Hospital, Toulouse, France.
Drug Safety
|June 30, 2025
Summary
Nursing home residents frequently experience adverse drug reactions (ADRs) leading to emergency department (ED) visits, with polypharmacy and prior ED admissions being key risk factors. Approximately 12% of these drug-induced events are preventable.
Area of Science:
- Geriatric Medicine
- Pharmacology
- Public Health
Background:
- Elderly individuals in nursing homes often face polypharmacy, increasing their risk of adverse drug reactions (ADRs).
- ADRs are a significant contributor to hospitalizations among this vulnerable population.
- Understanding ADR-related emergency department (ED) admissions is crucial for improving resident safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize nursing home residents admitted to the ED due to ADRs.
- To identify factors associated with ADR-related ED admissions in this demographic.
- To assess the proportion of avoidable ADRs leading to ED visits.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study analyzed ED admissions of nursing home residents from a university hospital database (April 2019-March 2020).
- Data included demographics, functional status, comorbidities, BMI, prior ED visits, and medication counts.
- Medical files were reviewed to identify ADRs and associated contributing factors.
Main Results:
- Over a quarter (27.0%) of identified ED admissions were linked to ADRs, with falls, hemorrhagic events, and constipation being common.
- Benzodiazepines, Z-drugs, antidepressants, antithrombotics, and opioids were frequently implicated in ADRs.
- Key factors associated with ADR-related ED admissions included polypharmacy (number of drugs), previous ED admissions, and being overweight.
Conclusions:
- Drug-induced iatrogenic diseases account for approximately 25% of ED admissions for nursing home residents.
- A significant portion (12%) of these ADR-related admissions were deemed avoidable.
- Strengthening awareness campaigns for healthcare professionals is essential to prevent avoidable drug-induced ADRs in this population.
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