University of Tasmania
Browse

File(s) under permanent embargo

Inappropriate prescribing in older residents of Australian care homes

journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-17, 04:15 authored by Stafford, AC, Alswayan, MS, Peter TenniPeter Tenni
What is known and objective: The incidence of inappropriate prescribing is higher amongst the older age group than the younger population. Inappropriate prescribing potentially leads to drug-related problems such as adverse drug reactions. We aimed to determine the prevalence of inappropriate prescribing in residents of Tasmanian (Australia) residential care homes using Beers and McLeod criteria. Methods: Patient demographics, medical conditions and medications were collected from medical records. The patients who fulfilled either Beers or McLeod criteria were identified and the characteristics of these patients were then compared. Results: Data for 2345 residents were collected between 2006 and 2007. There were 1027 (43Æ8%) patients prescribed at least one inappropriate medication. Beers criteria identified more patients (828 patients, 35Æ3%) as being prescribed inappropriate medication compared with McLeod criteria (438 patients, 18Æ7%). Patients taking psychotropic medication ⁄ s, more than six medications or diagnosed with five or more medical conditions were more likely to be prescribed an inappropriate medication (P < 0Æ001). The most frequently identified inappropriate medications included benzodiazepines, amitriptyline, oxybutynin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. What is new and conclusion: Inappropriate prescribing, as defined by either Beers criteria or McLeod criteria, is relatively common in Australian nursing homes. The prevalence of inappropriate prescribing, and factors influencing it, are consistent with other countries. Both Beers and McLeod criteria are a general guide to prescribing, and do not substitute for professional judgment.

History

Publication title

Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics

Volume

36

Pagination

33-44

ISSN

0269-4727

Department/School

School of Pharmacy and Pharmacology

Publisher

Wiley-Blackwell Publishing Ltd

Place of publication

United Kingdom

Rights statement

The definitive published version is available online at: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/

Repository Status

  • Restricted

Socio-economic Objectives

Health related to ageing

Usage metrics

    University Of Tasmania

    Exports

    RefWorks
    BibTeX
    Ref. manager
    Endnote
    DataCite
    NLM
    DC