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Inappropriate prescribing in older residents of Australian care homes
Citation
Stafford, AC and Alswayan, MS and Tenni, PC, Inappropriate prescribing in older residents of Australian care homes, Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, 36, (1) pp. 33-44. ISSN 0269-4727 (2011) [Refereed Article]
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The definitive published version is available online at: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/
Official URL: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/
DOI: doi:10.1111/j.1365-2710.2009.01151.x
Abstract
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 (43Ć8%)
patients prescribed at least one inappropriate
medication. Beers criteria identified more patients
(828 patients, 35Ć3%) as being prescribed inappropriate
medication compared with McLeod
criteria (438 patients, 18Ć7%). 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 < 0Ć001). 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.
Item Details
| Item Type: | Refereed Article |
|---|---|
| Keywords: | Australia, Beers criteria, inappropriate prescribing, McLeod criteria, older patients |
| Research Division: | Medical and Health Sciences |
| Research Group: | Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences |
| Research Field: | Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Practice |
| Objective Division: | Health |
| Objective Group: | Specific Population Health (excl. Indigenous Health) |
| Objective Field: | Health Related to Ageing |
| Author: | Stafford, AC (Dr Andrew Stafford) |
| Author: | Alswayan, MS (Mrs Manar Alswayan) |
| Author: | Tenni, PC (Dr Peter Tenni) |
| ID Code: | 66439 |
| Year Published: | 2011 |
| Web of Science® Times Cited: | 54 |
| Deposited By: | Pharmacy |
| Deposited On: | 2011-01-25 |
| Last Modified: | 2017-11-02 |
| Downloads: | 7 View Download Statistics |
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