Utilization Pattern of Potentially Inappropriate Medications in Geriatric Patients in a Tertiary Care Hospital: A Retrospective Observational Study
Introduction: Geriatric population is on the rise throughout the world, hence the quality and the safety of prescribing in the elderly is a global healthcare concern. It is important for the healthcare providers to be aware of the limitations in prescribing certain drugs to the elderly. This stu...
| Main Authors: | , , , |
|---|---|
| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
JCDR Research and Publications Private Limited
2017-04-01
|
| Series: | Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://jcdr.net/articles/PDF/9731/21080_CE[Ra1]_F(DK)_PF1(Sg_Sy_Sh)_PFA(SS)_PF2(P_NESY).pdf |
| Summary: | Introduction: Geriatric population is on the rise throughout the
world, hence the quality and the safety of prescribing in the
elderly is a global healthcare concern. It is important for the
healthcare providers to be aware of the limitations in prescribing
certain drugs to the elderly. This study was an attempt to shed
light on the utilization pattern of Potentially Inappropriate
Medications (PIMs) in elderly patients admitted in the medicine
wards in a tertiary care hospital in Goa.
Aim: To measure the percentage prevalence of PIMs prescribed
in the admitted geriatric patients.
Materials and Methods: In this retrospective observational
study, 150 case records of patients aged 60 years or more were
analysed. All the prescribed medications, for each case record,
were then analysed by referring to the American Geriatrics
Society (AGS) Beers Criteria 2015. Data was analysed using
Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software.
Results: Of the 150 patients, 99 (66%) received at least one
PIM according to the Beers Criteria 2015 (including drugs to
be used with caution). However, after excluding the drugs to be
used with caution, the prevalence of PIMs decreased to 44%.
The most commonly prescribed PIMs were ranitidine (17.33%)
and prazosin (8.66%) and the most commonly prescribed drug
to be used with caution was furosemide (35.33%).
Conclusion: As the medication needs of the geriatric population
are unique, it is essential that the healthcare professionals are
aware of these needs and also follow the available guidelines
and tools. Formulation of hospital policies and protocols in this
regard would help to improve the scenario. Increased education,
awareness and reporting of drug-related problems along with
more doctor-patient interaction in these situations are some of
the factors that could play an important role in promoting better
and safer prescribing practices and a better quality of life to the
older generations of our communities. |
|---|---|
| ISSN: | 2249-782X 0973-709X |