Polypharmacy among elderly populations

Abstract

Introduction

Potentially inappropriate prescribing, is highly prevalent among older patients hospitalized with major psychiatric illness. Inappropriate use of psychotropic medications in elderly patients has become a focus of concern.

Objectives

To determine the prevalence of potentially inappropriate prescribing including potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) and potential prescription omissions (PPOs), according to STOPP-START, Beers and PRISCUS criteria applied by CheckTheMeds^®.

Aims

To identify potentially IP, PPo and the prevalence of contraindications, interactions and precautions in older patients hospitalized with major psychiatric illness.

Methods

Retrospective cross-sectional study with patients over 65 discharged from the Psychiatric acute unit of the university hospital of La Princesa (Madrid) between January 2013 and October 2015 was conducted. The CheckTheMeds^® program was used to identify IP.

Results

A total of 104 elders–74 females and 30 males–were included, with a mean age of 76 years (range: 65–91). An average of 5.73 (range: 1–16) was prescribed drugs at discharge. The Ip results STOPP 81.73% (n = 85), START 43.26% (n = 45), Beers 94.23% (n = 98) y PRISCUS 40.38% (n = 42). Contraindications were described in the 21.15% of the patients, precautions in 83.65% and interactions in 83.65%. Psychotropic drugs were the most often inappropriate prescribed medicaments.

Conclusion

Prescribing omissions are twice as prevalent as IP in the elderly. Currently, inappropriate prescription of psychotropic agents is very common for the elderly. Application of such screening tools to prescribing decisions may reduce unnecessary medication, related adverse events, healthcare utilization and cost and nonpharmacological interventions, should be thoroughly explored.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.