Residents and Fellows Research in Progress
Sunday, October 13, 2024
12:45 PM–02:15 PM
Abstract
Introduction:
Medication management in hospitalized older adults presents a significant challenge due to the complexities in their health status and increased likelihood of experiencing adverse drug events (ADEs). Medications identified as potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) sustain an increased risk of adverse ADEs which outweighs their benefit in this population. The American Geriatrics Society Beers Criteria is an evidence-based tool that lists PIMs to avoid in older adults, and is recognized globally as a benchmark for safe prescribing practices. However, there is limited data which demonstrates the benefit in leveraging this list of medications and restricting PIM administration in the inpatient setting.
Research Question or Hypothesis:
What are the rates of new PIM prescribing in hospitalized older adults and the rates of adverse effects such as falls and delirium?
Study Design:
This single-center, retrospective chart review evaluates elderly patients who were prescribed at least one of the predetermined PIMs while hospitalized from January 1, 2024 through March 31, 2024. Patients are excluded if they are under the age of 65 or take one or more of these medications chronically as a home medication.
Methods:
Patients were identified through the electronic health record if they had any of the following medications ordered during their inpatient stay: any benzodiazepine, zolpidem, doxylamine, diphenhydramine, meclizine, hydroxyzine, prochlorperazine, methocarbamol, tizanidine, baclofen, or any first or second-generation antipsychotic. The primary outcome of this study will be a descriptive analysis of prescribing rates of completely restricted PIMs or those above the recommended maximum doses based on the Beers Criteria and tertiary drug resources. Secondary safety outcomes include the number of inpatient falls, presence of delirium, hospital length of stay, and new adverse effects (i.e., central nervous system depression, respiratory depression, anticholinergic side effects, etc.). Outcomes will be analyzed using descriptive statistics.
Results: Pending
Conclusion: Pending
Presenting Author
Julia Junker PharmDAscension St. Vincent Indianapolis
Authors
Lindsay Saum PharmD, BCPS, BCGP
Ascension St. Vincent Indianapolis and Butler University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences