Analysis of Benzodiazepine Prescription Practices in Elderly Appalachians with Dementia via the Appalachian Informatics Platform: Longitudinal Study (Preprint)

Abstract

BACKGROUND Caring for the growing dementia patient population with complex healthcare needs in West Virginia has been challenging due to its large, sizably rural-dwelling geriatric population and limited resource availability. OBJECTIVE To illustrate the application of an informatics platform to drive dementia research and quality care through a preliminary study of benzodiazepine (BZD) prescription patterns and its effects on healthcare utilization by geriatric patients. METHODS The Maier Institute Data Mart containing clinical and billing data on patients aged ≥ 65 (n=98,970) seen within our clinics/hospital was created. Relevant variables were analyzed to identify BZD prescription patterns and calculate related charges and emergency department (ED) utilization. RESULTS Nearly one third dementia patients received ≥ 1 BZD prescription, 20% more than those without dementia. More women than men received at least one BZD prescription. On average, patients with dementia and ≥ 1 BZD prescription sustained higher charges and visited the ED more often than those without one. CONCLUSIONS The Appalachian informatics platform has the potential to enhance dementia care/research through a deeper understanding of dementia, data enrichment, risk identification, and care gap analysis.