Prescription Adherence to Ags Beers Criteria and Medication Adherence in Geriatric Patients

Abstract

Objective: The objective of the present study was to determine the prescription pattern and adherence to Beers Criteria 2019 and also evaluate the reasons for non-adherence and ways to promote adherence among geriatric patients. Methods: Retrospective as well as prospective data were collected using a predesigned form. A total of 268 patients aged 60 years and above were involved in the study. The prescriptions were analyzed for appropriateness using AGS Beers Criteria 2019 and the 8-Item Morisky Medication Adherence Scale was used for the assessment of medication adherence. Results: The majority of the patients were in the age group of 65–69 years with a mean age of 73.6 ± 5.05 years with a male preponderance (67%). Out of 268 sample sizes observed, the maximum number of prescriptions had at least one potential inappropriate medication (PIM) – during admission (40.67%) and discharge (48.50%). The most common PIMs observed were PPIs and insulin sliding scale. The use of NSAIDs (aspirin) in heart and renal failure patients was the generally recognized drug-disease and drug-drug interactions. This study confirms the presence of moderate adherence to the prescription among geriatric patients. Conclusion: Even though Beers Criteria have been commonly used as a reference in many studies, it has not made its way into conventional clinical practice. The prescribers need to make themselves aware of the Beers Criteria and it should be followed for the geriatric population. Hence, this study will help physicians to deliver quality care to elderly patients.