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 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.