Look-alike sound-alike (LASA) medication errors in Thai hospitals / Errores de medicación por sonido similar (LASA) en hospitales tailandeses

Look-alike sound-alike (LASA) drugs cause a high proportion of medication errors in hospitals. Drug lists available in hospitals are diverse and complicated. Presently, each hospital has its own LASA drug list and unique management strategies to minimize and prevent LASA errors. Objective: This study aimed to explore the prevalence of LASA drug lists, types of LASA drugs, and categories of medication errors in hospitals in Thailand. Methods: For this crosssectional study, questionnaires were developed and distributed along with a letter to 500 government hospitals (selected from a total of 1,309 hospitals) in Thailand via mail from April to June 2021. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (frequencies and percentages). Results: A total of 128 hospitals participated in this study (response rate: 25.60%), including 12 tertiary hospitals (9.38%), 33 secondary hospitals (25.78%), 24 large primary hospitals (18.75%), 51 small primary hospitals (39.84%), and eight private hospitals (6.25%). A total of 2,510 pairs of LASA drugs were identified, which included 1,674 (66.69%) tablets/capsules (Simvastatin 10-Simvastatin 20 pair had the highest frequency), 427 injections (17.01%) (Ceftriaxone-Ceftazidime pair had the highest frequency), 85 liquid dosage forms (3.39%) (Milk of magnesia-alum milk pair had the highest frequency), 74 special techniques in medicine (2.95%) (Seretide evohaler®-Seretide accuhaler® pair had the highest frequency), 49 external used drugs (1.95%) (Clotrimazole cream-Clobetasol cream pair had the highest frequency), and 28 powder dosage forms (1.12%) (ORS for pediatrics-ORS for adult pair had the highest frequency). Conclusion: Despite relevant awareness among healthcare professionals, LASA medication errors occur in hospitals. The most frequent similarities among LASA drugs were detected in their names/pronunciations, and the most common errors belonged to Category B.(AU)

Appropriateness of medication prescribing in nursing homes: A collaboration project between pharmacy and geriatric departments / Adecuación farmacoterapéutica en centros sociosanitarios: proyecto de coordinación entre servicio de farmacia y geriatría

Purpose: To evaluate the appropriateness of medication prescribing and to analyze interventions carried out in polymedicated elderly patients in nursing homes (NHs). Methods: Prospective study of potentially inappropriate medication prescribing in polymedicated older adults living in NHs, implemented via a collaborative project between NHs and the geriatric and pharmacy departments of a university hospital. The pharmacist reviewed patients’ active medical prescriptions and prepared an individualized report with proposals aimed at therapeutic optimization that was sent for evaluation to the geriatrician in charge of the NH. The drug-related problems (DRPs) were classified according to the Third Consensus of Granada and the potentially inappropriate prescriptions (PIPs) were identified by explicit criteria (STOPP/START, BEERS, LESS-CHRON), implicit criteria (MAI) and CheckTheMeds® software. It was measured the degree of acceptance of the interventions carried out, and the economic impact was calculated from the direct costs of the discontinued drugs. Results: Of the 210 patients reviewed by the pharmacy department, 105 patients from 10 NHs were analyzed. A total of 510 prescriptions with possible DRPs were identified (38.5% of all prescribed drugs). According to STOPP/START/BEERS or LESS-CHRON criteria, 41.2% were PIPs. The main DRPs identified were: unfavorable risk-benefit ratio, inappropriate dose/regimen, inappropriate treatment duration, probability of adverse events, medication not indicated, and duplicate therapy. Interventions were proposed for 81.5% of the DRPs detected, of which 73.3% were accepted. This resulted in a 23.1% reduction in the number of drugs prescribed per patient and an economic saving of €16,218 per 6-month period. (AU)

Objetivos: Adecuar la farmacoterapia y analizar las intervenciones realizadas en pacientes ancianos institucionalizados en centros sociosanitarios (CSS) con polifarmacia. Métodos: Estudio prospectivo de un programa de adecuación farmacoterapéutica en pacientes ancianos polimedicados de CSS mediante la puesta en marcha de un proyecto de coordinación de geriatría, farmacia hospitalaria y CSS desde el área de atención especializada. El farmacéutico realizó una revisión farmacoterapéutica de las prescripciones activas de los pacientes, elaborándose un informe individualizado con propuestas dirigidas a la optimización terapéutica. Los problemas relacionados con la medicación (PRM) encontrados se clasificaron según el Tercer Consenso de Granada, y las prescripciones potencialmente inapropiadas (PPI) se identificaron mediante criterios explícitos (STOPP/START, BEERS, criterios de deprescripción LESS-CHRON), criterios implícitos (MAI) y el programa informático CheckTheMeds®. Se midió el grado de aceptación de las intervenciones realizadas, y la repercusión económica se calculó a partir de los costes directos de los fármacos desprescritos.Resultados: De los 210 pacientes revisados por el servicio de farmacia se analizaron 105 pacientes evaluados por geriatría pertenecientes a 10 CSS. Se detectaron 510 prescripciones con posibles PRM (38,5% del total de fármacos prescritos). El 41,2% se correspondían a PPI según criterios STOPP/START/BEERS o LESS-CHRON. Los principales PRM identificados fueron: fármacos de beneficio/riesgo desfavorable, dosis o pauta no adecuada, duración no adecuada, mayor probabilidad de efectos adversos, medicamento no indicado y duplicidad. Se intervino en el 81,5% de los PRM detectados, con un grado de aceptación del 73,3% y una reducción del 23,1% en el número de medicamentos prescritos por paciente, con un ahorro económico de 16.218€/6 meses. (AU)

Potentially inappropriate medications according to Marc, STOPP and PRISCUS criteria in a cohort of elderly HIV+ patients. The COMMPI project / Prevalencia de medicamentos potencialmente inapropiados según criterios Marc, STOPP y PRISCUS en una cohorte de pacientes VIH+ de edad avanzada. Proyecto COMMPI

Introduction: The objective is to determine the prevalence of potentially inappropriate drugs according to the Marc, STOPP, and PRISCUS lists in elderly HIV patients. Patients and methods: It was an observational, retrospective, and multicenter study. People living with HIV 65 years or older who underwent chronic concomitant treatment were included. Descriptive and multivariate analyzes were performed to study the association between polypharmacy and potentially inappropriate medication compliance. Results: A total of 55 patients were included, 81.8% men and a median age of 69 years (IQR: 67-73). The median number of comorbidities was 3 (IQR: 2-5) and the most frequent pattern of multimorbidity was cardiometabolic (62.9%). The predominant antiretroviral treatment was triple therapy (65.5%). Polypharmacy was present in 70.9% of the patients and 25.5% had major polypharmacy. The most frequent polypharmacy pattern was cardiovascular (69.2%). The percentage of potentially inappropriate medications according to the Marc, STOPP and PRISCUS lists was 65.5%, 30.9% and 14.5%, respectively (p<0.001). Adjusted for age and sex, polypharmacy was not independently associated with potentially inappropriate medication compliance in any of the lists. Conclusion: Polypharmacy and potentially inappropriate medications have a high prevalence. There is great variability in the percentage according to the list applied. Age, sex, and presence of polypharmacy are not predisposing factors to the presence of potentially inappropriate medications. (AU)

Introducción: El objetivo de este estudio es determinar la prevalencia de medicamentos potencialmente inapropiados según los listados Marc, STOPP y Priscus en pacientes VIH+ de edad avanzada. Pacientes y métodos: Estudio observacional, transversal y multicéntrico. Se incluyeron aquellos pacientes VIH+ mayores de 65 años en tratamiento antirretroviral y tratamiento concomitante crónico. Para conocer la asociación entre polifarmacia y presencia de medicación potencialmente inapropiada se llevaron a cabo análisis descriptivos y multivariante.Resultados: Se incluyeron 55 pacientes (81.8% hombres); mediana de edad 69 años (RIQ 67-73). Todos presentaban alguna comorbilidad (mediana 3, RIQ 2-5). El patrón de multimorbilidad más frecuente fue cardio-metabólico (62.9%). La triple terapia fue el esquema de tratamiento antiretroviral predominante (65.5%) y el patrón de polifarmacia más frecuente fue el cardiovascular (69.2%). Se identificó presencia de polifarmacia en un 70,9% y un 25,5% polifarmacia mayor. El cumplimiento de algún criterio según el listado Marc, STOPP y PRISCUS observó en 65,5%, 30,9% y 14,5% de los pacientes (p<0.001). Según análisis multivariante se observa que la edad, sexo o presencia de polifarmacia no son factores determinantes de presencia de medicamentos inapropiados en los listados. Conclusión. La prevalencia de medicación potencialmente inapropiada según los listados utilizados fue alta, existiendo una gran variabilidad en la identificación entre las diferentes herramientas. Edad, sexo y polifarmacia no son factores predictivosde presencia de medicamentos potencialmente inapropiados. (AU)

Characterisation of institutionalised Portuguese older adult fallers: is there a place for pharmacist intervention? A preliminary study

Background: Falls are a major public health issue, given their prevalence and social impact. Older adults living in long-term care facilities (LTCF) are at greater risk of injury resulting from a fall due to multiple factors, such as nutritional, functional/cognitive impairment, postural instability, polypharmacy, and the presence of potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs). Medication management in LTCF is complex and often sub-optimal and might be crucial for falls. Pharmacist intervention is important, since they have a unique knowledge of medication. However, studies mapping the impact of pharmaceutical activities in Portuguese LTC settings are scarce. Objective: This study aims to assess the characteristics of older adult fallers living in LTFCs and examine the relationship between falling and several factors in this population. We also intend to explore the prevalence of PIMs and their relationship with the occurrence of falls. Methods: The study was conducted in two long-term care facilities for elderly people, in the central region of Portugal. We included patients aged 65 and older with no reduced mobility or physical weakness and with the ability to understand spoken and written Portuguese. The following information was assessed: sociodemographic characteristics, comorbidities, polypharmacy, fear of falling, functional, nutritional and cognitive status. PIMs were evaluated according to the Beers criteria (2019). Results: A total of 69 institutionalised older adults, 45 women and 24 men, with a mean age of 83.14 ± 8.87 years were included. The prevalence of falls was 21.74% Out of these, 46.67% (n=7) fell once, 13.33% (n=2) fell twice, and 40% (n=6) fell 3 or more times. Fallers were mainly women, had lower levels of education, were well nourished, had moderate to severe levels of dependence, and displayed moderate cognitive impairment. (AU)

Prescripción potencialmente inadecuada: utilidad de los criterios STOPP/START versión 2 a nivel poblacional en Cataluña / Potentially inappropriate prescribing: Usefulness of STOPP/START criteria version 2 in Catalonian elderly population

Objetivo: Analizar la prevalencia de la prescripción potencialmente inadecuada (PPI) en ancianos en Cataluña, utilizando los criterios Screening Tool of Older Person's Prescriptions/Screening Tool to Alert doctors to Right Treatment (STOPP/START) versión 2. Evaluar la asociación de la PPI con diversas variables (polimedicación, sexo, edad y características sociodemográficas). Material y métodos: Diseño: estudio descriptivo retrospectivo transversal. Emplazamiento: Ámbito de Atención Primaria. Cataluña, España. Participantes Se analizan los datos de la población de 70 años o más atendida en los Centros de Salud de Cataluña en 2014 (700.058 pacientes). Mediciones principales: Cincuenta y cinco indicadores STOPP, y 19 START. Se ajustan modelos de regresión logística para evaluar su asociación con diversas variables. Resultados: La edad media es de 79,2±6,5 años. El 58,5% son mujeres. El 38,7% tiene 7 o más fármacos prescritos, y más del 50% acumulan más de 10 visitas anuales. Los indicadores STOPP que acumulan una mayor PPI son los relacionados con el uso de antiinflamatorios no esteroideos, antiagregantes, anticoagulantes, y benzodiacepinas. En cuanto a los criterios START destaca la omisión de suplementos de vitamina D y calcio, antidepresivos, y fármacos relativos al sistema cardiovascular. La PPI es mayor en mujeres, pacientes institucionalizados y domiciliarios, y en aquellos con mayor número de fármacos y número de visitas. Conclusiones: Se detectó una PPI poblacional con una alta prevalencia (89,6%). La PPI se relaciona de forma más significativa con determinadas condiciones del paciente y grupos farmacológicos. El conocimiento de esta asociación es trascendental para la futura implementación de medidas de seguridad en prescripción farmacológica (AU)

Objective: To measure the prevalence of potentially inappropriate prescribing (PIP) among the elderly population in Catalonia using criteria Screening Tool of Older Person's Prescriptions/Screening Tool to Alert doctors to Right Treatment (STOPP/START) version 2. In addition, to evaluate the association between PIP and several factors (polypharmacy, gender, age and sociodemographic conditions). Materials and methods: Design: Retrospective cross sectional population study. Settings: Primary Health Care, Catalonia, Spain. Participants: The study population comprised of participants 70 years old and over, who attended primary health care centres in Catalonia in 2014 (700.058 patients). Main analysis: 55 STOPP and 19 START criteria are applied to analyse PIP prevalence. Logistic regression models are adjusted to determine PIP association with several factors. Results: The mean age is 79. 2±6.5. 58.5% being female. 38.7% of patients have 7 or more prescribed drugs, whereas 50% go to a primary care centre 10 or more times during one year. The most frequent PIP among STOPP criteria are related to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug intake, antiplatelet and anticoagulants use, and benzodiazepines. According to START, the most frequent omissions are vitamin D and calcium supplements, antidepressants, and cardiovascular medications. Factors that increase PIP are: female gender, living in a nursing home, receiving home health care, polypharmacy and frequent visits to primary care centres. Conclusions: The overall prevalence of PIP is 89.6%. PPI is significantly related to certain drugs and patient's conditions. The knowledge of this association is important for the implementation of security measures for medical prescription (AU)

Adecuación de la prescripción en pacientes mayores polimedicados en atención primaria. Ensayo clínico controlado aleatorizado por grupos PHARM-PC / Prescription appropriateness in elderly patients with polypharmacy in primary care: Cluster-randomized controlled trial PHARM-PC

Objetivos: Evaluar la efectividad de la revisión sistemática de medicación realizada por farmacéutico sobre medicaciones potencialmente inapropiadas (MPI), resultados en salud y costes. Diseño: Ensayo clínico prospectivo, abierto, controlado y aleatorizado por clústeres. Emplazamiento: Seis centros de atención primaria de las Islas Baleares. Participantes: Se incluyeron 42 clústeres (21 por grupo), y 549 pacientes de ≥ 65 años y ≥ 5 medicamentos crónicos, de los cuales 277 se asignaron al Grupo Intervención (GI) y 272 al Grupo Control (GC). Se excluyeron pacientes: institucionalizados, desplazados, atendidos habitualmente por la sanidad privada, o en atención domiciliaria. Intervención: Detección de MPI por parte del farmacéutico mediante combinación de métodos explícitos e implícitos y comunicación de las alternativas terapéuticas más apropiadas al médico prescriptor. Mediciones: Se evaluaron la proporción de pacientes con MPI y número medio de MPI/paciente (variables principales); así como morbilidad, mortalidad, y costes (variables secundarias). Análisis estadístico: Siguiendo el principio de intención de tratar, se compararon las variables cuantitativas y cualitativas mediante las pruebas t Student y X2, respectivamente. Los resultados se expresaron como diferencia de proporciones para variables cualitativas y diferencia de medias para cuantitativas, con los correspondientes intervalos de confianza 95% (IC 95%). Resultados: Después de la intervención, la proporción de pacientes con MPI disminuyó un 13,7% (IC 95%: 9,3; 18,2) más en GI que GC. El número medio de MPI/paciente y coste medio de MPI/paciente disminuyeron en 0,43 (IC 95%: 0,32; 0,54) y 72,11€ (IC 95%: 26,15; 118,06) más en GI que GC, respectivamente. Sin embargo, no se observaron diferencias estadísticamente significativas en morbilidad, mortalidad ni en costes de episodios asistenciales.(AU)

Objectives: To assess the effectiveness of a pharmacist-led systematic review of medications on: potentially inappropriate medications (PIM), health outcomes and costs. Design: Prospective, open, controlled and cluster-randomized clinical trial. Setting: Six primary care clinics from Balearic Islands. Participants: Forty-two clusters (21 per group), and 549 patients aged ≥65 years and ≥5 chronic medications were included; of which 277 were allocated to Intervention Group (IG) and 272 to Control Group (CG). Patients were excluded if they were: institutionalized, temporarily displaced, routinely monitored under private healthcare, or home care. Intervention: PIM detection by the pharmacist using a combination of explicit and implicit methods; and communication of the most appropriate therapeutic strategies to the physician. Measurements: Proportion of patients with PIM and mean number of PIM/patient (main outcomes); and morbidity, mortality, and costs (secondary outcomes) were assessed. Statistical plan: Following an intention-to-treat approach, quantitative and qualitative outcomes variables were compared by T-Student and Chi-square tests, respectively. Results were providing as difference in proportions for qualitative outcomes and difference in means for quantitative outcomes with respective 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). Results: After intervention, proportion of patients with PIM decreased by 13.7% (95% CI: 9.3; 18.2) more in IG than CG. Mean number of PIM/patient and mean cost of PIM/patient decreased by 0.43 (95% CI: 0.32; 0.54) and 72.11€ (95% CI: 26.15; 118.06) more in IG than CG, respectively. However, no statistically significant differences were observed in morbidity, mortality or costs of healthcare resources.(AU)

Intervención del farmacéutico en la prescripción potencialmente inapropiada en pacientes polimedicados: Protocolo ensayo clínico PHARM-PC / Pharmacist-led intervention on potentially inappropriate prescription in patients with polypharmacy: PHARM-PC clinical trial protocol

Objetivo: La polimedicación y la medicación potencialmente inapropiada (que presenta balance beneficio-riesgo desfavorable) son importantes preocupaciones respecto a los pacientes mayores en atención primaria,ya que pueden incrementar el riesgo de morbimortalidad y los costes sanitarios. Diversos estudios han evaluado el impacto de la revisión sistemáticade la medicación conducida por el farmacéutico sobre variables de adecuación, recursos sanitarios y/o costes. Sin embargo, no se han encontradoensayos controlados aleatorizados por clúster que evalúen globalmentetodas estas variables. El objetivo de este estudio es determinar el impactode una revisión sistemática de medicación conducida por el farmacéuticopara reducir el número medio y la proporción de pacientes con medicaciónpotencialmente inapropiada (objetivo principal), así como para reducir lamorbimortalidad y los costes (objetivos secundarios).Método: Se realizará un ensayo clínico abierto, controlado y aleatorizado por clústeres, donde los médicos de atención primaria, en representación de sus respectivos cupos de pacientes, serán aleatorizadosa recibir recomendaciones del farmacéutico para retirar medicacionespotencialmente inapropiadas detectadas mediante combinación de métodos implícitos y explícitos (grupo intervención) o no recibirlas (grupo control). Las variables primarias serán la proporción de pacientes y el númeromedio de medicaciones potencialmente inapropiadas por paciente. Lasvariables secundarias serán los recursos asistenciales frecuentados, proporción de pacientes fallecidos y días de supervivencia; y costes de medicamentos y de recursos asistenciales. (AU)

Objective: Polypharmacy and potentially inappropriate medications(that is, those associated with an unfavorable risk-benefit ratio) are common concerns in the context of elderly patients treated in primary care asthey may increase the risk of morbidity and mortality, as well as healthcare costs. Several studies have assessed the impact of pharmacist-ledsystematic reviews with respect to prescription appropriateness, healthoutcomes and/or costs. However, no cluster-randomized controlled trialhas been identified that provides an overall assessment of these variables.The objective is to determine the effectiveness of a pharmacist-led systematic medication review in reducing the mean number and proportion ofpatients on potentially inappropriate medications (primary goal); as wellas in decreasing morbidity and mortality and the cost of medications andthe use of healthcare resources (secondary goals).Method: An open-label, cluster-randomized controlled trial will beconducted; where primary care physicians will be randomized either toreceive (intervention group) or not to receive pharmacist recommendationsto withdraw potentially inappropriate medications detected through thecombined use of explicit and implicit criteria (control group). Primary endpoints will be the proportion of patients on potentially inappropriate medications and the mean number of such medications per patient. Secondaryendpoints will be healthcare resources used, the proportion of patientswho die and the mean number of days survived, as well as the cost ofmedications and cost of healthcare resources used. (AU)

Herramientas y criterios para la de prescripción de medicación inapropiada en adultos mayores: una revisión de la literatura con implicaciones para la atención al paciente y la práctica clínica / Assessment tools and criteria for deprescribing inappropriate medication in older adults: A literature review with implications for patient care and clinical practice

Objetivo: Identificar las herramientas y los criterios para deprescribir medicación potencialmente inapropiada en adultos mayores. Métodos: Se realizó una búsqueda de literatura en MEDLINE (vía PubMed), EMBASE, LILACS, SCIELO, para recopilar las herramientas y criterios de evaluación para deprescribir medicamentos inapropiados en adultos mayores. Se incluyeron herramientas, algoritmos y enfoques, hasta marzo de 2020. Los términos se ajustaron para cada una de las bases de datos. Resultados: La estrategia de búsqueda produjo 3326 publicaciones potencialmente relevantes. Se evaluaron un total de 258 artículos y se incluyeron 69 en el análisis descriptivo. Estos se organizaron en dos categorías: criterios específicos (n =55) y algoritmos o enfoques para evaluar la medicación inapropiada (n =14). La mayoría de las herramientas y criterios fueron desarrollados basados en la evidencia. Conclusiones: Esta revisión proporciona una compilación de herramientas disponibles para identificar medicación potencialmente inapropiada en adultos mayores. Las herramientas y los criterios de evaluación sirven de apoyo a los profesionales de la salud para la toma decisiones en torno a los medicamentos usados en esta población. Además, estos resultados ilustran la complejidad de la farmacoterapia actual en los adultos mayores debido al número y tipo de medicamentos incluidos en las herramientas, como una alerta frente a su posible uso inapropiado. Los AINE y las benzodiazepinas son los fármacos más comunes en los criterios explícitos.(AU)

Objective: To identify tools and criteria for evaluating potentially inappropriate medication in older adults with implications in patient care and clinical practice. Methods: A literature search was conducted in MEDLINE (via PubMed), EMBASE, LILACS, SCIELO, to gather relevant data regarding assessment tools and criteria for deprescribing inappropriate medication in older adults. Assessment tools, algorithms, and approaches to identify potentially inappropriate medication were included from inception to March 2020. The terms were adjusted for each of the databases. Results: The search strategy produced 3326 potentially relevant publications. A total of 258 were evaluated. A total of 69 articles were included in the descriptive analysis. These were organized into two categories: specific criteria (n =55) and algorithm or frameworks for assessing medication (n =14). Most tools and criteria were developed using an evidence-based approach. Conclusions: This review provides a compile of available tools to identify potentially inappropriate medication in older people. Tools support health care professionals to make decisions around older adults and frail elderly medication. These results show the complexity of current pharmacotherapy in older people due to the number and type of drugs classes included in all of tools which is an alert of inappropriate use. NSAIDs and benzodiazepines are the most common drugs in the explicit criteria.(AU)

Integrated health intervention on polypharmacy and inappropriate prescribing in elderly people with multimorbidity: Results at the end of the intervention and at 6 months after the intervention

Background and objective: To analyse the impact of an integrated health intervention focused on polypharmacy and inappropriate prescribing (IP) in elderly people with multimorbidity.Material and methodsPatients were referred for assessment and intervention from primary care or hospital to an interdisciplinary team composed of primary and hospital medical staff and nurses. Pharmacological assessment was centred on polypharmacy and IP using the STOPP/START criteria. Changes in polypharmacy and in IP were analysed at the end of the intervention and at 6 months.ResultsOne hundred consecutive patients (mean (SD) age 81.5(8.0) years, 54(54%) male) were analysed. Mean prescribed medicines at baseline was > 10. There were no significant changes at the end of the intervention and at 6 months. The proportion of patients with two or more STOPP criteria reduced from 37% at the beginning of the intervention to 18% at the end (p< .001), and the proportion of those with START criteria from 13% to 6% (p = .004). These differences persisted at 6 months. The number of STOPP and START criteria before the intervention was associated with a decrease in the STOPP and START criteria at the end of the intervention and at 6 months. A reduction in polypharmacy (p= .041) and in falls (p= .034) was observed at 6 months in those with a decrease in the STOPP criteria at the end of the intervention.ConclusionsAn integrated health intervention centred on polypharmacy and IP in elderly people improves inappropriate prescribing that persists beyond the intervention. (AU)

Fundamento y objetivo: Analizar el impacto de una intervención sanitaria integrada centrada en la polifarmacia y la prescripción inapropiada (PI) en pacientes de edad avanzada con multimorbilidad.Material y métodosLos pacientes fueron remitidos desde la atención primaria o el hospital a un equipo interdisciplinar compuesto por médicos y enfermeras de atención primaria y del hospital para la valoración e intervención. La valoración farmacológica se centró en la polifarmacia y en la PI utilizando los criterios STOPP/START. Se analizaron cambios en la polifarmacia y en la PI al final de la intervención y a los 6 meses.ResultadosSe analizaron 100 pacientes consecutivos con una edad media de 81,5 (8,0) años de los cuales el 54% fueron varones. La media de medicamentos basales fue >10. No hubo diferencias significativas al finalizar la intervención ni a los 6 meses. La proporción de pacientes con 2 o más criterios STOPP se redujo del 37% al comienzo de la intervención al 18% al final (p<0,001), y la proporción de aquellos con criterios START del 13 al 6% (p=0,004). Estos resultados se mantuvieron a los 6 meses. El número de criterios STOPP y START antes de la intervención se asoció a un descenso de los criterios STOPP y START, al final de la intervención y a los 6 meses. En aquellos con una disminución de los criterios STOPP al finalizar la intervención, se observó a los 6 meses una disminución en la polifarmacia (p=0,041) y en las caídas (p=0,034).ConclusionesUna intervención sanitaria integrada centrada en la polifarmacia y en la PI en pacientes de edad avanzada mejora la prescripción inapropiada, y dichas mejoras persisten después de la intervención. (AU)

Potentially inappropriate medications and potential prescribing omissions. Identification and relevance

INTRODUCTION: Europe presents 19% of the population aged 65 or over (elderly), who are especially susceptible to inadequate prescriptions (potentially inappropriate medications (PIM) and potential prescribing omissions (PPO)), identified by the STOPP and START criteria. This study has as main objectives the identification of PIM and PPO and associated factors. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This is a cross sectional study, using a sample of 254 elderly individuals from the Internal Medicine Service. RESULTS: 81.9% of patients are polymedicated, 72.4% have at least one PIM and 57.5% have at least one PPO. The most frequently identified PIM was benzodiazepine and PPO was the anti-pneumococcal vaccine. There was a direct correlation between the number of PIM and chronic medication (r(254)=0.348, p < 0.001) and inverse with the Katz scale (dependence) (r(254)=-0.324, p < 0.001). In the cases of the domicile it was verified association between PIM and the days of internment (U=3653, p = 0.025). PIM were associated with death in less than 6 months after discharge (U=3396, p = 0.007) and the presence of intercurrences at admission (U=5766, p = 0.005). There is a relationship between the number of co-morbidities and having at least one PIM (U=5378, p = 0.041) or at least one PPO (U=6271, p = 0.005). Diabetes mellitus (DM) type 2, neurological and psychiatric disease are associated with PIM, while obesity, DM type 2, arterial hypertension, dyslipidemia and cardiac pathology with PPO. Discussion and CONCLUSION: In a population that is older each year, with more comorbidities and more polymedicated, PIM and PPO are increasingly relevant

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Medicación potencialmente inapropiada en adultos mayores de un hospital del caribe colombiano / Potentially inappropriate medication in older adults of a Colombian Caribbean region hospital

OBJETIVO: Identificar la medicación potencialmente inapropiada en adultos mayores en un hospital del caribe colombiano. MÉTODOS: Estudio observacional descriptivo de corte transversal prospectivo, que incluyó a 181 adultos mayores (≥60 años de edad), internados en un hospital universitario del caribe colombiano. La medicación fue evaluada a través de la aplicación de los criterios STOPP contenidos en la herramienta STOPP/START. RESULTADOS: El promedio de edad fue de 75,14 años con DE +/- 9,09 años. La mayoría de los pacientes fueron de sexo masculino (50,30%). El 30,94 % de los pacientes estudiados presentó al menos un criterio de medicación potencialmente inapropiada. El criterio más prevalente fue el uso de benzodiazepinas dentro de los fármacos que aumentan en forma predecible el riesgo de caídas en personas mayores con un 22,00 %. La polimedicación y presencia de enfermedades crónicas fueron variables relacionadas con la presencia de medicación potencialmente inapropiada, con un OR= 5,14 (IC95% 1,15 - 22,82) y OR= 4,41 (IC95% 1,27 - 15,30), respectivamente. CONCLUSIÓN: La MPI es un problema frecuente en los adultos mayores, especialmente en aquellos que presentan enfermedades crónicas y polimedicación

OBJECTIVE: To identify potentially inappropriate medication (PIM) in older adults of a Colombian Caribbean region hospital. METHODS: An observational and descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted, which included 181 older adults (≥60 years old) during their inpatient period in a Colombian Caribbean region teaching hospital. PIM was obtained from STOPP criteria of the STOPP/START tool. RESULTS: The average age was 75,14 years old with a SD +/- 9,09 years. The majority of inpatient were men. A total of 30,94% of inpatients presented at least one PIM criteria. The most frequent criterion was the use of benzodiazepine within drugs that predict the higher risk for falls in older adults in a 21,52%. The polypharmacy and presence of chronic diseases were related to the presence of PIM with an OR = 5,14 (95% CI 1,15 - 22,82) and OR = 4,41 (95% CI 1,27 - 15,30) respectively. CONCLUSION: PIM represent a problem in older adults, especially in those who have chronic diseases or are exposed to polypharmacy

Población muy anciana institucionalizada de Barcelona: valoración de la fragilidad según el índice frágil-VIG y análisis de la adecuación terapéutica según los criterios STOPP-frail / Very elderly institutionalised population of Barcelona: Evaluation of frailty according to the Frail-VIG index and analysis of therapeutic appropriateness according to the STOPP-frail criteria

Introducción: Frecuentemente en pacientes muy ancianos institucionalizados coexiste fragilidad y polifarmacia, por ello es importante valorar el grado de fragilidad y la adecuación terapéutica en este grupo poblacional. El objetivo de este estudio es valorar el grado de fragilidad de una población muy mayor institucionalizada y analizar la prescripción. Material y métodos: Estudio observacional y transversal de una población de 85 años o más, institucionalizada en una residencia geriátrica de Barcelona. Se valoró la fragilidad utilizando el Índice Frágil-VIG y la adecuación de la prescripción de cada grupo según los criterios STOPP-Frail. Resultados: Se incluyeron 79 pacientes con una media de 90,9+/-4,2 años. La mayoría (96,2%) tenían algún grado de fragilidad. Con fragilidad leve había un 21,5%, moderada un 37,7% y severa un 38%. Para estos 3 grupos, la mediana de fármacos fue de 7. En la mayoría de las prescripciones de los grupos no hallamos diferencias estadísticamente significativas. Solo existían diferencias para los que tenían dificultad en tomar la medicación, los que tomaban medicación para la hipertrofia prostática y suplementos nutricionales. Se encontró en los 3 grupos que hasta un tercio de la prescripción era inadecuada y que incluso algunas prescripciones estaban contraindicadas en los pacientes más frágiles. Conclusión: Nuestra población anciana tiene un elevado índice de fragilidad con alta prevalencia de polimedicación y prescripción inadecuada. La escasa individualización de la prescripción con relación al grado de fragilidad, sobre todo en aquellos con corto pronóstico de vida, nos indica una situación que debe mejorarse

Introduction: As frailty and multiple drug therapy often coexists in institutionalised elderly patients, it is important to assess the level of frailty and therapeutic appropriateness in this population group. The aim of the study is to: assess the frailty level of institutionalised elderly patients and to analyse their prescriptions. Material and methods: An observational and cross-sectional study of a geriatric population of 85 years or older, institutionalised in a nursing home in Barcelona. Frailty was assessed using the Frail-VIG index, and the adequacy of the prescription of each group was done according to the STOPP-Frail Criteria. Results: The study included 79 patients, with a mean age of 90.9+/-4.2 years. Most of them (96.2%) had some degree of frailty. Slight frailty was observed in 21.5%, moderate in 37.7%, and advanced in 38%. The patients were prescribed a median of 7 drugs. No statistically significant differences were found in the majority of the prescriptions of the frailty groups. Differences were only found for those who had difficulty taking the medication, those who took medication for prostatic hypertrophy, and nutritional supplements. In all 3 groups, it was found that up to one third of the prescription was inappropriate, and some were even contraindicated in the most frail patients. Conclusion: The elderly study population has a high frailty index with a high prevalence of multiple drug therapy with inappropriate prescription. The poor individualisation of these prescriptions in relation to the level of frailty, especially in those with short life prognosis, is a situation that should be improved

Potentially inappropriate medications prescribing according to Beers criteria among elderly outpatients in Jordan: a cross sectional study

Background: Due to aging, along with its associated physiological changes, older adults are extremely vulnerable to be afflicted with multiple chronic conditions (multimorbidity). Accordingly, prescribing a large number of drugs to older adults would be inevitable. Resulted complex drug regimens can lead to prescribing of Potentially Inappropriate Medications (PIMs) with subsequent negative health and economic outcomes. Objectives: The main objective of this study is to investigate the prevalence and predictors of PIMs prescribing among Jordanian elderly outpatients, using the last updated version of the American Geriatrics Society (AGS) Beers Criteria (2015 version). Methods: A Unicenter, cross-sectional study were data was assessed using medical records of included study subjects conducted over three months period from beginning of October to the end of December 2016 at King Abdullah University Hospital, Al Ramtha, Jordan. Our study included patients aged 65 years or above who visited the outpatient clinics at King Abdullah University hospital (KAUH) and were prescribed at least one oral medication during the study period. PIMs were identified for these patients and further classified according to the 2015 AGS Beers Criteria. We measured the prevalence of PIMs prescribed among elderly outpatients in Jordan. Results: A total of 4622 eligible older adults were evaluated in this study, of whom 62.5% (n=2891) were found to have at least one PIM prescribed during the three months study period. 69% of identified PIMs were medications to be used with caution in elderly, 22% were medications to avoid in many or most older adults, 6.3% were medications to be avoided or have their dosage adjusted based on kidney function in older adults, 2.04% medications were to avoid in older adults with specific diseases/syndromes, and 1.6% were potentially clinically important non-anti-infective drug-drug interactions to be avoided in older adults. Female gender and polypharmacy were found to be significant predictors of PIMs use among elderly. Conclusions: Potentially Inappropriate Medication prescribing is common among Jordanian elderly outpatients. Female gender and polypharmacy are associated with more PIMs prescribing and so need further attention

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Utilidad de los criterios STOPP-Pal: prácticas de valor encadenadas / Usefulness of STOPP-Pal criteria: linked value practices

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Los medicamentos apropiados: también al final de la vida / Appropriate medications: also at the end of life

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Uso potencialmente inapropiado de fármacos en cuidados paliativos: versión en castellano de los criterios STOPP-Frail (STOPP-Pal) / Inappropriate drug use in palliative care: SPANISH version of the STOPP-Frail criteria (STOPP-Pal)

La polimedicación y la utilización inapropiada de medicamentos en los pacientes mayores con enfermedad en fase terminal constituyen un grave problema sanitario, tanto por el incremento de efectos adversos prevenibles como por los costes sanitarios asociados a los mismos. Existen diferentes publicaciones que recomiendan la suspensión de determinados medicamentos cuando la esperanza de vida es limitada y el objetivo terapéutico no es la prevención ni la curación, sino el control de los síntomas. Recientemente se han publicado una lista de criterios explícitos (STOPP-Frail) que pueden ayudar al médico prescriptor a la toma de decisiones en la deprescripción de determinados fármacos en pacientes de edad avanzada y con enfermedad en fase terminal. En este artículo se presenta la versión traducida al castellano de los STOPP-Frail que pasará a llamarse STOPP-Pal para evitar confusiones con el concepto de fragilidad más utilizado

Multiple medication and inappropriate drug prescription are prevalent and challenging problems in older patients in end-of-life situations, and increases both preventable adverse events and health care costs. Recent literature recommends de-prescribing some drugs in patients with short life expectancy, when the aim of drug treatments is not prevention or cure, but symptom control. Recently, a list of explicit criteria (STOPP-Frail) intended to guide prescribing physicians in decision making on the use of drugs in older patients with terminal conditions. This article presents a Spanish version of such criteria, which have been named STOPP-Pal to avoid confusion with the current concept of frailty

Evaluación de la actualización de los criterios STOPP-START en atención primaria / Updated report on STOPP-START criteria in Primary Care

Introducción: El objetivo de este trabajo es averiguar la prevalencia de prescripción potencialmente inapropiada (PPI) en población mayor de 64 años en Avilés, Asturias. Material y métodos: Estudio descriptivo transversal multicéntrico en seis centros de salud. Se seleccionó una muestra de 400 personas obtenida por muestreo aleatorio proporcional a la población adscrita a cada centro de salud. Se revisaron las historias clínicas informatizadas y se aplicaron los criterios STOPP-START (versión 2014 con 114 ítems) para evaluar la PPI. Resultados: Se estudiaron 378 (95,5%) pacientes, con una media de edad de 75,4 años (DE: 7,4) y una proporción de 57,7% mujeres. El 94,2% (IC95%:91,7-96,7) presentaban alguna PPI. Atendiendo solo a los criterios STOPP un 52,4% (IC95%:47,2-57,6) de pacientes presentaba al menos un incumplimiento y en los START un 90,5% (IC95%:87,4-93,6) que se reducía a 40,5% (IC95%: 36,4-45,6) si se eliminaban los criterios referidos a vacunaciones. Entre los criterios STOPP, la PPI más frecuente fue la toma de benzodiacepinas seguido del uso de medicamentos sin indicación basada en la evidencia; entre los START fueron la vacunación antineumocócica y la ausencia de la toma de suplementos de vitamina D y calcio en osteoporosis. Conclusiones: Nivel elevado de PPI, muy superior al resultante en la versión previa especialmente para los criterios START. Existe un elevado nivel de PPI en relación con el uso de benzodicepinas y el empleo de medicamentos sin evidencia clínica. Los criterios STOPP-START son útiles en atención primaria para evaluar la PPI

Introduction: The aim of this study is to determine the rate of potentially inappropriate prescriptions (PIP) in people older than 64 years of age in Avilés, Asturias, Spain. Materials and methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in six Health Care Centres. A sample of 400 people was selected, obtained by a random sampling proportional to the population registered in each Health Centre. A review was made of the computerised clinical records, and the STOPP-START (version 2014 with 114 items) criteria were applied to evaluate the PIP. Results: The study contained 378 (95.5%) patients with a mean age of 75.4 (SD: 7.4) and of which 57.7% were women. Almost all (94.2%: 95% CI; 91.7-96.7) met some PIP criteria. Taking only the STOPP criteria into consideration, 52.4% (95%CI: 47.2-57.6) met at least one breach, and in the START criteria a 90.5% (95%CI; 87.4-93.6), which was reduced to 40.5% (95%CI; 36.4-45.6) if criteria on vaccination were removed. In the STOPP criteria, the most frequent PIP was taking benzodiazepines followed by the use of medication without indications based on the evidence; in the START, the criteria was the anti-pneumococcus vaccination, and the lack of taking vitamin D supplements and calcium in osteoporosis. Conclusions: There were high levels of PIP, very superior to the previous version, especially for the START criteria. There is a high level of PIP related to the use of benzodiazepines and the use of medication without any clinic evidence. The STOPP-START criteria are useful in Primary Care to assess the PIP

Prescripción potencialmente inapropiada en pacientes en diálisis utilizando los criterios STOPP-START / Potentially inapropriate prescribing in patients on dialysis using STOPP-START criteria

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Solo «potencialmente» inadecuados / Only «potentially» inappropriate

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Potentially inappropriate medication use among older patients attending a geriatric centre in south-west Nigeria

Objectives: To determine the prevalence and describe factors associated with the use of potentially inappropriate medication (PIM) among older patients. Methods: Cross sectional study of 400 older patients selected systematically at the geriatric centre, University College Hospital, Ibadan between July and September 2016. With the aid of semi-structured questionnaires, information on the socio-demographic characteristics, lifestyle habits, healthcare utilisation and morbidities was obtained. The Beer's criteria 2015 update was used to identify the PIMs. Predictors of PIMs were determined using multivariate analyses at alpha 0.05. Results: Age was 70.2 (SD=5.9) years and 240 (60%) were females. General prescription pattern showed antihypertensives (34.7%) as the commonest medications used. The point prevalence of PIMs use was 31%. In all, 10 PIMs were used by the respondents. The majority (81.5%) were using one PIM, while (17.7%) used two PIMs and (0.8%) 3 PIMs. NSAIDs (72.6%) were the commonest PIMs identified, followed by the benzodiazepines (24.2%). Respondents had an average of 1.9 morbidities, and mulitmorbidity found in 60.5%. Logistic regression analysis showed self-rated health assessed as better compared with age-mates [OR =1.718 (1.080-2.725)] and being physically active [OR =1.879 (1.026-3.436)] as the most significantly associated with PIMs use. Conclusions: The use of PIMs among older patients in our setting was high with NSAIDs being the most frequently used medications. An interdisciplinary approach, of medication review by pharmacists', working with physicians may improve prescribing practices among older persons. Therefore, it is necessary to create public health awareness on the use of PIMs among older persons

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