Deprescribing in older patients with advanced cancer referred to palliative care.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to explore the prevalence of potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) in a cohort of older adults with advanced cancer referred to palliative care. Secondary objectives were to describe the categories of identified PIMs and assess risk factors associated with their presence in this population. METHODS: This retrospective, observational study evaluated patients with advanced cancer admitted to a tertiary university hospital in Madrid, Spain and referred to palliative care between 1 January 2020 and 30 June 2020. Demographic, clinical, and pharmacotherapeutic data were obtained from the electronic medical records and regional databases. PIMs were assessed using the Screening Tool of Older Persons Prescriptions in Frail adults (STOPPFrail) criteria, V1. RESULTS: Among 123 patients (median age 80 years (IQR 73.5-87), 64.2% male), 74% presented at least one PIM according to the STOPPFrail criteria. The most common categories of inappropriate medications were lipid-lowering therapies, proton pump inhibitors, calcium supplements, and oral antidiabetics. The number of chronic comedications was significantly associated with PIM presence. CONCLUSIONS: Our study found a high prevalence of PIM among a cohort of older adults with advanced cancer and short life expectancy. This underlines the need for a comprehensive medication review to optimise pharmacotherapy in this population.

Potentially inappropriate prescriptions and potential prescription omissions in older people living with HIV.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of potentially inappropriate prescriptions (PIPs) and potential prescription omissions (PPOs) in a Spanish cohort of people living with HIV (PLWH) aged ≥65 years and to identify risk factors for the presence of PIPs and PPOs. METHODS: This retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted across 10 public hospitals in the Autonomous Community of Madrid, Spain. Clinical and demographic data were cross-checked against hospital and community pharmacy dispensation registries. PIPs and PPOs were assessed using the American Geriatrics Society (AGS)/Beers and Screening Tool of Older Persons' Prescriptions (STOPP)/Screening Tool to Alert Doctors to Right Treatment (START) criteria. Risk factors for PIPs and PPOs and agreement between AGS/Beers and STOPP/START criteria were statistically analysed. RESULTS: This study included 313 PLWH (median age 72 years), of whom 80.5% were men. PIP prevalence rates were 29.4% and 44.4% based on the AGS/Beers and STOPP criteria, respectively. The concordance between AGS/Beers and STOPP criteria was moderate. Benzodiazepines and proton pump inhibitors were the chronic comedications most commonly involved in PIPs. PPOs were observed in 61.4% of the patients. The leading omissions were insufficient influenza and pneumococcal vaccine coverage and inadequate bone health-related treatments. The number of chronic comedications, female sex, neuropsychiatric disorders, and cancer diagnosis were risk factors for PIPs, whereas osteopenia and osteoporosis were risk factors for PPOs. CONCLUSIONS: A high prevalence of PIPs and PPOs was observed in our cohort of older PLWH. These findings emphasize the importance of comprehensive medication reviews in this population to reduce inappropriate medication use and address their specific and underserved therapeutic needs.

Potentially Inappropriate Prescribing in Older People Living With HIV: A Scoping Review.

BACKGROUND: Antiretroviral therapy has transformed HIV from a progressive and often fatal infection to a chronic disease. Currently, people living with HIV (PLHIV) have near-normal life expectancy; however, they face accelerated ageing and a rise in non-AIDS-defining HIV-associated conditions. Comorbidities increase the number of prescribed drugs and, therefore, the risk of polypharmacy and prescribing potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs). Still, there are no specific tools to identify PIMs in older PLHIV, which opens a pathway to investigate the particularities in the prescription of medication in this population. METHODS: We conducted a scoping review in 5 electronic databases for studies reporting the use of tools to identify PIMs in older PLHIV. No language or date restrictions were applied. To complete the search, abstracts published in the most relevant HIV Conferences and Events in their editions from 2010 to 2022 were screened. RESULTS: Of 50,193 records returned (13,701 of the databases and 36,492 of the Congresses), 39 studies met the inclusion criteria. Most studies were single-centre and conducted in Europe. Twenty-eight studies were cross-sectional, and most researchers used explicit criteria, mainly Beers and STOPP-START criteria, to identify PIMs. CONCLUSIONS: Potentially inappropriate prescribing is frequent among older PLHIV. Explicit conventional tools to identify PIMs in older populations may need to be adapted to tackle the needs of PLHIV. Implicit tools may be more valid, although their use is more time-consuming, and standardization is complex.

[Spanish version of the STOPP/START 3 criteria: Advances in the detection of inappropriate prescribing medication in the older people]. / Versión en español de los criterios STOPP/START 3. Avances en la detección de la prescripción inapropiada de medicamentos en personas mayores.

The STOPP/START criteria are explicit physiologic systems-based criteria that summarize evidence on clinically relevant prescribing problems related to the use of potentially inappropriate medications (STOPP criteria) and potential prescribing omissions (START criteria). The two previous versions of the STOPP/START criteria were published in 2008 and 2015, and their Spanish versions in 2009 and 2015. Version3 of these criteria has just been published in 2023. The aim of this article is to present the Spanish translated version, and to review the use and impact that version2 of 2015 has had in our language. A translation from English to Spanish was performed by expert professionals with a high level of English of version3 of the STOPP/START criteria, which incorporates the evidence published from April 2014 to March 2022. In addition, a systematic review of publications that have used the Spanish translation of the previous version (version2 of 2015) of the STOPP/START criteria was performed. The new version, presented in this article, has 190 STOPP/START criteria (133 STOPP criteria and 57 START criteria), which is a 40% increase in the number of criteria compared to the previous version. The review found 37 studies (21 observational, 11 interventional and 5 other) that used the Spanish version instead of the international version. The Spanish version 3 of the STOPP/START criteria is an updated explicit list of potentially inappropriate medications and possible omissions in prescribing that aims to optimize medication and minimize adverse drug reactions during medication review in the elderly, particularly those with multimorbidity and polypharmacy. With this new version, the original criteria are intended to be more widely disseminated within the Spanish-speaking healthcare community. The Spanish version2 of the STOPP/START has been widely used, so we consider that the translation into Spanish has helped to improve pharmacotherapy in older patients with polypharmacy and multimorbidity in our linguistic environment.

[Translated article] Deglufarm: Mobile application with recommendations for the safe administration of drugs in patients with dysphagia or swallowing disorders.

OBJECTIVE: Develop an App to use in healthcare practice, with updated and accurate information on the handling of medications in patients with dysphagia or deglution disorders, as well as their compatibility with food and thickeners. METHODS: The development of the Deglufarm® App was based on the CRONOS, Nutrition and Techno working groups of the Sociedad Española de Farmacia Hospitalaria. A group of specialist pharmacists was created from different care areas for patients with dysphagia. The creation of Deglufarm® consisted of several stages: selection of active drugs, literature review, content development, design (an expert company in App design was contacted), testing, launch, content update and follow-up. RESULTS: Deglufarm® is available for Android and IOS free of charge from July 2022. It has been tested among the members of the research group and collaborators, Currently, 540 monographs of active drugs have been reviewed and registered in Deglufarm. The first version is aimed at healthcare professionals. CONCLUSIONS: Deglufarm® is an easy tool to consult, with the most current evidence on handling the medicines it contains.

Deglufarm: Mobile application with recommendations for safety drug administration in patients with dysphagia or deglution disorders. / Deglufarm: aplicación móvil con recomendaciones para la administración segura de medicamentos en pacientes con disfagia o problemas de deglución.

OBJECTIVE: Develop an App to use in healthcare practice, with updated and accurate information on the handling of medications in patients with dysphagia or deglution disorders, as well as their compatibility with food and thickeners. METHODS: The development of the Deglufarm® App was based on the CRONOS, Nutrition and Techno working groups of the Sociedad Española de Farmacia Hospitalaria. A group of specialist pharmacists was created from different care areas for patients with dysphagia. The creation of Deglufarm® consisted of several stages: Selection of active drugs, literature review, content development, design (an expert company in App design was contacted), testing, launch, content update and follow-up. RESULTS: Deglufarm® is available for Android and IOS free of charge from July 2022. It has been tested among the members of the research group and collaborators, currently, 540 monographs of active drugs have been reviewed and registered in Deglufarm. The first version is aimed at healthcare professionals. CONCLUSIONS: Deglufarm® is an easy tool to consult, with the most current evidence on handling the medicines it contains.

Analysis of adverse drug events as a way to improve cancer patient care.

PURPOSE: To define the signals that a new artificial intelligence (AI) system must emit to improve adverse drug events (ADEs) management in oral antineoplastic agents (OAA). METHODS: A multidisciplinary group of experts in patient safety was set up to define what signals the new AI system must emit to improve ADEs management in OAAs. The baseline data for the new AI system were generated through an observational and ambispective study carried out in a university hospital. All patients who met the inclusion criteria were selected consecutively every working day for 6 months. The ADEs were collected by interview and by the review of health records. The ADEs were categorised according to how they could be detected: patient, analysis, examination. RESULTS: The group defined what signals the AI system must emit to improve ADEs management in OAAs: a signal to educate the patient when the possible ADEs were categorised as patient, a signal as a reminder to request a blood test or a microbiological culture when the possible ADEs were categorised as analysis, and a signal as a reminder for the necessity of a clinical examination when the possible ADEs were categorised as examination. A total of 1652 ADEs were reported in the interviews (ADE-interview) with the pharmacist, and doctors noted 1989 ADEs in the health record (ADE-HR). The most frequent ADEs were identified in the patient category. CONCLUSION: This study opens a new way for better management of ADEs and is the first step in the development of a future technology, which will improve the quality of life of patients.

Intervention study for the reduction of medication errors in elderly trauma patients.

OBJECTIVE: To analyse the impact of a set of measures designed by a working group to reduce medication errors (MEs) during the care transition of elderly trauma patients. The secondary objectives were to classify MEs and determine their location. METHODS: A 43-month pre-post prospective intervention study in a university hospital. A working group was set up in the Trauma Service. A pharmacist analysed the pharmacotherapeutic processes of all patients admitted to the Trauma Service in different healthcare locations from Monday to Friday. To detect MEs, the pharmacist reviewed this process at the following points: reconciliation, prescription, validation, dispensing, and administration records. Errors were classified according to the Ruiz Jarabo classification. Subsequently, the working group designed a set of measures that were implemented with the incorporation into the Acute Care Team and the intervention of a pharmacist. Data on MEs were again collected in a post-implementation phase. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant reduction in MEs between phases. A total of 132 (31.3%) patients experienced MEs during the pre-implementation phase and 75 (16.2%) during the post-implementation phase. Among the measures implemented, the incorporation of the pharmacist to the team, as well as training sessions and design of medication protocols. During the pre-implementation and post-implementation phases, the ME rates were respectively as follows: reconciliation 31.6% (172) vs 14.8% (91); prescription 7.7% (79) vs 1.9% (23); dispensing 1% (10) vs 0.3% (3); administration record 0.4% (4) vs 0.0% (0); and validation 0.3% (3) vs 0.1% (1). There were significant reductions in reconciliation, prescription, and dispensing errors. The majority of the MEs occurred in the Trauma Service. CONCLUSIONS: The implementation of specific measures by a Multidisciplinary Safety Group reduced MEs in the care transition of elderly trauma patients, particularly those MEs that occurred during reconciliation. The greatest reduction in MEs occurred in the Trauma Service.

Seriousness of medication reconciliation errors in patients of advanced age in the emergency department. / Gravedad de los errores de conciliación producidos en el servicio de urgencias en pacientes ancianos.

OBJECTIVES: To analyze the seriousness of medication reconciliation errors (MREs) in the treatment of older patients admitted to an emergency department's acute geriatric unit. To identify and describe discrepancies, including the drug groups involved, and to explore risk factors. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Prospective, observational 6-month study. A pharmacist recorded medications in each patient's history and compared the patient's usual treatment to the regimen prescribed in the emergency department; discrepancies were flagged for evaluation as possible MREs. A geriatric medicine specialist evaluated MRE seriousness. RESULTS: Three hundred twenty-eight discrepancies were detected (93.8% of the total of 351 patients); 151 patients (43.02%) had at least 1 MRE. Three hundred MREs were identified, 248 (82.7%) reached the patient, and 27 (9%) caused reversible injury. No errors led to prolonged injury or death. CONCLUSION: MREs were common but not serious, and the injuries caused were reversible.

OBJETIVO: Analizar la gravedad de los errores de conciliación (EC) producidos en el servicio de urgencias (SU) en pacientes que ingresan en una unidad de agudos de geriatría. Cuantificar y describir las discrepancias y los EC. Analizar los grupos farmacológicos y los factores de riesgo. METODO: Estudio observacional prospectivo. Un farmacéutico realizó la historia farmacoterapéutica y comparó el tratamiento habitual con el prescrito en el SU, identificó discrepancias y posibles EC y un geriatra evaluó su gravedad. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 351 pacientes, de los que 328 (93,8%) presentaron discrepancias, 151 pacientes (43,02%) presentaron al menos 1 EC. Se observaron 300 EC de los que 248 (82,7%) alcanzaron al paciente, y 27 EC (9%) produjeron daño reversible. No hubo ningún error que causase daño prolongado o mortal. CONCLUSIONES: Los EC fueron frecuentes pero de escasa gravedad, y los daños que ocasionaron fueron reversibles.

Intervention effectiveness by pharmacists integrated within an interdisciplinary health team on chronic complex patients.

BACKGROUND: Nowadays, it is difficult to establish a specific method of intervention by the pharmacist and its clinical repercussions. Our aim was to identify interventions by pharmacists integrated within an interdisciplinary team for chronic complex patients (CCPs) and determine which of them produce the best results. METHODS: A systematic review (SR) was performed based on PICO(d) question (2008-18): (Population): CCPs; (Intervention): carried out by health system pharmacists in collaboration with an interdisciplinary team; (Comparator): any; (Outcome): clinical and health resources usage outcomes; (Design): meta-analysis, SR and randomized clinical trials. RESULTS: Nine articles were included: one SR and eight randomized clinical trials. The interventions consisted mainly in putting in order the pharmacotherapy and the review of the medication adequacy, medication reconciliation in transition of care and educational intervention for health professionals. Only one showed significant improvements in mortality (27.9% vs. 38.5%; HR = 1.49; P = 0.026), two in health-related quality of life [according to EQ-5D (European Quality of Life-5 Dimensions) and EQ-VAS (European Quality of Life-Visual Analog Scale) tests] and four in other health-related results (subjective self-assessment scales, falls or episodes of delirium and negative health outcomes associated with medication). Significant differences between groups were found in hospital stay and frequency of visits to the emergency department. No better results were observed in hospitalization rate. Otherwise, one study measured cost utility and found a cost of €45 987 per quality-adjusted life year gained due to the intervention. CONCLUSIONS: It was not possible to determine with certainty which interventions produce the best results in CCPs. The clinical heterogeneity of the studies and the short follow-up of most studies probably contributed to this uncertainty.

Pharmaceutical services in nursing homes in Spain.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the current situation regarding the specialized pharmaceutical service provision in nursing homes in Spain,  from a healthcare perspective reflecting activity, care and services  provided. METHOD: Observational, cross-sectional, multicenter study conducted between February-June 2018 through a survey aimed at all  Hospital Pharmacy Units in Spain. Once the initial version was assessed  by twelve evaluators whose healthcare assistance work were related to  nursing homes, an electronic form was designed, consisting on 10  dimensions and 66 questions. A piloting was carried out by six nursing  homes pharmacists. The results were analyzed descriptively. Results: The overall response rate was 29.7% (113 out of 380). Out of  all studied hospital pharmacy units, 46.0% (n = 52) served nursing  homes (9 as Nursing Homes Pharmacy Department) whose  characteristics defined a profile of pharmacy unit at hospital, public  ownership, consolidation in this activity, with great variability in the  number of centers and patients to be attended by service, and with the  pharmacist's partial dedication. In 51.3% of cases, nursing homes  professionals were represented at pharmacy and therapeutic  committees, while 38.5% were from pharmacy services who  participated in the selection of medical devices. Also, 67.4% performed  an integral management of the therapy. The study has also shown that  34.6% counted on assisted electronic prescription, while 88.5%  performed a pharmaceutical validation of the prescription prior to  dispensing, which in 71.2% of cases consisted of individualized unit  doses. It was found that 42.3% performed a third-level treatment  comprehensive review, and 25.0% participated in the interdisciplinary  nutritional assessment. It also showed that 34.6% actively participated  in either comprehensive geriatric assessment, or clinical cases in  interdisciplinary teams, and 46.2% counted on programs for the safe  use of medicines. CONCLUSIONS: The specialized pharmaceutical care at nursing homes is a reality, although it presents important differences in essential  aspects for the quality of the assistance provided. It is necessary to go  in-depth on the care model to be developed, as well as having a greater  involvement of pharmacy services to achieve a comprehensive and  person-centered care.

Objetivo: Describir la situación actual de la prestación farmacéutica  especializada en centros sociosanitarios en España desde una  perspectiva asistencial reflejando la actividad, la atención y los servicios  prestados.Método: Estudio observacional, transversal, multicéntrico realizado  entre febrero y junio de 2018 mediante encuesta dirigida a todos los  servicios de farmacia hospitalaria de España. Una vez valorada la  versión inicial por 12 evaluadores cuya labor asistencial estaba  relacionada con centros sociosanitarios, se diseñó un formulario  electrónico que constó de 10 dimensiones y 66 preguntas, y se realizó  un pilotaje por seis farmacéuticos de centros sociosanitarios. Los  resultados se analizaron de forma descriptiva.Resultados: La tasa de respuesta global fue del 29,7% (113 de 380). El 46,0% (n = 52) atendían centros sociosanitarios (9 como  servicios de farmacia de centros sociosanitarios) cuyas características  concretaron un perfil de servicio de farmacia de hospital, titularidad  pública, consolidado en esta actividad, con gran variabilidad en número  de centros y pacientes atendidos por servicio, y con dedicación parcial  del farmacéutico. En el 51,3%, las comisiones de farmacia y terapéutica  tenían representación de profesionales de los centros  sociosanitarios, y el 38,5% de los servicios de farmacia participó en  selección de productos sanitarios. El 67,4% realizó una gestión integral  del tratamiento. El 34,6% disponía de prescripción electrónica asistida,  el 88,5% realizó una validación farmacéutica de la prescripción previa a  la dispensación que, en el 71,2% fue en dosis unitaria individualizada. El  42,3% llevó a cabo una revisión integral del tratamiento de nivel 3 y  el 25,0% participó en la valoración nutricional interdisciplinar. El 34,6%  participó activamente en la valoración geriátrica integral o de casos  clínicos en los equipos interdisciplinares y el 46,2% disponía de  programas para el uso seguro de los medicamentos.Conclusiones: La atención farmacéutica especializada en los centros sociosanitarios es una realidad, aunque presenta diferencias importantes en aspectos esenciales para la calidad de la asistencia prestada. Es necesario profundizar en el modelo asistencial a desarrollar y en una mayor implicación de los servicios de farmacia para lograr una atención integrada y centrada en la persona.

Fall-risk increasing drugs and recurrent injurious falls association in older patients after hip fracture: a cohort study protocol.

Polypharmacy and fall-risk increasing drugs (FRIDS) have been associated with injurious falls. However, no information is available about the association between FRIDS and injurious falls after hospital discharge due to hip fracture in a very old population. We aim to assess the association between the use of FRIDS at discharge and injurious falls in patients older than 80 years hospitalized due to a hip fracture. A retrospective cohort study using routinely collected health data will be conducted at the Orthogeriatric Unit of a teaching hospital. Patients will be included at hospital discharge (2014), with a 2-year follow-up. Fall-risk increasing drugs will be recorded at hospital discharge, and exposure to drugs will be estimated from usage records during the 2-year follow-up. Injurious falls are defined as falls that lead to any kind of health care (primary or specialized care, including emergency department visits and hospital admissions). A sample size of 193 participants was calculated, assuming that 40% of patients who receive any FRID at discharge, and 20% who do not, will experience an injurious fall during follow up. This protocol explains the study methods and the planned analysis. We expect to find a relevant association between FRIDS at hospital discharge and the incidence of injurious falls in this very old, high risk population. If confirmed, this would support the need for a careful pharmacotherapeutic review in patients discharged after a hip fracture. However, results should be carefully interpreted due to the risk of bias inherent to the study design.

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

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.

Fall-risk increasing drugs and prevalence of polypharmacy in older patients discharged from an Orthogeriatric Unit after a hip fracture.

BACKGROUND: Polypharmacy and fall-risk increasing drugs (FRIDS) have been associated with injurious falls. We aimed to estimate the prevalence of polypharmacy and FRIDS in older patients discharged from an Orthogeriatric Unit after a hip fracture surgery. METHODS: This study describes the baseline findings of a 2-year retrospective cohort study. We included patients older than 80 years discharged from an Orthogeriatric Unit who were able to walk before surgery. Patient's baseline variables, total number of drugs, and FRIDS at hospital discharge were collected. RESULTS: We included 228 patients. The mean number of drugs and FRIDS prescribed at discharge was 11.6 ± 3.0 and 2.9 ± 1.6, respectively. Polypharmacy was prevalent in all patients except in three: 23.3% (5-9 drugs) and 75.9% (≥ 10 drugs). Only 11 patients had no FRIDS and 35.5% were on > 3 FRIDS. The most prevalent FRIDS were: agents acting on the renin-angiotensin system (43.9%) and anxiolytics (39.9%). The number of FRIDS was higher in patients with extreme polypharmacy (3.4 ± 1.5) than in those on 5-9 drugs (1.5 ± 1.0, p < 0.05). Independent people in performing instrumental activities had lower risk of extreme polypharmacy (≥ 10 drugs) or > 3 FRIDS: OR 0.39 (95% CI 0.18-0.83) and OR 0.41 (95% CI 0.20-0.84), respectively. People living in a nursing home had higher risk of > 3 FRIDS: OR 4.03 (95% CI 1.12-14.53). CONCLUSIONS: Polypharmacy and fall-risk increasing drugs are prevalent in patients discharged from orthogeriatric care after surgery for a hip fracture. Interventions on drug use at hospital discharge could have a potential impact on falls in this high-risk population.

Grading the potential safety risk of medications used in hospital care.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to stratify medications used in hospital  care according to their potential risk. METHOD: The RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method was used. Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical subgroups were classified according to their potential risk. A literature search, bulletins, and alerts issued by patient safety organizations were used to identify the potential safety risk of  these subgroups. Nine experts in patient/medication safety were selected to score the subgroups for their appropriateness in the classification. Two evaluation rounds were conducted: the first by email and the second by a  panel meeting. RESULTS: A total of 298 Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical subgroups were  evaluated. They were classified into three scenarios (low, medium, and high  risk). In the first round, 266 subgroups were classified as appropriate to the  assigned scenario, 32 were classified as uncertain, and none were classified as  inappropriate. In the second round, all subgroups were classified as appropriate.  The most frequent subgroups in the low-risk scenario belonged to  group A "Alimentary tract and metabolism" (44%); the most frequent in the  medium-risk scenario belonged to group J "Antiinfectives for systemic use"  (32%); and the most frequent in the high-risk scenario belonged to group L  "Antineoplastic and immunomodulating agents" (29%) and group N "Nervous  system" (26%). CONCLUSIONS: Based on the RAND/UCLA appropriateness method, Anatomical  Therapeutic Chemical subgroups used in hospital care were classified according  to their potential risk (low, medium, or high). These lists can be incorporated  into a risk-scoring tool for future patient/medication safety studies.

Objetivo: Estratificar los medicamentos utilizados en el ámbito hospitalario según el riesgo de provocar daño al paciente.Método: Se utilizó la metodología RAND/UCLA para clasificar los subgrupos terapéuticos del código Anatómica, Terapéutica, Química según el  riesgo de provocar daño al paciente. Para ello se realizó una revisión de la  evidencia disponible en publicaciones, boletines y alertas de organismos de  seguridad del paciente. A continuación se seleccionaron nueve expertos en  seguridad del paciente/medicamento para evaluar la clasificación de los  subgrupos terapéuticos: una primera ronda de evaluación por vía telemática y  una segunda ronda en una reunión presencial en la que se presentaron y  discutieron los resultados de la primera.Resultados: Se evaluaron 298 subgrupos terapéuticos. Se clasificaron en tres  escenarios (riesgo bajo, medio y alto). En la primera ronda se clasificaron 266  subgrupos como adecuados al escenario asignado, 32 subgrupos fueron  clasificados como inciertos y ninguno fue clasificado como inapropiado. En la  segunda ronda, todos los subgrupos fueron clasificados como adecuados. Los  subgrupos más frecuentes en el escenario de riesgo bajo pertenecieron al Grupo  A: "Tracto alimentario y metabolismo" (44%), en el de riesgo medio al Grupo J:  "Antiinfecciosos para uso sistémico" (32%), y en el de riesgo alto al Grupo L:  "Agentes antineoplásicos e inmunomoduladores" (29%) y al Grupo N: "Sistema  nervioso" (26%).Conclusiones: La metodología RAND/UCLA ha permitido estratificar los  subgrupos utilizados en el ámbito hospitalario según el riesgo potencial de  provocar daño al paciente. Esta estratificación puede servir como herramienta  para futuros estudios de seguridad en la utilización de medicamentos.

Failure mode and effects analysis applied to the administration of liquid medication by oral syringes.

OBJECTIVE: To carry out a Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) to the use of oral syringes. METHODS: A multidisciplinary team was assembled within the Safety Committee.  The stages of oral administration process of liquid  medication were analysed, identifying the most critical and establishing the  potential modes of failure that can cause errors. The impact associated with  each mode of failure was calculated using the Risk Priority Number (RPN).  Preventive actions were proposed. RESULTS: Five failure modes were identified, all classified as high risk (RPN>  100). Seven of the eight preventive actions were implemented. CONCLUSIONS: The FMEA methodology was a useful tool. It has allowed to know  the risks, analyse the causes that cause them, their effects on patient safety and  the measures to reduce them.

Objetivo: Realizar un análisis modal de fallos y efectos (AMFE) aplicado a la utilización de jeringas orales.Métodos: Un grupo multidisciplinar dentro del Comité de Seguridad analizó las etapas en la administración oral de los medicamentos líquidos, identificándose las más críticas y estableciendo modos potenciales de fallo que podrían producir un error. El riesgo asociado a cada modo de fallo se calculó  utilizando el número de prioridad de riesgo (NPR). Se sugirieron acciones preventivas.Resultados: Se identificaron cinco modos de fallo, todos clasificados de alto  riesgo (NPR>100). Siete de las ocho recomendaciones fueron implementadas.Conclusiones: La aplicación de la metodología AMFE ha sido una herramienta muy útil que ha permitido conocer los riesgos, analizar las causas que los pueden provocar y saber los efectos que tienen en la seguridad del paciente; todo ello con el fin de implantar acciones para  reducirlos.

A continuous usability evaluation of an electronic medication administration record application.

RATIONALE, AIMS, AND OBJECTIVES: The complexity of an electronic medication administration record (eMAR) has been underestimated by most designers in the past. Usability issues, such as poorly designed user application flow in eMAR, are therefore of vital importance, since they can have a negative impact on nursing activities and result in poor outcomes. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the usability of an eMAR application during its development. METHODS: A usability evaluation was conducted during the development of the eMAR application. Two usability methods were used: a heuristic evaluation complemented by usability testing. Each eMAR application version provided by the vendor was evaluated by 2 hospital pharmacists, who applied the heuristic method. They reviewed the eMAR tasks, detected usability problems and their heuristic violations, and rated the severity of the usability problems. Usability testing was used to assess the final application version by observing how 3 nurses interacted with the application. RESULTS: Thirty-four versions were assessed before the eMAR application was considered usable. During the heuristic evaluation, the usability problems decreased from 46 unique usability problems in version 1 (V1) to 9 in version 34 (V34). In V1, usability problems were categorized into 154 heuristic violations, which decreased to 27 in V34. The average severity rating also decreased from major usability problem (2.96) to no problem (0.23). During usability testing, the 3 nurses did not encounter new usability problems. CONCLUSION: A thorough heuristic evaluation is a good method for obtaining a usable eMAR application. This evaluation points key areas for improvement and decreases usability problems and their severity.

Technology-induced errors associated with computerized provider order entry software for older patients.

Background The introduction of new technologies in the prescribing process has seen the emergence of new types of medication errors. Objective To determine the prevalence and consequences of technology-induced prescription errors associated with a computerized provider order entry (CPOE) system in hospitalized older patients. Setting Patients 65 years or older admitted to the Departments of Internal Medicine, General Surgery, and Vascular Surgery of a tertiary hospital. Method Prospective observational 6-month study. Technology-induced errors were classified according to various taxonomies. Interrater reliability was measured. Consequences were assessed by interviewing patients and healthcare providers and classified according to their severity. Main outcome measure Prevalence of technology-induced errors. Results A total of 117 patients were included and 107 technology-induced errors were recorded. The prevalence of these errors was 3.65%. Half of the errors were clinical errors (n = 54) and the majority of these were classified as wrong dose, wrong strength, or wrong formulation. Clinical errors were 9 times more likely to be more severe than procedural errors (14.8 vs 1.9%; OR 9.04, 95% CI 1.09-75.07). Most of the errors did not reach the patient. Almost all errors were related to human-machine interactions due to wrong (n = 61) or partial (n = 41) entries. Conclusion Technology-induced errors are common and intrinsic to the implementation of new technologies such as CPOE. The majority of errors appear to be related to human-machine interactions and are of low severity. Prospective trials should be conducted to analyse in detail the way these errors occur and to establish strategies to solve them and increase patient safety.

Effect of an electronic medication administration record application on patient safety.

RATIONALE, AIMS, AND OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of an electronic medication administration record (eMAR) application on the rate of medication errors in medication administration recording (ME-MAR). METHODS: A before-and-after, quasiexperimental study was conducted in a university hospital that implemented the eMAR application in March 2014. Data collection was conducted in April 2012 (pre-) and June 2014 (post-) by two pharmacists. The ME-MARs were analysed by the staff involved to identify their cause. The two pharmacists independently classified the ME-MARs. In the case of disagreement, a research team examined the ME-MARs and categorized them by consensus. Three classifications were used: A classic medication error taxonomy and 2 technology-induced error taxonomies. RESULTS: The pharmacists analysed 2835 (pre-) and 2621 (post-) medication administration records (MAR), respectively. Overall, the ME-MAR rate decreased from 48.0% (pre-) to 36.9% (post-) (P < .05). The same types of ME-MAR were observed in both phases except for "MAR with incomplete information," which was not observed in the postimplementation phase. In both phases, the most frequent ME-MAR was "MAR at the wrong time" (MAR before or after medication administration) (31.6% vs 30.2%). The main cause of ME-MARs in both phases was the failure to follow work procedures. The potential future risk of ME-MARs significantly decreased after the eMAR implementation (P < .05). All ME-MARs were "use errors" because of human factors. New ME-MARs (1.24%; n = 12) were observed in the postimplementation phase. CONCLUSION: Use of the eMAR application significantly reduces the rate of ME-MAR and their potential risk. The main cause of ME-MAR was the failure to follow work procedures.

Agreement between the 2009 STOPP Criteria and the 2003 Beers Criteria at the time of hospital admission.

Potentially inappropriate prescription in elderly patients can be evaluated by different methods. The STOPP Criteria and Beers Criteria stand out among the explicit criteria most widely used. OBJECTIVE: The main objective of this study is to identify the agreement in the detection of potentially inappropriate prescribing between the STOPP criteria and the Beers Criteria, in elderly patients assessed at the time of hospital admission. METHOD: An observational retrospective study was designed in order to estimate the prevalence of potentially inappropriate prescription in the habitual treatment before admission, and to compare the agreement in detection capability between the 2003 Beers Criteria and the 2009 STOPP Criteria, in >70-yearold patients with an emergency hospital admission. There was also a specific analysis of the prescription of first-generation antihistamines, tricyclic antidepressants, benzodiazepines, and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, which are considered drugs with irregular management and potential toxicity. RESULTS: The total prevalence of patients with a potentially inappropriate prescription was 23.8% using the Beers Criteria and 33.3% using the STOPP Criteria. There was a low level of agreement between both questionnaires. First-generation antihistamines (Beers) and pharmacological duplication (STOPP J) were the criteria most frequently found. There were differences in the prevalence of potentially inappropriate prescription in the four pharmacological groups selected; and in all cases, detection by Beers Criteria was superior. CONCLUSION: There is no agreement between the STOPP Criteria and the Beers Criteria regarding the detection of patients with potentially inappropriate prescribing at the time of hospital admission.

La prescripción potencialmente inapropiada en personas mayores puede evaluarse mediante diferentes métodos. Entre los criterios explícitos más usados en nuestro país destacan los criterios STOPP y los criterios de Beers. Objetivo: El objetivo principal de este estudio es identificar la concordancia en la detección de prescripción potencialmente inapropiada entre los criterios STOPP y los criterios de Beers, en pacientes mayores valorados en el momento del ingreso hospitalario. Método: Se diseñó un estudio observacional retrospectivo para estimar la prevalencia de prescripción potencialmente inapropiada en el tratamiento habitual previo al ingreso y comparar la concordancia en la capacidad de detección de los criterios Beers 2003 y STOPP 2009 en pacientes mayores de 70 años ingresados por un motivo urgente. Se analizó además de forma específica la prescripción de antihistamínicos de primera generación, antidepresivos tricíclicos, benzodiazepinas e inhibidores selectivos de la recaptación de serotonina como fármacos de manejo irregular y potencial toxicidad. Resultados: La prevalencia total de pacientes con prescripción potencialmente inapropiada fue del 23,8% utilizando los criterios de Beers y del 33,3% con los STOPP. El grado de concordancia entre ambos cuestionarios fue bajo. Los antihistamínicos de primera generación (Beers) y la duplicidad farmacológica (STOPP J) fueron los criterios encontrados con más frecuencia. Se encontraron diferencias en la prevalencia de prescripción potencialmente inapropiada de los cuatro grupos farmacológicos seleccionados, siendo superior la detección en todos los casos por los criterios de Beers. Conclusión: Los criterios STOPP y Beers no son concordantes en la detección de pacientes con prescripciones potencialmente inapropiadas en el momento del ingreso hospitalario.