ABSTRACT
Polypharmacy and potentially inappropriate prescribing (PIP) are areas of growing importance and concern. Optimising drug prescribing in older people is challenging and complex at,the individual GP level. At a national level it is an important public health issue for the care and management of the ageing Irish population. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of PIP in Livinghealth Clinic using the STOPP (Screening Tool for Older Persons' Prescribing) criteria and to identify areas of PIP. LHC audits demonstrated PIP levels of between 16% and 29%. Our findings were similar to other studies in that proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) at maximum therapeutic dosage for >8 weeks, and long acting benzodiazepines prescribed for > 1 month, continue to be significant areas of PIP. However, not all identified PIP maybe inappropriate. The STOPP criteria are a useful screening tool for older persons' prescribing, but are best used together with clinical assessment and discretion.