Potentially inappropriate medications with older people in intensive care and associated factors: a historic cohort study

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: The epidemiology of potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) in critical care units remains limited, especially in terms of the factors associated with their use. OBJECTIVE: To estimate the incidence and factors associated with PIMs use in intensive care units. DESIGN AND SETTING: Historical cohort study was conducted in a high-complexity hospital in Brazil. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was conducted on 314 patients aged ≥ 60 years who were admitted to intensive care units (ICUs) at a high-complexity hospital in Brazil. The dates were extracted from a "Patient Safety Project" database. A Chi-square test, Student's t-test, and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to assess which factors were associated with PIMs. The statistical significance was set at 5%. RESULTS: According to Beers' criteria, 12.8% of the identified drugs were considered inappropriate for the elderly population. The incidence rate of PIMs use was 45.8%. The most frequently used PIMs were metoclopramide, insulin, antipsychotics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and benzodiazepines. Factors associated with PIMs use were the number of medications (odds ratio [OR] = 1.17), length of hospital stay (OR = 1.07), and excessive potential drug interactions (OR = 2.43). CONCLUSIONS: Approximately half of the older adults in ICUs received PIM. Patients taking PIMs had a longer length of stay in the ICU, higher numbers of medications, and higher numbers of potential drug interactions. In ICUs, the use of explicit methods combined with clinical judgment can contribute to the safety and quality of medication prescriptions.

Potentially inappropriate medications with older people in intensive care and associated factors: a historic cohort study.

BACKGROUND: The epidemiology of potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) in critical care units remains limited, especially in terms of the factors associated with their use. OBJECTIVE: To estimate the incidence and factors associated with PIMs use in intensive care units. DESIGN AND SETTING: Historical cohort study was conducted in a high-complexity hospital in Brazil. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was conducted on 314 patients aged ≥ 60 years who were admitted to intensive care units (ICUs) at a high-complexity hospital in Brazil. The dates were extracted from a "Patient Safety Project" database. A Chi-square test, Student's t-test, and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to assess which factors were associated with PIMs. The statistical significance was set at 5%. RESULTS: According to Beers' criteria, 12.8% of the identified drugs were considered inappropriate for the elderly population. The incidence rate of PIMs use was 45.8%. The most frequently used PIMs were metoclopramide, insulin, antipsychotics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and benzodiazepines. Factors associated with PIMs use were the number of medications (odds ratio [OR] = 1.17), length of hospital stay (OR = 1.07), and excessive potential drug interactions (OR = 2.43). CONCLUSIONS: Approximately half of the older adults in ICUs received PIM. Patients taking PIMs had a longer length of stay in the ICU, higher numbers of medications, and higher numbers of potential drug interactions. In ICUs, the use of explicit methods combined with clinical judgment can contribute to the safety and quality of medication prescriptions.

Features of the triggering of the yellow code and factors associated with the occurrence of adverse events.

OBJECTIVE: to analyze the characteristics of the activation of the yellow code in wards and identify the factors associated with adverse events after the Rapid Response Team. METHODS: a cross-sectional study with retrospective analysis of medical records of adults admitted to medical or surgical clinic wards of the University Hospital of São Paulo. RESULTS: among the 91 patients, the most frequent signs of triggers (n=107) were peripheral oxygen saturation of less than 90% (40.2%) and hypotension (30.8%). Regarding the associated factors the research identified each minute of attendance of the Rapid Response Team in the wards increased by 1.2% odds of adverse events (twenty-four unplanned admission in the ICU and one cardiac arrest) in the sample (p=0.014). CONCLUSIONS: decreased oxygen saturation and hypotension were the main reasons for the triggering, and the length of care was associated with the frequency of adverse events.

Features of the triggering of the yellow code and factors associated with the occurrence of adverse events / Características de la activación del código amarillo y factores relacionados a la ocurrencia de eventos adversos / Características do acionamento do código amarelo e fatores associados à ocorrência de eventos adversos

ABSTRACT Objective: to analyze the characteristics of the activation of the yellow code in wards and identify the factors associated with adverse events after the Rapid Response Team. Methods: a cross-sectional study with retrospective analysis of medical records of adults admitted to medical or surgical clinic wards of the University Hospital of São Paulo. Results: among the 91 patients, the most frequent signs of triggers (n=107) were peripheral oxygen saturation of less than 90% (40.2%) and hypotension (30.8%). Regarding the associated factors the research identified each minute of attendance of the Rapid Response Team in the wards increased by 1.2% odds of adverse events (twenty-four unplanned admission in the ICU and one cardiac arrest) in the sample (p=0.014). Conclusions: decreased oxygen saturation and hypotension were the main reasons for the triggering, and the length of care was associated with the frequency of adverse events.

RESUMEN Objetivo: analizar características de la activación del código amarillo en unidades de internación e identificar factores relacionados a ocurrencia de eventos adversos después de la atención del Equipo de Respuesta Rápida. Métodos: estudio transversal con análisis retrospectivo de prontuarios de adultos internados en enfermerías de Clínica Médica o Quirúrgica de hospital universitario de São Paulo. Resultados: entre 91 pacientes, los signos más frecuentes de las activaciones (n=107) fueron saturación periférica de oxígeno inferior a 90% (40,2%) y hipotensión arterial (30,8%). Cuanto a factores relacionados, identificado que cada minuto de atención del Equipo de Respuesta Rápida en enfermerías aumentó en 1,2% la chance de ocurrencia de eventos adversos (24 admisiones no planeadas en Unidad de Cuidado Intensivo y un paro cardíaco) en la amuestra (p=0,014). Conclusiones: caída de saturación de oxígeno e hipotensión arterial fueron los principales motivos de activación, y tiempo de ateción fue relacionado a ocurrencia de eventos adversos.

RESUMO Objetivo: analisar as características do acionamento do código amarelo em unidades de internação e identificar os fatores associados à ocorrência de eventos adversos após o atendimento do Time de Resposta Rápida. Métodos: estudo transversal com análise retrospectiva de prontuários de adultos internados em enfermarias de Clínica Médica ou Cirúrgica de hospital universitário de São Paulo. Resultados: entre os 91 pacientes, os sinais mais frequentes dos acionamentos (n=107) foram saturação periférica de oxigênio inferior a 90% (40,2%) e hipotensão arterial (30,8%). Quanto aos fatores associados, identificou-se que cada minuto de atendimento do Time de Resposta Rápida nas enfermarias aumentou em 1,2% a chance de ocorrência de eventos adversos (24 internações não planejadas em Unidade de Terapia Intensiva e uma parada cardiorrespiratória) na amostra (p=0,014). Conclusões: queda da saturação de oxigênio e hipotensão arterial foram os principais motivos de acionamento, e o tempo de atendimento foi associado à ocorrência de eventos adversos.

Cost-effectiveness analysis of the implementation of advanced practice nursing: how to move forward?

This essay explores possibilities of advances in cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA) in advanced practice nursing (APN). The arguments were structured according to the current health landscape, the need to evaluate APN practices as health technology and evidence and recommendations for conducting CEA. Benefits of APN were evidenced in the improvement of indicators such as mortality, hospital readmission, among others. However, the absence of a standard of care, combined with the existence of different models and short time horizon interfered with the estimation of direct costs. The studies on CEA were inconclusive, mainly due to the lack of cost per unit of success and calculation of the CEA ratio. In the context of the APN, to conduct CEA that really contributes to robust results, thus subsidizing decision-making requires a joint effort of training institutions, delimitation and standardization of practice by regulatory agencies of the profession and health services, based especially on accreditation policies.

Cost-effectiveness analysis of the implementation of advanced practice nursing: how to move forward? / Análisis costo-efectividad de la aplicación de enfermería de práctica avanzada: ¿cómo avanzar? / Análise custo-efetividade da implementação da enfermagem de práticas avançadas: como avançar?

ABSTRACT This essay explores possibilities of advances in cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA) in advanced practice nursing (APN). The arguments were structured according to the current health landscape, the need to evaluate APN practices as health technology and evidence and recommendations for conducting CEA. Benefits of APN were evidenced in the improvement of indicators such as mortality, hospital readmission, among others. However, the absence of a standard of care, combined with the existence of different models and short time horizon interfered with the estimation of direct costs. The studies on CEA were inconclusive, mainly due to the lack of cost per unit of success and calculation of the CEA ratio. In the context of the APN, to conduct CEA that really contributes to robust results, thus subsidizing decision-making requires a joint effort of training institutions, delimitation and standardization of practice by regulatory agencies of the profession and health services, based especially on accreditation policies.

RESUMEN Este ensayo explora las posibilidades de avances en la evaluación de costo-efectividad (ECA) de la enfermería de práctica avanzada (EPA). Los argumentos se estructuraron según el escenario de salud actual, la necesidad de evaluar las prácticas de la EPA, como tecnología sanitaria, evidencia y recomendaciones para realizar análisis de costo-efectividad. Los beneficios de la enfermería de práctica avanzada se evidenciaron en la mejora de los indicadores como mortalidad, reingreso hospitalario, entre otros. Sin embargo, la falta de un estándar de cuidados, combinado con la existencia de diferentes modelos y el corto plazo, interfirió en la estimación de los costos directos. Los estudios no fueron concluyentes sobre el análisis de costo-efectividad, principalmente debido a la falta de costo por unidad de éxito y cálculo de la relación ACE. En el contexto de la enfermería de práctica avanzada, la realización de análisis de costo-efectividad que contribuya a resultados robustos apoyando la toma de decisiones requiere un esfuerzo conjunto de las instituciones de formación, delimitación y estandarización de la práctica por parte de los organismos reguladores de la profesión y los servicios de salud fundamentados, especialmente, en las políticas de acreditación.

RESUMO O presente ensaio explora possibilidades de avanços na avaliação custo-efetividade (ACE) da enfermagem de práticas avançadas (EPA). Os argumentos foram estruturados segundo o panorama de saúde atual, necessidade de avaliação das práticas da EPA, como tecnologia em saúde, evidências e recomendações para condução de análise custo-efetividade. Benefícios da enfermagem de práticas avançadas foram evidenciados na melhora de indicadores como mortalidade, readmissão hospitalar, entre outros. Todavia, a ausência de um padrão de cuidados, combinada com a existência de modelos distintos e curto horizonte temporal, interferiram na estimativa de custos diretos. Os estudos foram inconclusivos acerca da análise custo-efetividade, sobretudo pela ausência de custo por unidade de sucesso e cálculo da razão ACE. No contexto da enfermagem de práticas avançadas, a condução de análise custo-efetividade que contribua com resultados robustos, subsidiando na tomada de decisões, requer esforço conjunto de instituições formadoras, delimitação e normatização da prática por órgãos reguladores da profissão e, de serviços de saúde, alicerçados, especialmente em políticas de acreditação.

Screening and detection of delirium in an adult critical care setting: a best practice implementation project.

AIM: To assess compliance with evidence-based practice regarding screening and detection of delirium in adult patients at the ICU from a university hospital. METHODS: The compliance rates were evaluated using the Joanna Briggs Institute Practical Application of Clinical Evidence System and Getting Research into Practice audit and feedback tool. This strategy was designed in three phases: (1) establishing a team and conducting a baseline audit based on criteria informed by the evidence; (2) reflecting on the results of the baseline audit and designing and implementing strategies to address noncompliance found in the baseline audit informed by the JBI Getting Research into Practice framework; and (3) conducting a follow-up audit to assess the outcomes of the interventions implemented to improve practice and identify future practice issues to be addressed in subsequent audits. The implementation protocol was designed based on the primary barriers and facilitators identified in the baseline audit, allied to a training program and electronic medical records changes. Nursing documentation available in medical records from patients admitted in the ICU was used to assess the baseline and follow-up audit compliance rates. RESULTS: None of the medical records evaluated before the implementation protocol showed compliance with the following audit criteria: a valid and reliable instrument is accessible in the ward environment (0%), the nursing care documentation supports that the Confusion Assessment Method for the Intensive Care Unit instrument is being used (0%) and population assessed for delirium includes all adults over the age of 65, cognitive impairment, dementia, or both, current hip fracture and severe illness (0%). After the evidence-based practice implementation, the follow-up audit revealed up to 100% compliance rates with those criteria, showing that all patients under risk were screened and assessed for delirium. The only exception was the Confusion Assessment Method for the Intensive Care Unit use, whose compliance was observed in 80.95% of the medical records. CONCLUSION: These findings support that baseline and follow-up audits allied to a delirium training program, and changes in the electronic nursing records increase the compliance rates related to the evidence-based practice for screening patients under risk and assessing delirium.

Transitional care from hospital to home for older people: implementation of best practices.

OBJECTIVE: to assess the conformity of nursing care concerning best evidence in transitional care from hospital to home for older people. METHODS: a project to implement best evidence based on the model proposed by the Joanna Briggs Institute in surgical clinic of a university hospital with older people, caregivers or family members, and nurses, between July and August 2019. Eight evidence-based criteria have been audited through interviews, medical records and computerized system, presented in percentages. RESULTS: the highest non-compliance rate found in a baseline audit was absence of continued training on transitional care and hospital discharge plan. Identifying barriers to best practices included educational programs; afterwards, there was an improvement in compliance rates in all the criteria assessed. FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: the criteria based on audited evidence showed an increase in compliance rates with the strategies implemented, contributing to improving transitional care for older people.

Nonpharmacological analgesic interventions among newborn infants in the University Hospital of the University of Sao Paulo: a best practice implementation project.

INTRODUCTION: Despite evidence from studies on nonpharmacological pain management among newborns, many health professionals still don't apply evidence from scientific knowledge in their clinical practice. OBJECTIVES: To promote evidence-based practice for nonpharmacological analgesic interventions among newborns in the Maternity Ward of the University Hospital of the University of Sao Paulo, improving pain management and promoting healthy newborn growth and development, and better use of resources. METHOD: The current evidence implementation project used the JBI Practical Application of Clinical Evidence System and Getting Research into Practice audit and feedback tool. The JBI Practical Application of Clinical Evidence System and Getting Research into Practice framework for promoting evidence-based healthcare involve three phases of activity: conducting a baseline audit, implementing strategies to address areas of noncompliance and conducting a follow-up audit to assess the outcomes of the interventions implemented to improve practice. Ten evidence-based criteria on nonpharmacological pain management among newborns were audited, by direct observation of the nursing staff activities involving single skin-breaking procedures in the newborn. RESULTS: The baseline audit indicated poor compliance with evidence in current practice in most of the evidence-based criteria audited. Discussion with the implementation team identified barriers to best practice, with interventions including a nursing protocol and educational program for all nursing staff on nonpharmacological analgesic approaches to reduce pain in the newborn (breastfeeding, skin-to-skin contact with the mother, nonnutritive sucking and glucose 25%), and a leaflet to inform the best available evidence on newborn pain management. In the follow-up audit, compliance increased in eight of nine audit criteria, with criterion 7 remaining at 100% compliance to best practice. CONCLUSION: The current best practice implementation project contributed to establishing evidence-based practice and enhancing neonatal pain management during skin-breaking painful procedures in the University Hospital. However, to achieve 100% compliance with all the evidence-based audit criteria, we will need to invest in continuing education and extend this implementation project to other related settings of the hospital. Moreover, it is necessary to perform follow-up cyclical audits to assess compliance and address barriers to best practice, enhancing the quality of nursing care, ensuring better results on pain management of the newborn and ongoing sustainability of this project.

Transitional care from hospital to home for older people: implementation of best practices / Transición del cuidado del adulto mayor internado para el hogar: implementación de buenas prácticas / Transição do cuidado da pessoa idosa internada para o domicílio: implementação de melhores práticas

ABSTRACT Objective: to assess the conformity of nursing care concerning best evidence in transitional care from hospital to home for older people. Methods: a project to implement best evidence based on the model proposed by the Joanna Briggs Institute in surgical clinic of a university hospital with older people, caregivers or family members, and nurses, between July and August 2019. Eight evidence-based criteria have been audited through interviews, medical records and computerized system, presented in percentages. Results: the highest non-compliance rate found in a baseline audit was absence of continued training on transitional care and hospital discharge plan. Identifying barriers to best practices included educational programs; afterwards, there was an improvement in compliance rates in all the criteria assessed. Final considerations: the criteria based on audited evidence showed an increase in compliance rates with the strategies implemented, contributing to improving transitional care for older people.

RESUMEN Objetivo: evaluar la conformidad de los cuidados de enfermería en relación a la mejor evidencia en la transición del cuidado de los ancianos ingresados en un hospital al domicilio. Métodos: proyecto de implementación de mejor evidencia, basado en el modelo del Joanna Briggs Institute, en un hospital universitario, con ancianos, cuidadores y enfermeras, entre julio y agosto de 2019. Se auditaron ocho criterios basados en evidencia a través de entrevistas, historias clínicas y sistema informático, presentado en porcentajes. Resultados: en la auditoría de línea de base, la mayor tasa de incumplimiento fue la ausencia de capacitación continua sobre transición de atención y plan de alta hospitalaria. La identificación de barreras a las mejores prácticas incluyó programas educativos. Posteriormente, hubo una mejora em las tasas de cumplimiento en todos los criterios evaluados. Consideraciones finales: los criterios basados en evidencia auditada mostraron un aumento en las tasas de cumplimiento de las estrategias implementadas, contribuyendo a mejorar la transición de la atención a las personas mayores.

RESUMO Objetivo: avaliar a conformidade da assistência de enfermagem em relação às melhores evidências na transição do cuidado da pessoa idosa internada em hospital para o domicílio. Métodos: projeto de implementação de melhores evidências, a partir do modelo Joanna Briggs Institute, em hospital universitário, com idosos, cuidadores e enfermeiros, entre julho e agosto de 2019. Foram auditados oito critérios baseados em evidências, por meio de entrevistas, prontuário e sistema informatizado, apresentados em percentuais. Resultados: na auditoria de base, o maior índice de não conformidade foi a ausência de formação continuada sobre transição do cuidado e plano de alta hospitalar. A identificação das barreiras às melhores práticas incluiu programas educativos. Após, verificou-se melhora nos índices de conformidade em todos os critérios avaliados. Considerações finais: os critérios baseados em evidências auditados apresentaram ampliação nos índices de conformidade com as estratégias implementadas, contribuindo para melhora da transição do cuidado da pessoa idosa.

Falls prevention strategies for adult inpatients in a university hospital of São Paulo, Brazil: a best practice implementation project.

OBJECTIVES: The main objective of this project was to reduce the incidence and harm from falls that occur among patients admitted in the acute Internal Medicine Unit and Intensive Care Unit in a public teaching hospital in São Paulo, Brazil. INTRODUCTION: Falls are a challenge for health professionals and healthcare services as they may result in high-impact outcomes for patients, such as functional decline, increase in length of hospital stay, increase in the cost of healthcare services, and death. In an attempt to promote safe care the World Health Organization (WHO) launched the World Alliance for Patient Safety in 2004 that encourages the adoption of best practice to reduce adverse events in healthcare services. METHODS: The project used the Joanna Briggs Institute Practical Application of Clinical Evidence System (JBI-PACES) and Getting Research into Practice (GRiP) audit tool for promoting change in health practice. A baseline audit was conducted measuring eight best practice criterias, followed by the implementation of target strategies and a follow-up audit. RESULTS: The results of the baseline audit identified large gaps between current practice and overall compliance with best practice. The GRiP module helped identify strategies related to education programs for patients, families and nursing teams, and a falls risk assessment with an accurate tool to address the gaps in compliance. The follow-up audit cycle was satisfactory as all best practice audit criteria showed an improvement as an aggregated result. CONCLUSIONS: The project used the audit and feedback strategy to translate evidence into practice. Some of the measured criteria improved to moderate-high compliance with best practice. The results showed that implementation of evidence-based practice leads to an improvement in falls prevention. Future audits are required to sustain improvements.

Central line bundle maintenance among adults in a university hospital intensive care unit in São Paulo, Brazil: a best practice implementation project.

OBJECTIVES: This implementation project aimed to identify the current practice in regards to central venous catheters (CVCs) maintenance to improve knowledge amongst nursing staff and to assess increased compliance with evidence-based best practice. INTRODUCTION: Central venous catheters are considered an important therapeutic resource for the administration of fluids, drugs, blood, collection of blood samples and hemodynamic monitoring. Despite the benefits, catheter use is associated with complications such as primary infection of the catheter-related bloodstream. METHODS: This project utilized the audit and feedback model using the Joanna Briggs Institute Practical Application of Clinical Evidence System. Nine of 10 criteria were audited through direct observation of nursing professionals or patient records in relation to CVC maintenance, and one criterion involved direct questioning of nursing staff. Baseline and follow-up audits were conducted in a 12-bed adult intensive care unit in a university hospital. RESULTS: The baseline audit revealed deficits between current practice and best practice in some criteria. Barriers to implementation of CVC maintenance best practice criteria were identified, and the strategies were implemented. The post-implementation (follow-up) audit showed improvement in compliance to best practice guidelines in all of the audit criteria, except in one criterion: the use of sterile gloves or surgical tweezers during the execution of the dressing. CONCLUSIONS: Best practice in CVC care was achieved in the hospital, strengthening and guiding nursing care, as well as highlighting the importance of nursing records throughout the care process. However, this project highlighted the need to improve compliance through follow-up audits and periodic training to support best practice.

Mortalidade associada ao uso de medicamentos potencialmente inapropriados, segundo critério de Beers: revisão sistemática e metanálise / Mortality associated with the use of potentially inappropriate medications, according to the Beers criteria: systematic review and meta-analysis

Na atualidade, a questão dos eventos adversos a medicamentos nos idosos apresenta grande importância, dada a expansão populacional deste grupo e o impacto negativo destes eventos, que muitas vezes apresenta associação com o uso de medicamentos potencialmente inapropriados (MPI). Tendo em vista que os resultados dos estudos sobre o impacto do uso de MPI na mortalidade de idosos, ainda são inconclusivos, o objetivo foi identificar e analisar na literatura científica as evidências de que o uso de MPI em idosos, segundo critério de Beers, encontra-se associado a mortalidade. Trata-se de uma revisão sistemática finalizada em 20 de Julho de 2012, cujos procedimentos metodológicos seguiram as recomendações do Joanna Briggs Institutte e Systematic Reviews - Centre for Reviews and Dissemination guidance for understaking reviews in health care. Na busca das publicações foram utilizadas as bases de dados Pubmed/Medline, Lilacs, Scopus, Embase, International Pharmaceutical Abstracts, Web of science, Sciencedirect; CINAHL, Current contests connect, Proquest Dissertation and Theses, Banco de teses-CAPES. A seleção das publicações e extrações das informações dos estudos foi realizada por dois investigadores de forma independente. A qualidade metodológica dos estudos foi invalidada pela lista de verificação Newcastle-Ottawa. A amostra da RS foi constituída por 17 estudos, sendo que destes, oito publicações compuseram a metanálise. Na síntese descritiva observou-se que a maioria dos estudos apresentou nível de evidência IV (94,1%), cujo delineamento foi coorte (94,1%), usou técnica de amostragem não probabilística (64,7%), coletou dados de modo prospectivo (64,7%), utilizou amostra superior a 1.000 idosos (64,7%), realizou seguimento de 12 a 24 meses (52,9%) e a obtenção do desfecho mortalidade ocorreu em bases de dados (64,7%).A metanálise que totalizou a participação de 90.611 participantes apontou que idosos que utilizaram MPI apresentaram maior risco relativo para o desfecho de mortalidade (RR=1,11; IC 95% 1,01 - 1,22; p = 0,023), de acordo com os critérios de Beers, independente do cenário do estudo, da existência de comorbidades, de polfarmácia ou do tipo de MPI usado.

Currently, the issue of adverse drug events in the elderly presents great importance, given the expansion of this population group and the negative impact of these events, which often presents association with the use of Potentially Inappropriate Medications (PIM). Having in mind that the results of studies on the impact of using MPI elderly mortality are still inconclusive, the aim was to identify and analyze the evidences in the scientific literature that the use of PIM in the elderly, according to the Beers criteria, is associated with mortality. This is a Systematic Review finalized in July 20, 2012, whose methodological procedures followed the recommendations of the Joanna Briggs Institutte and Systematic Reviews - Centre for Reviews and Dissemination Guidance for Undertaking Reviews in Health Care. In the search of the publications were used databases Pubmed / Medline, Lilacs, Scopus, Embase, International Pharmaceutical Abstracts, Web of science, Sciencedirect, CINAHL, Current Contents Connect, Proquest Dissertation and Theses database-CAPES. The selection of publications and extraction of the information of the studies was conducted by two researchers independently. The methodological quality of studies was assessed by checklist Newcastle-Ottawa. The sample was composed of RS 17 studies, of which eight publications were included in the meta-analysis. In the synthesis descriptive observed that most studies showed level of evidence IV (94.1%), whose design was cohort (94.1%) used non-probability sampling technique (64.7%), collected data from prospectively (64.7%) used sample of more than 1,000 elderly (64.7%), realized during 12 to 24 months (52.9%) and obtaining of outcome mortality occurred in databases (64.7% ).The meta-analysis which totaled the participation of 90,611 participants pointed out that the elderly who have used PIM had higher relative risk for the outcome of mortality (RR = 1.11, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.22, p = 0.023), according to Beers criteria, regardless of the setting of the study, the existence of co-morbidities, polypharmacy, or the type of PIM used.