Abstract

A PROSPECTIVE STUDY ON MEDICATION PRESCRIBING PATTERNS FOR GERIATRIC PATIENTS IN A TERTIARY CARE TEACHING HOSPITAL, DAVANGERE

Anky T.*, Dr. Santhosh Uttangi and Prof. J. S. Venkatesh

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Abstract

Background: Quality and safety of prescribing in older people remain a global health care concern. Polypharmacy, pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic changes, inappropriate prescriptions, etc. are the prominent prescribing issues with elderly patients. Beer’s criteria and other guidelines have been developed to assist the reduction of potentially inappropriate medications prescribed to elderly patients. Aim: To study the prescribing patterns of various drugs in elderly patients and also to evaluate inappropriate prescribing with the help of Beer’s criteria. Methodology: A prospective observational study was carried out for 6 months among inpatients of geriatric age group ≥65 years in Chigateri District Hospital Davangere. Results: A total 120 cases were analyzed during the study period. The study population contains of 52 % males. Most of the patients were in the age group of 60-69 years (82%). Maximum of these cases were from the cardiovascular system 43% followed by the respiratory system 29%. The most commonly prescribed drugs were the respiratory medications 25 %. According to Beer’s criteria, 26 drugs were prescribed inappropriately and all these drugs to be avoided in older adults. Conclusion: This study has shown the patterns of diseases prevalent in geriatric patients, drug use and also suggests that drugs to be avoided in elderly. Prevalence of polypharmacy was high which is usually unavoidable in elderly. It also emphasizes the need for creating more awareness among the clinicians by conducting more Continued Medical Education Programmes on drug therapy in elderly.

Keywords: Geriatric’s, Beer’s criteria, Inappropriate prescribing, Polypharmacy.