Inappropriate prescriptions associated with poor outcomes.(Tips)

Publication: American Family Physician

Publication Date: 15-OCT-05

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COPYRIGHT 2005 American Academy of Family Physicians

Prescribing potentially inappropriate medications occurs in various health care settings, and older patients are especially at risk of adverse effects from polypharmacy. Studies have found a link between inappropriate medication prescriptions and subsequent major health events including falls, hospitalizations, and death. A study found that 50 percent of nursing home residents received an inappropriate medication prescription during one year; of those, one in three received it for most of their nursing home stay. Inappropriate drug choice was the most common error, but other errors...

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