Rationale
Elderly adults often have chronic conditions and multiple diseases, many of which are treated with multiple medications. This increases the overall risk of medication-related harm, including hospitalizations, drowsiness, and death. Both over- and under-treatment should be avoided. The indication for treatment must be carefully assessed, and non-pharmacological interventions should be considered. It is also important to evaluate whether existing medications should be adjusted and whether potential drug interactions may occur.
References
- Fried, T. R. et al (2014). "Health outcomes associated with polypharmacy in community-dwelling
older adults: A systematic review." J Am Geriatr Soc 62. - Gulla, C. (2018). A Fine Balance: Drug Use in Norwegian Nursing Homes. Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care. Bergen, University of Bergen. PhD.
- Hovstadius, B. et al (2014). "Trends in inappropriate drug therapy prescription in the elderly in Sweden from 2006 to 2013: assessment using national indicators." Drugs Aging 31(5): 379-386.