This observational study will determine the prevalence of underprescription in a cohort of elderly patients, recruited at the time of an outpatient geriatric visit, or hospitalized, upon admission to a geriatric ward.
Polypharmacy in older patients is associated with both inappropriate drug prescribing and underprescription or omission of appropriate medications. Potential prescriptive omission (PPO), defined as the underprescription of potentially beneficial drugs, is increasing across all care settings and is associated with adverse clinical outcomes. However, in some cases, PPO may represent a legitimate medical decision. The aim of this study is to investigate the phenomenon of underprescription by differentiating between justified and inappropriate potential prescriptive omissions (PPOs) in elderly patients in both hospital and outpatient settings, using the Screening Tool to Alert to Right Treatment (START) criteria, version 3.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
374
IRCCS INRCA Hospital
Ancona, Italy
RECRUITINGIRCCS INRCA Hospital
Cosenza, Italy
RECRUITINGRate of potential prescription omissions (PPOs)
Prevalence of potential prescription omissions (PPOs) will be evaluated by Screening Tool to Alert doctors to Right Treatment (START) criteria version 3 in aged patients enrolled on admission to geriatric departments of participating centers or during geriatric outpatient clinic visits
Time frame: at baseline and 3 months later
Characterisation of the potential prescription omissions (PPOs)
The reasons for underprescription will be investigated to differentiate between justified and inappropriate potential prescriptive omissions (PPOs). Patients and/or their family members and/or the general practitioner will be interviewed to assess the potential reasons related to underprescription.
Time frame: at baseline and 3 months later
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