Abstract
Objective To explore the effect of polypharmacy assessment and intervention on elderly inpatients mainly in both economy and safety. Methods One hundred and forty elderly inpatients were selected. Fifty patients took less than 5 drugs, 75 patients took 5 - 9 drugs, and 15 patients took more than 10 drugs. According to medication appropriateness index (MAI) and Beers criteria, the polypharmacy of elderly inpatients was assessed and intervened. The results were compared before and after intervention. Results The discrepancy rate of Beers criteria, incidence of potential risk, total scores of prescription MAI and average daily drug cost after intervention were significantly lower than that before intervention: 7.14% (10/140) vs. 16.43% (23/140), 22.14% (31/140) vs. 90.71% (127/140), 0 (0, 0) scores vs. 6.00 (2.25, 10.00) scores and (30.60 ± 19.71) yuan vs. (35.34 ± 26.84) yuan, and there were statistical differences (P<0.01 or<0.05). Conclusions Irregular medication exists widely in elderly patients, and the polypharmacy assessment and intervention can lighten the financial burden of elderly patients and improve the safety of drug therapy. Key words: Aged; Inpatients; Intervention studies; Medication appropriateness index; Beers criteria
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