Medication use and potentially inappropriate medications in those with limited prognosis living in residential aged care. (28th September 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Heppenstall, Claire Patricia; Broad, Joanna B; Boyd, Michal; Hikaka, Joanna; Zhang, Xian; Kennedy, Julia; Connolly, Martin J
• Is Part Of: Australasian journal on ageing. Volume 35:Number 2(2016)
• Page Start: E18
• Page End: E24
• Publication Date: 2015-09-28
• Subjects: frail elderly -- homes for the aged -- inappropriate prescribing -- palliative care -- polypharmacy; Older people -- Periodicals; Older people -- Australia -- Periodicals; Old age -- Periodicals; Geriatrics -- Periodicals; Gerontology -- Pacific Area -- Periodicals; 618.97
• DOI: 10.1111/ajag.12220
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1440-6381

Abstract

Abstract : Aim: To compare the prevalence in residential aged care (RAC) of preventative and potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) in those who died within 12 months versus those alive after 12 months. Methods: Firstly, a cross‐sectional survey of 6196 people living in RAC in Auckland. Secondly, a research physician searched electronic hospital records in one District Health Board for a sub‐sample ( n = 222) of these residents. Classes of medications and dates of death were obtained from the Ministry of Health databases. Those who died versus those alive at 12 months were compared. Results: Over half of the 6196 participants received antihypertensives and/or antiplatelet agents. Cardiovascular preventative medications were significantly more common in those who died within 12 months. Seventy percent in high‐level care received psychotropics. PIMs were commonly used. Conclusions: Use of preventative medications is common in RAC, especially during the last year of life. Psychotropics are very commonly used, despite being potentially inappropriate.