High-Risk Medication Use in Older Residents of Long-Term Care Facilities: Prevalence, Harms, and Strategies to Mitigate Risks and Enhance Use

• DOI: 10.4140/tcp.n.2020.419
• Publication Date: 2021-10-07T14:39:54Z
• Authors: Janet K. Sluggett; Stephanie L. Harr...; Leona A. Ritchie; Alexander J. Clough; Debbie Rigby; Gillian E. Caughey; Edwin C. K. Tan
• Keywords: Deprescribing; Beers Criteria

Older residents of long-term care facilities (LTCFs), also known as nursing homes, or residential aged facilities, often have multiple health conditions and are exposed to polypharmacy. Use high-risk medications such opioids, glucose-lowering medications, antithrombotics, antipsychotics is prevalent among LTCFs. Ensuring appropriate use important minimize the risk medication-related harm in this vulnerable population. This paper provides an overview prevalence factors associated with medication Evidencebased strategies optimize enhance resident outcomes discussed.