Prevalence and factors associated with preventable drug-related emergency department visits (DREDp) in elderly patients

Prevalence and factors associated with preventable drug-related emergency department visits (DREDp) in elderly patients

The prevalence of emergency department (ED) visits among the elderly is high and increasing. While emergency services for the elderly involve many factors, drug-related problems (DRPs) that can worsen patient conditions are less frequently discussed. This study investigates the prevalence of preventable drug-related ED visits (DREDp) and the characteristics of DRPs in elderly ED patients through a comprehensive medication review.

The study involved 351 patients with a mean age of 75.5 years (SD 9.3) and an equal male-to-female ratio of ED visits. The median number of comorbidities was five (IQR 3–6), with about half of the patients taking ten or more medications. The interdisciplinary team classified 43 patients (12.3%) as DREDp, accounting for 58.1% of the 74 (21.1%) drug-related ED visits. All medication errors categorized as causing harm (level E and higher) occurred within the DREDp group, constituting approximately half of all DREDp (22 cases, 51.2%). Approximately two-thirds of drug-related ED visits were associated with adverse drug events (ADEs), predominantly involving antithrombotics, oral hypoglycemic agents, and antineoplastics. Multivariable analysis identified that ED visits involving potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) according to the STOPP criteria and the presence of multiple comorbidities (six or more concurrent diseases) were significantly associated with DREDp.

Parinya Phoemlap, Somratai Vadcharavivad, Khrongwong Musikatavorn & Nutthada Areepium

https://bmcemergmed.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12873-024-01102-x

BMC Emergency Medicine

17 oktober 2024

Fajar Bagus W

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