Inappropriate prescribing among elderly home care patients in Japan: prevalence and risk factors.

BACKGROUND

Although several previous studies have examined the prevalence and risk factors associated with inappropriate prescribing (IP) among elderly patients, as identified by the Screening Tool of Older Persons' potentially inappropriate Prescriptions (STOPP) and Screening Tool to Alert doctors to Right Treatment (START) criteria, no research has been conducted among elderly home care patients.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to explore the prevalence of IP and its risk factors as identified by the STOPP/START criteria among elderly home care patients in Japan.

STUDY DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

SETTING

Home care settings in Japan.

PARTICIPANTS

Eighty-nine patients aged 65 years or older who received regular home visiting services from Yamato Clinic between May 2013 and June 2013.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

The prevalence of IP and its risk factors as identified by the STOPP/START criteria.

RESULTS

Of the study population, 40.4% had at least one potentially inappropriate medication and 60.7% had at least one incidence of underprescribing. Risk factors for potentially inappropriate medications were hypertension, constipation, and polypharmacy, while those for underprescription were osteoporosis and polypharmacy.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of IP among elderly home care patients is high, with risk factors that include not only polypharmacy but also several specific underlying medical conditions.