Elderly Patients Often Prescribed Unnecessary Drugs
A new study detailed in Medscape Medical News reveals that more than half of the elderly people admitted to the intensive care unit receive prescriptions for drugs they do not need on discharge. Although the drugs may be appropriate in a clinical context, they are no longer needed when patients leave the hospital
A classic example is the use of an antipsychotic drug commonly prescribed to elderly patients to combat delirium in the ICU. Although the drug may be necessary while the patients are in the ICU and on the ward, use of the drug should be stopped at discharge. If patients continue taking this kind of inappropriate drug while they are at home, they could be at risk for poor cognitive functions and increased falls.
In addition to safety concerns, inappropriate medications can also take a toll on elderly patients’ pocketbooks because they result in higher healthcare costs.