title: The geriatric medication algorithm: a pilot study.
abstract: A geriatric medication algorithm designed to reduce inappropriate prescribing was tested in a resident outpatient clinic. The medications of patients over 65 years old taking more than three medications (n = 41) were compared pre- and post-algorithm using the paired t-test. Pre-algorithm, the average number of drugs was 5.8 per patient (SD 1.62). Fifteen medications (6.4%) were discontinued, seven were substituted for a less toxic medication, and five were added. Post-algorithm, the average number of drugs was 5.6 (SD 1.69), mean difference 0.3 (SD 0.67), p < 0.025. Drugs discontinued were more likely to be high risk compared with drugs used at baseline; drugs added were less likely to be high risk. In this pilot study, the authors conclude that the algorithm helps resident physicians reduce inappropriate prescribing.
authors.affiliation: Good Samaritan Hospital and Medical Center, Portland, OR 97210.
authors.forename: P F
authors.initials: PF
authors.lastname: Newton
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Levinson
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Maslen
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000465:Algorithms; D011307:Drug Prescriptions; D004358:Drug Therapy; D005853:Geriatrics; D006801:Humans; D010865:Pilot Projects