Identifying nursing home residents at high risk for preventable adverse drug events: modifying a tool for use in the Fleetwood Phase III Study.
OBJECTIVE
To modify and test a screening tool for identification of nursing home residents at high risk for preventable adverse drug events.


METHODS
Retrospective descriptive study.


METHODS
30 skilled nursing facilities in North Carolina receiving pharmacy benefits from one provider.


METHODS
All patients residing in these homes.


METHODS
Modification of high-risk screening tool for use in the Fleetwood Phase III Study.


METHODS
Proportion of residents who trigger high-risk screen for preventable adverse drug events.


RESULTS
The median proportion of residents triggered was one-third; in some facilities only about 15% of the residents were deemed high-risk while in others the estimate was as high as 48%. The most likely medication classes triggering a chart review was use of seven or more medications, with one medication being an antidepressant.


CONCLUSIONS
The modified high-risk screening tool proved to be practical and clinically relevant. It will be used to maximize pharmacists' time and skills in preventing adverse drug events in nursing home residents in the Fleetwood Phase III evaluation.
Lapane
Kate L
KL
Center for Gerontology and Health Care Research, Department of Community Health, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA. Kate_Lapane@Brown.edu
Hughes
Carmel M
CM