title: Recent Literature on Medication Errors and Adverse Drug Events in Older Adults.
abstract: Medication errors and adverse drug events are common in older adults, but locating literature addressing these issues is often challenging. The objective of this article is to summarize recent studies addressing medication errors and adverse drug events in a single location to improve accessibility for individuals working with older adults. A comprehensive literature search for studies published in 2014 was conducted, and 51 potential articles were identified. After critical review, 17 studies were selected for inclusion based on innovation; rigorous observational or experimental study designs; and use of reliable, valid measures. Four articles characterizing potentially inappropriate prescribing and interventions to optimize medication regimens were annotated and critiqued in detail. The authors hope that health policy-makers and clinicians find this information helpful in improving the quality of care for older adults.
authors.affiliation: Division of Geriatrics, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.|Department of Pharmacy and Therapeutics, School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.|Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, Veterans Affairs Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
authors.forename: Jennifer G
authors.initials: JG
authors.lastname: Naples
authors.affiliation: Division of Geriatrics, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.|Department of Pharmacy and Therapeutics, School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.|Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, Veterans Affairs Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.|Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.|Clinical and Translational Science Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.|Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
authors.forename: Joseph T
authors.initials: JT
authors.lastname: Hanlon
authors.affiliation: Division of Geriatrics, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina.|Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, Durham Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina.
authors.forename: Kenneth E
authors.initials: KE
authors.lastname: Schmader
authors.affiliation: Department of Veterans Affairs, Pharmacy Benefits Management Services, Hines, Illinois.|Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois.|Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois.
authors.forename: Todd P
authors.initials: TP
authors.lastname: Semla
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D064420:Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions; D015577:Geriatric Assessment; D006801:Humans; D008508:Medication Errors / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians'; D012307:Risk Factors
keywords: adverse drug events; literature; medication errors