Use of tools to detect inappropriate prescribing in older patients – a questionnaire study

Naldy Parodi López, Staffan A. Svensson, Luisa Ocampo Molano, Susanna M. Wallerstedt

Keywords: inappropriate prescribing, general practitioner, older people, primary care, questionnaire

Background:

Inappropriate prescribing occurs in older patients in primary care. Physiological changes and multiple concomitant diseases add to the complexity of drug treatment decisions in this age group. For guidance, follow-up, and research purposes, several screening tools have been developed to detect potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) and potential prescribing omissions (PPOs), some of which are integrated into clinical decision support systems. However, the extent to which these tools are used in primary care has not been mapped. The aim of this study is to explore this issue in the European context.

Research questions:

How are screening tools of PIMs and PPOs used in primary care in Europe?

Method:

A questionnaire study will be conducted in European countries where key informants can contribute data. An online questionnaire will be developed, including questions regarding how tools for detecting PIMs/PPOs are integrated in the clinical workflow as well as in the education of medical students and general practitioners. The questionnaire will also include questions regarding administrative follow-up of prescribing in primary care using such tools, for instance for pay-for-performance or educational outreach. Key informants will be initially recruited during the EGPRN conference.

Results:

A study protocol is planned to be presented at the conference.

Conclusions:

This study will provide insights into the practical application of PIM/PPO screening tools in European primary care.

Points for discussion:

Choice of the key informants: background, experience, the number required?

Practical aspects of questionnaire distribution in different countries.

Operational definition of PIM/PPO tools.

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