STOPP-START criteria used to characterize the elderly population prone topotentially inadequate prescribing

Abstract

The elderly has multiple comorbidities that often require treatment with multiple medications, so having strategies to lessen risks associated with pharmacological interactions and potentially inadequate prescribing (PIP) is of main importance. STOPP-START criteria are useful in identifying PIP along with other tools like LASA (Look-alike/Sound-alike) drugs and High risk medications (HRM). Objectives To characterize clinically and sociodemographically the population with PIP according to STOPP-START criteria, in hospitalized elderly patients during 6 months in a third-level hospital in Colombia, South America. Besides, to calculate the prevalence of PIP, LASA drugs and HRM and to identify other problems related with medication. Finally, to propose an algorithm for the identification of PIP in this population. Materials and methods: This was a descriptive, cross-sectional study in hospitalized patients older than 60 years during the first semester of 2021, to identify PIP according to STOPP-START criteria. An analysis of clinical and sociodemographic variables was conducted, as well as the construction of an algorithm to identify PIP in the elderly in an semiautomated way. Statistical analysis: Data was collected and analyzed using the software SPSS 2021, using descriptive statistics and measures of central tendency. Results Prevalence of PIP in the study population was 25%. 60% of patients had one problem related with medication and 27% used at least one LASA drug or HRM. Conclusions: This study allows to characterize, for the first time, the Colombian population prone to PIP, as well as the construction of an algorithm that identifies PIP in a semiautomated way.