De-Prescribing in the Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Setting: A Quality Improvement Project with Potential to Reduce Adverse Events and Costs

Polypharmacy, the inappropriate and excessive use of medications, is common in the PA/LTC setting. Polypharmacy contributes to adverse drug events (ADEs), manifesting as falls, cognitive decline, syncope, organ dysfunction, besides non-adherence, hospitalization and mortality. Older adults utilize the highest proportion of prescribed medications. De-Prescribing (DeP) refers to the process of safe and appropriate tapering, stopping, or withdrawal of medications deemed unnecessary or inappropriate.

Source: Journal of the American Medical Directors Association - February 22, 2018 Category: Health Management Authors: T.S. Dharmarajan, T.S. Dharmarajan, S. Islam, H. Boja, L. Mamakos, A. Gavilanes, Z. Saadabadi, M. Kanagala, A. Lebelt, P. Murakonda Tags: Quality Improvement Source Type: research