High-Risk Medication Use in Older Residents of Long-Term Care Facilities: Prevalence, Harms, and Strategies to Mitigate Risks and Enhance Use

Sr Care Pharm. 2020 Oct 1;35(10):419-433. doi: 10.4140/TCP.n.2020.419.

Abstract

Older residents of long-term care facilities (LTCFs), also known as nursing homes, care homes, or residential aged care facilities, often have multiple health conditions and are exposed to polypharmacy. Use of high-risk medications such as opioids, glucose-lowering medications, antithrombotics, and antipsychotics is prevalent among residents of LTCFs. Ensuring appropriate use of high-risk medications is important to minimize the risk of medication-related harm in this vulnerable population. This paper provides an overview of the prevalence and factors associated with high-risk medication use among residents of LTCFs. Evidencebased strategies to optimize the use of high-risk medications and enhance resident outcomes are also discussed.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Humans
  • Long-Term Care*
  • Multimorbidity*
  • Nursing Homes
  • Prevalence
  • Risk Factors