Rationalisation of Polypharmacy by the Geriatric Consultation Team

Rationalisation of Polypharmacy by the Geriatric Consultation Team Using the RASP List: a Pilot Study

Polypharmacy is a common problem in elderly, leading among others to increased adverse drug events. The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate whether a systematic medication evaluation by a geriatric consultation team using the RASP (Rationalisation of drugs on admission by an adjusted STOPP*-list in older patients) list could reduce inappropriate prescribing for elderly admitted patients, admitted to non-geriatric departments.

(* = Screening Tool of Older Persons' potentially inappropriate Prescriptions)

Polypharmacy and (potentially) inappropriate prescribing is highly prevalent in the older population, associated with increase health care expenditures, morbidity and avoidable adverse events .

The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate whether a systematic medication evaluation by a geriatric consultation team (GCT) using the RASP (Rationalisation of drugs on admission by an adjusted STOPP-list in older patients) list could reduce inappropriate prescribing for older admitted patients, admitted to non-geriatric departments. The GCT could offer the ideal format to deliver the intervention to a broad older hospitalised population.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Admitted to a non-geriatric ward
• 75 years or older
• Dutch speaking
• Consultation by the GCT

Exclusion Criteria:

• End-of-life
• No drugs on admission