Epidemic Use of Benzodiazepines among Older Adults in Israel: Epidemiology and Leverage Points for Improvement.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Benzodiazepines and benzodiazepine-receptor agonists (BDZRAs, often known as "Z-drugs") are commonly used in older adults despite well-documented harms.

Objective

To evaluate patterns of benzodiazepine and BDZRA use in Israel, focusing on potential leverage points where quality improvement initiatives might effectively curtail new use or the transition from intermittent to chronic use.

Design and participants

We used national electronic medical data to assess a 10% random sample of adults receiving care in Clalit Health Services, which serves half of Israel's population. The sample included 267,221 adults, of whom 56,808 (21%) were age 65 and older.

Main measures

Medication use from 2013 to 2015 was ascertained using pharmacy dispensing data.

Resu

SUBMITTER: Steinman MA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5515792 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature