Disentangling concepts of inappropriate polypharmacy in old age: a scoping review.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Polypharmacy is a common concern, especially in the older population. In some countries more that 50% of all individuals over 60 receive five or more drugs, most often due to multimorbidity and increased longevity. However, polypharmacy is associated with multiple adverse events, and more medication may not always be the answer. The terms "appropriate" and "inappropriate" are often used to distinguish between "much" and "too much" medications in relation to polypharmacy in research and practice, but no explicit definition exists to describe what these terms encompass. The aim of this review is to unfold the different understandings of and perspectives on (in)appropriate polypharmacy and suggest a framework for further research and practice.

Method

A scoping revi

SUBMITTER: Lau SR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9899389 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature