INAPPROPRIATE DRUG PRESCRIPTIONS FOR ELDERLY RESIDENTS OF BOARD AND CARE FACILITIES

Objectives. Using 1993 data, this study examines the prevalence of pre sumptively inappropriate prescriptions among residents, aged 65 and ol der, of board and care homes. Methods. Inappropriate drug prescription s were identified through the use of established criteria developed fo r application to older nursing home residents and to community-dwellin g elderly. This research used a sample of 2054 elderly residents from 410 facilities in 10 states. Weighted analyses were performed with SUD AAN, which accounted for the complex, multistage sampling design. Resu lts. Depending on the criterion applied between 20% and 25% of residen ts had at least one inappropriate prescription. Propoxyphene, long-act ing benzodiazepines, dipyridamole. and amitriptyline were prescribed m ost frequently. Residents with inappropriate drug prescriptions had mo re complex drug regimens prescribed on a routine basis. Conclusions. T he results are a conservative estimate of the extent of inappropriate drug prescribing and utilization in board and care facilities, increas ed involvement by pharmacists and physicians in systematic drug utiliz ation review is warranted.