Association of potentially inappropriate medication use with adverse outcomes in ambulatory elderly patients with chronic diseases: Experience in a Taiwanese medical setting

Abstract

Background: Potentially inappropriate medication use among the elderly in an outpatient setting has been widely reported. However, the potential association between inappropriate medication use and adverse outcomes is seldom examined. Objectives: To identify the prevalence, risk factors for and adverse outcomes of potentially inappropriate medication use in ambulatory elderly patients with chronic diseases. Methods: Data for this observational cohort study consisted of computerized claims from a tertiary medical centre in Taiwan to the Bureau of National Health Insurance. Consecutive ambulatory elderly patients aged ≥65 years who received long-term (3-month) prescriptions for treatment of a ..