Evaluation of Prescriptions Pattern in Geriatric Patients at Dr. Soedarso Regional Public Hospital Pontianak Based on Beers Criteria

Abstract

Geriatric patients are suffering from multiple diseases and disorders due to decreased physiological function. The prescription of polypharmacy in this condition can increase the risk of adverse events. Beers Criteria is often used as a reference to identify the risk in geriatric medications. Therefore, this study aimed to obtain an overview of prescriptions with the percentage of usage based on Beers Criteria 2012. A descriptive and observational design was used with a cross-sectional approach. A total of 150 medical records and prescriptions of geriatric outpatients were obtained using a simple random sampling technique at Dr. Soedarso Regional Public Hospital Pontianak, from December 2018 to July 2019. Demographic-characteristic data of patients and class of therapy were identified from medical records and prescriptions. The data were analyzed with a quantitative approach to determine the percentage of patients receiving medications and the percentage of medications based on Beers Criteria 2012. The percentage of polypharmacy based on prescriptions was 21.33%, while 36% received the treatments, which met the criteria. Among the 150 prescriptions that met Beers Criteria, 15 were Spironolactone, which the most frequent therapy. Based on the results, geriatric patients still received medications that met Beers Criteria. It is also very important to carry out safety monitoring when drugs are used by infected people.