Background:

The aim of the study was estimate the prevalence of potentially inappropriate prescribing (PIP) and drug related problems (DRP) in an acute geriatric ward, and to evaluate the impact of pharmaceutical intervention on their prevalence.

Methods:

Quasi-experimental, interventional study in polymedicated patients (≥ 6 drugs) who were admitted to a Geriatric ward in 2018-2019. PIP were analyzed according to STOPP/START 2014 criteria and DRP on the Third Consensus of Granada. The PIP and DRP detected, and the possible actions to correct them, were sent to the physician in charge. The effect of the intervention was analyzed at hospital discharge; if the change of prevalence of PIP and DRP was ≥75%, the pharmaceutical intervention was considered to be accepted.

Results:

Pharmaceutical intervention was performed on 218 patients, analyzing 1,837 prescriptions. On admission, PIP (90.8%) and DRP (99.5%) were observed. We carried out 1,227 interventions, 57.6% on DRP. More than half (53.6%) of the pharmaceutical interventions were accepted; the PIP according to the STOPP and START criteria was reduced by 49.7 and 22.1%, respectively; DRP decreased by 60.1%. The frequencies and medians of PRM and PPI according to the START and STOPP criteria decreased significantly at discharge. The variables most frequently associated with acceptance of the pharmaceutical intervention were the geriatrician at charge, the number of PPI START and the number of PPI STOPP.

Conclusion:

The detection of PIP and DRP of chronic treatment during hospital admission by the pharmacist, and in collaboration with the patient’s doctor, helps to reduce the prevalence of PIP and DRP.