Prevalence and Predictors of Potentially Inappropriate Prescribing in Older People Receiving Home Health Care in Saudi Arabia According to the American Geriatrics Society Beers Criteria 2019

Potentially inappropriate prescribing (PIP) is a common health problem in older adults and is associated with negative health outcomes such as the occurrence of adverse drug events. Several studies have been conducted in different countries and settings to assess the prevalence of PIP, including in Home Care Services. However, data on the prevalence of PIP in home-care services in Saudi Arabia are limited. This study aimed to evaluate PIP use among older patients receiving home healthcare services in Saudi Arabia and to identify the predictors and commonly implicated medications.; Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted over an 8-month period between January and August 2023. Data were collected from the medical records of patients older than 65 years who were currently receiving home health care services at King Faisal Hospital in Taif City, Saudi Arabia. PIPs were identified using the 2019 updated Beers Criteria.; Results: A total of 375 patients were included. Out of these, 285 PIPs were identified, of which 219 patients (58.4%) received at least one PIP. The most common therapeutic class associated with the PIPs was gastrointestinal medications (66.3%). Patient age and number of medications were significant predictors of PIP.; Conclusions: Our study found a high prevalence of PIP among elderly patients receiving home health care in Taif, Saudi Arabia. This study highlights the need for improved patient data automation and implementation of the Beers criteria to prevent PIPs in the future.