The study published in the Journal of the American Medical Directors Association (JAMDA) found that one in ten elderly patients experience adverse drug reactions (ADRs) during hospitalization.
Joshua Inglis, a researcher at the College of Medicine and Public Health and consultant physician at Flinders Medical Centre, stressed the increasing importance of preventing drug-related harm as the population ages and more patients have chronic conditions.
"We found that in hospitalized patients 65 years of age and older, adverse drug reactions were associated with a longer hospital stay and higher risk of death," Inglis said.
The research, which examined more than 700 patients aged 65 and older, showed that ADRs, such as high blood pressure medications, strong painkillers and antibiotics, significantly affected patient outcomes.
The study highlighted that each ADR increases the likelihood of prolonged hospital stay and mortality.
Inglis called for the implementation of hospital-wide multidisciplinary teams to manage high-risk medications, similar to successful antibiotic stewardship programs.
"Medication management programs that monitor the use of high-risk medications, coordinate interventions, and work with patients and physicians can significantly protect older patients during their hospital stay," he said. "
Further research is recommended, especially involving older patients with dementia, to develop more targeted strategies to reduce ADRs and improve health outcomes.
Joshua Inglis, a researcher at the College of Medicine and Public Health and consultant physician at Flinders Medical Centre, stressed the increasing importance of preventing drug-related harm as the population ages and more patients have chronic conditions.
"We found that in hospitalized patients 65 years of age and older, adverse drug reactions were associated with a longer hospital stay and higher risk of death," Inglis said.
The research, which examined more than 700 patients aged 65 and older, showed that ADRs, such as high blood pressure medications, strong painkillers and antibiotics, significantly affected patient outcomes.
The study highlighted that each ADR increases the likelihood of prolonged hospital stay and mortality.
Inglis called for the implementation of hospital-wide multidisciplinary teams to manage high-risk medications, similar to successful antibiotic stewardship programs.
"Medication management programs that monitor the use of high-risk medications, coordinate interventions, and work with patients and physicians can significantly protect older patients during their hospital stay," he said. "
Further research is recommended, especially involving older patients with dementia, to develop more targeted strategies to reduce ADRs and improve health outcomes.
