Risk factor analysis investigating the use of potentially inappropriate medications
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By
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Ryo Nonaka
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Hatsuho Ejima
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Saki Nakayama
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Yuiko Suzuki
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Yurika Hirota
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Emiko Kurosawa
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Shigeto Mashiko
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Atsuhiro Kanno
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Katsutoshi Furukawa
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July 8, 2026
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Clinical Scorecard: Analysis of Risk Factors Associated with the Use of Potentially Inappropriate Medications
At a Glance
| Category | Detail |
|---|
| Condition | Potentially Inappropriate Medications (PIM) Use |
| Key Mechanisms | Polypharmacy and fragmented healthcare utilization |
| Target Population | Older adults (aged ≥ 65 years) |
| Care Setting | Multicenter outpatient treatment |
Key Highlights
- Age positively correlated with the number of prescribed medications (r = 0.476; p < 0.0001)
- Proton pump inhibitors were the most common PIMs identified
- Patients prescribed ≥1 PIM consulted significantly more medical facilities
- Independent risk factors for PIM use include age, hypertension, gastrointestinal disorders, and neuropsychiatric disorders
- Strategies for coordinated care may reduce inappropriate prescriptions
Guideline-Based Recommendations
Diagnosis
- Use Beers Criteria (2023) to identify PIMs
Management
- Promote coordinated care and medication reviews
Monitoring & Follow-up
- Regularly assess medication use in older adults
Risks
- Adverse drug events, drug–drug interactions, falls, hospitalization, and mortality
Patient & Prescribing Data
351 outpatients aged ≥ 18 years
Average number of medications was 7.12 ± 3.88; average number of PIMs was 0.63 ± 0.75
Clinical Best Practices
- Implement medication reconciliation processes
- Encourage communication among healthcare providers
- Monitor for signs of adverse drug reactions in older adults
Related Resources & Content
