beers criteria 2023 pocket guide

The 2023 AGS Beers Criteria⁚ A Pocket Guide

This clinical tool‚ based on the 2023 AGS Updated Beers Criteria for Potentially Inappropriate Medication Use in Older Adults (AGS Beers Criteria)‚ has been developed to assist healthcare providers in improving medication safety in older adults. The 2023 AGS Beers Criteria Pocket Cards will guide clinicians and users for safe and effective medication use. The 2023 AGS Beers Criteria provides new information involving anticoagulation including changes‚ supporting literature‚ and recommendations‚ as well as an updated list of drug-disease interactions and drug-drug interactions. The AGS is concerned that there are significant barriers to the use of newer alternatives including high out-of-pocket drug costs and formulary restrictions. The American Geriatrics Society revises this list every three years.

Introduction

The American Geriatrics Society (AGS) Beers Criteria‚ a widely recognized and utilized tool‚ serves as a valuable resource for healthcare professionals seeking to ensure safe and effective medication use in older adults. The criteria‚ first introduced in 1991‚ have undergone periodic updates‚ with the most recent revision occurring in 2023. These criteria are meticulously developed by an interprofessional expert panel‚ encompassing a comprehensive range of medications and drug-related interactions. The AGS Beers Criteria are meticulously organized into five distinct categories‚ meticulously addressing medications deemed potentially inappropriate‚ medications to be used with caution‚ drug-disease interactions‚ drug-drug interactions‚ and medications potentially inappropriate for individuals with specific diseases or syndromes. The Beers Criteria serve as a vital tool for healthcare providers‚ aiding in decision-making processes while prioritizing patient preferences‚ needs‚ and goals‚ particularly when addressing potential medication-related risks.

History and Purpose of the Beers Criteria

The Beers Criteria‚ initially conceived by the late Mark Beers‚ MD‚ and his colleagues in 1991‚ have played a pivotal role in enhancing medication safety for older adults. The American Geriatrics Society (AGS) assumed stewardship of the Beers Criteria in 2011‚ ensuring their continued relevance and evolution. The criteria have undergone regular updates‚ reflecting advancements in medical knowledge and clinical practice. The 2023 update‚ a testament to the ongoing commitment to medication safety‚ incorporated an extensive review of over 1‚500 clinical trials and research studies published between 2017 and 2022. The primary purpose of the Beers Criteria is to minimize the risk of adverse drug events (ADEs) in older adults‚ a population particularly susceptible to medication-related complications. By identifying potentially inappropriate medications and drug interactions‚ the criteria empower healthcare providers to make informed decisions‚ promoting optimal patient outcomes and minimizing the likelihood of harmful drug-related effects. The Beers Criteria are widely adopted by clinicians‚ educators‚ researchers‚ healthcare administrators‚ and regulators‚ underscoring their significance in safeguarding the well-being of older adults.

The 2023 Update

The 2023 update of the AGS Beers Criteria represents a significant milestone in the ongoing effort to improve medication safety for older adults. This comprehensive revision reflects the most recent advancements in geriatric pharmacotherapy‚ incorporating evidence from a vast body of clinical trials and research studies published between 2017 and 2022. The expert panel responsible for the update meticulously evaluated over 1‚500 publications‚ ensuring that the criteria align with current best practices and reflect the latest scientific understanding. The 2023 update not only incorporates new evidence but also addresses emerging trends in geriatric medication use. It reflects the increasing complexity of medication regimens in older adults‚ the growing recognition of polypharmacy as a significant risk factor for ADEs‚ and the evolving role of pharmacogenomics in personalized medicine. The 2023 AGS Beers Criteria serves as a valuable resource for healthcare providers‚ enabling them to make informed decisions about medication use in older adults‚ minimizing the risk of ADEs and optimizing patient outcomes.

Key Changes in the 2023 Criteria

The 2023 update of the AGS Beers Criteria introduced several key changes to enhance its clinical utility and reflect the latest advancements in geriatric pharmacotherapy. One notable change is the inclusion of a special box summarizing the criteria for anticoagulants (warfarin‚ rivaroxaban‚ and dabigatran)‚ providing a more concise and accessible overview of anticoagulation recommendations for clinicians. The criteria have been refined to incorporate new evidence regarding drug-disease interactions‚ drug-drug interactions‚ and medications to be used with caution. The expert panel meticulously reviewed the existing criteria‚ removing medications that were no longer considered potentially inappropriate and adding new medications based on emerging evidence. The 2023 update also reflects a growing emphasis on personalized medicine‚ incorporating pharmacogenomic considerations where relevant. The criteria now include recommendations for specific genetic testing to optimize medication use and minimize the risk of ADEs. These key changes ensure that the AGS Beers Criteria remains a dynamic and clinically relevant tool‚ supporting healthcare providers in their efforts to provide safe and effective medication management for older adults.

Anticoagulation Recommendations

The 2023 AGS Beers Criteria provides new information involving anticoagulation including changes‚ supporting literature‚ and recommendations‚ as well as an updated list of drug-disease interactions and drug-drug interactions. The criteria emphasize the importance of individualizing anticoagulation decisions based on patient-specific factors‚ including age‚ comorbidities‚ and risk of bleeding. The criteria highlight the need to assess the patient’s risk of stroke‚ bleeding‚ and other adverse events when selecting an anticoagulant. The criteria also provide guidance on the appropriate duration of anticoagulation therapy‚ emphasizing the importance of regular monitoring and reassessment of the patient’s risk profile. The AGS recognizes the importance of considering the patient’s preferences and goals of care when making anticoagulation decisions. The criteria encourage healthcare providers to engage in shared decision-making with their patients‚ ensuring that the chosen anticoagulation strategy aligns with the patient’s values and priorities.

Drug-Disease Interactions

The Beers Criteria include a comprehensive list of drug-disease interactions that should be avoided in older adults. The criteria identify medications that can exacerbate existing conditions or increase the risk of adverse events in patients with specific diseases or syndromes. The criteria emphasize the importance of considering a patient’s medical history and current medications when prescribing new drugs‚ particularly in older adults. The criteria provide guidance on alternative medications that may be safer and more effective for patients with specific conditions. The criteria highlight the need for close monitoring and adjustments in medication regimens for older adults with multiple comorbidities. The criteria also encourage healthcare providers to educate their patients about potential drug-disease interactions and the importance of reporting any adverse effects to their healthcare providers.

Drug-Drug Interactions

The Beers Criteria recognize the increased risk of drug-drug interactions in older adults due to polypharmacy and age-related physiological changes. The criteria list several drug combinations that should be avoided due to the potential for serious adverse effects. The criteria emphasize the importance of reviewing a patient’s medication list for potential interactions‚ particularly when prescribing new medications. The criteria offer guidance on alternative medications that may be safer and more effective when avoiding specific drug combinations. The criteria highlight the need for close monitoring and dose adjustments to minimize the risk of adverse effects from drug-drug interactions. The criteria encourage healthcare providers to communicate with patients about potential drug-drug interactions and the importance of reporting any adverse effects to their healthcare providers.

Medications to Be Used with Caution

The Beers Criteria recognize that certain medications‚ while not necessarily inappropriate for all older adults‚ require careful consideration and monitoring due to their potential for adverse effects. The criteria provide guidance on specific medications that should be used with caution in older adults‚ emphasizing the importance of individualized assessment and risk-benefit analysis. The criteria highlight the need for close monitoring of patients receiving these medications‚ particularly for signs and symptoms of adverse effects. The criteria encourage healthcare providers to consider alternative medications or non-pharmacological interventions whenever possible to minimize the risk of adverse effects. The criteria emphasize the importance of patient education and communication regarding the potential risks and benefits of these medications.

Potentially Inappropriate Medications

The Beers Criteria identifies a list of medications that are generally considered potentially inappropriate for use in older adults. This list is based on a comprehensive review of evidence regarding the risks and benefits of these medications in this population. The criteria highlight the potential for these medications to cause adverse effects‚ such as falls‚ cognitive impairment‚ delirium‚ and other complications‚ which are more common in older adults. The criteria emphasize the importance of considering alternative medications or non-pharmacological interventions whenever possible to minimize the risk of these adverse effects. The criteria encourage healthcare providers to engage in a shared decision-making process with patients to weigh the potential benefits and risks of these medications and to choose the most appropriate treatment options.

The Beers Criteria and Medication Safety

The AGS Beers Criteria plays a crucial role in promoting medication safety for older adults. The criteria serve as a valuable resource for healthcare providers‚ helping them to identify medications that may pose a higher risk of adverse effects in this population. By using the criteria as a guide‚ healthcare providers can make more informed decisions about medication selection and prescribing practices. The criteria help to minimize the risk of polypharmacy‚ which is the use of multiple medications‚ a common issue in older adults that can increase the likelihood of drug interactions and adverse events. The criteria also emphasize the importance of considering patient-specific factors‚ such as age‚ health conditions‚ and medication history‚ when making medication decisions. The criteria encourage a proactive approach to medication safety‚ promoting regular medication reviews‚ dose adjustments‚ and the exploration of non-pharmacological alternatives whenever possible. The Beers Criteria serve as a cornerstone for promoting safer medication use in older adults‚ contributing to improved health outcomes and overall well-being.

Using the Beers Criteria in Clinical Practice

The Beers Criteria can be effectively integrated into clinical practice in various ways to enhance medication safety for older adults. One approach is to utilize the criteria during medication reconciliation‚ a process of identifying and comparing a patient’s current medications with those prescribed or documented in their medical record. This helps to ensure that medications are prescribed appropriately and that there are no unintentional omissions or duplications. Another valuable application is in medication reviews‚ which involve a comprehensive assessment of a patient’s medication regimen. The Beers Criteria can be used as a framework to identify medications that may be potentially inappropriate or to explore alternative treatment options. The criteria can also be incorporated into educational sessions for healthcare professionals‚ pharmacists‚ and patients to promote awareness of medication safety issues in older adults. By providing clear guidelines and recommendations‚ the Beers Criteria can empower healthcare providers to make more informed decisions‚ ultimately contributing to better patient outcomes.

Resources and Further Information

For comprehensive information and resources regarding the 2023 AGS Beers Criteria‚ the American Geriatrics Society provides a wealth of materials online. Their website‚ geriatricscareonline.org‚ offers the full document of the Beers Criteria‚ including accompanying resources and an appendix of medications removed from the criteria tables. The website also features a dedicated section on the Beers Criteria‚ providing FAQs‚ educational materials‚ and links to relevant research articles. The AGS offers various educational programs and workshops on the Beers Criteria‚ including online courses and webinars‚ to enhance knowledge and understanding among healthcare professionals. The AGS also publishes a variety of publications‚ such as the journal “Journal of the American Geriatrics Society‚” which features articles and research related to medication safety and the Beers Criteria. These resources serve as valuable tools for healthcare providers‚ pharmacists‚ and researchers seeking to stay up-to-date on the latest guidelines and best practices for medication use in older adults.

The 2023 AGS Beers Criteria serves as a valuable tool for healthcare professionals‚ promoting medication safety and improving the quality of care for older adults. The criteria‚ with its comprehensive list of potentially inappropriate medications and drug interactions‚ provides a framework for clinicians to make informed decisions regarding medication use in older adults. The Beers Criteria emphasizes a patient-centered approach‚ considering individual patient factors‚ preferences‚ and goals. By incorporating the Beers Criteria into clinical practice‚ healthcare providers can contribute to reducing the risks associated with medications and promoting optimal health outcomes for older adults. The ongoing commitment of the American Geriatrics Society to updating and refining the Beers Criteria ensures that it remains a relevant and effective resource in the ever-evolving field of geriatric medicine. The 2023 AGS Beers Criteria is a valuable resource for healthcare providers‚ pharmacists‚ and researchers seeking to optimize medication use and enhance the well-being of older adults.