The use of medications in older patients is arguably one of the most important interventions in modern medicine. People aged over 65 years old are the most active consumers of healthcare. At present 11% of the Irish population are aged 65 years and over.
Disruption of medication regimens, lack of continuity in appropriate long term medication usage and the high rate of PIP is a problem that has not been described clearly in General Practice in Ireland before. This study will describe the incidence of potentially inappropriate prescribing related to hospitalisation. In considering the long term goal of the HRB Centre for Primary Care Research to develop a shared medication record to improve transitions of care for vulnerable patients and reduce levels of PIP, this observational study is essential in describing the clinical problem at a primary care level.
