Evaluation of Potentially Inappropriate Medications (PIMs) in Outpatient Geriatric Patients at RSKO Jakarta

Introduction: The global incidence of Potentially Inappropriate Medication Use (PIM) in elderly patients ranges from 6% to 41%. Research indicates that some medications are not recommended for elderly patients due to their side effects outweighing clinical benefits. The American Geriatrics Society developed the Beers Criteria as guidelines in clinical practice and research to identify PIM and guide medication management in elderly patients. This study aims to assess the prevalence of inappropriate medication prescriptions in elderly outpatients at RSKO Jakarta using the Beers Criteria. Additionally, the study analyzes the relationship between polypharmacy and comorbidities with PIM occurrence. Methods: The sample consists of elderly patients from general and internal medicine clinics at RSKO Jakarta from January to August 2023. This non-experimental study employs a descriptive approach, collecting retrospective data from 110 prescriptions. The data is analyzed univariately and bivariately using the chi-square test to determine the relationships between polypharmacy, comorbidities, and the occurrence of PIM. Results: The study found that 53.64% of prescriptions for elderly patients at RSKO Jakarta were identified as PIMs, with 11.54% categorized under "avoid" and 88.46% under "use with caution." The most commonly prescribed PIMs were glimepiride (16.25%), gabapentin (15%), and omeprazole (13.75%). The findings indicate a significant relationship between polypharmacy (p=0.000) and comorbidities (p=0.000) with PIM occurrence. Conclusion: These results highlight the need for further evaluation of medication prescribing patterns for elderly patients at RSKO Jakarta. The significant association between polypharmacy and comorbidities with PIM occurrence underscores the importance of careful medication management in this population, using guidelines such as the Beers Criteria to minimize the risks of inappropriate medication use.