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Open Access 01-07-2014 | Original Research Article

Association Between Use of Multiple Psychoactive Medicines and Hospitalization for Falls: Retrospective Analysis of a Large Healthcare Claim Database

Authors: Nicole L. Pratt, Emmae N. Ramsay, Lisa M. Kalisch Ellett, Tuan A. Nguyen, John D. Barratt, Elizabeth E. Roughead

Published in: Drug Safety | Issue 7/2014

Abstract

Background

Little is known about the impact of taking multiple psychoactive medicines on the risk of hospitalization for falls.

Objective

To identify the association between multiple psychoactive medicine use and hospitalization for falls.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted between July 2011 and June 2012 in the Australian veteran population who had been dispensed at least one psychoactive medicine within the previous year. Psychoactive medicines with sedative properties included antipsychotics, anxiolytics, hypnotics, antidepressants, opioids, anti-epileptics, anti-Parkinson medicines and medicines for migraine. The associations between falls and the number of psychoactive medicines used or the number of doses were analysed in comparison with falls that occurred when no psychoactive medicine was used.

Results

The adjusted results showed a significantly increased risk of falls when patients were on one or more psychoactive medicines or were receiving 0.1–0.9 defined daily dose (DDD) or more per day. The incident rate ratios (IRRs) were 1.22 (95 % confidence interval [CI] 1.08–1.38) for those on one psychoactive medicine, 1.70 (95 % CI 1.45–1.99) for those on two, 1.96 (95 % CI 1.58–2.43) for those on three or four, and 3.15 (95 % CI 1.90–5.23) for those on five or more. A similar result was observed when the data were analysed by dose, with the highest risk being found for those taking three or more DDD per day (adjusted IRR 4.26, 95 % CI 2.75–6.58).

Conclusion

Increased numbers or increased doses of psychoactive medicines are associated with an increased risk of hospitalization for falls in older adults. Strategies to reduce the psychoactive medicine burden are likely to translate into significant health benefits.

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Title: Association Between Use of Multiple Psychoactive Medicines and Hospitalization for Falls: Retrospective Analysis of a Large Healthcare Claim Database
Authors: Nicole L. Pratt
Emmae N. Ramsay
Lisa M. Kalisch Ellett
Tuan A. Nguyen
John D. Barratt
Elizabeth E. Roughead
Publication date: 01-07-2014
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Published in: Drug Safety / Issue 7/2014
Print ISSN: 0114-5916
Electronic ISSN: 1179-1942
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40264-014-0179-2

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Association Between Use of Multiple Psychoactive Medicines and Hospitalization for Falls: Retrospective Analysis of a Large Healthcare Claim Database

Abstract

Background

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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