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International Journal of Emergency Medicine

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Open Access 01-12-2011 | Original Research

The prevalence of polypharmacy in elderly attenders to an emergency department - a problem with a need for an effective solution

Authors: Ashis Banerjee, David Mbamalu, Sayed Ebrahimi, Arshad Ali Khan, Toong Foo Chan

Published in: International Journal of Emergency Medicine | Issue 1/2011

Abstract

We studied the prevalence of polypharmacy in attenders aged 75 years and over to an emergency department (ED) in North London over a period of 1 month. We identified 467 patients in this age group. Analysis of medications being prescribed revealed at least 82 patients on medication with the potential for adverse interaction. There is a need for ED-initiated strategies to identify interactions and for pathways to allow for medication review.

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Title: The prevalence of polypharmacy in elderly attenders to an emergency department - a problem with a need for an effective solution
Authors: Ashis Banerjee
David Mbamalu
Sayed Ebrahimi
Arshad Ali Khan
Toong Foo Chan
Publication date: 01-12-2011
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: International Journal of Emergency Medicine / Issue 1/2011
Print ISSN: 1865-1372
Electronic ISSN: 1865-1380
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/1865-1380-4-22

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

The prevalence of polypharmacy in elderly attenders to an emergency department - a problem with a need for an effective solution

Abstract

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

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