Can We Rely on Older Adults to Recall All Their Medications?

Only one in five patients older than 50 report their medications accurately.

As older patients are often on multiple medications, it is critical for emergency physicians to have accurate records of these medications to avoid potential drug-drug interactions. In a secondary analysis of a cross-sectional study on opioid misuse, researchers analyzed interviews with 168 patients aged ≥50 years (mean age, 65) about their current medications. Participants were allowed to refer to lists and pill bottles and to consult family members. Patient-reported medication lists were then compared to pharmacy records and the electronic health record (EHR).

Overall, 77% of patients lacked complete agreement between self-reported lists and pharmacy records, and 79% lacked complete agreement between EHR and pharmacy records. In addition, …

Reviewing Author

Carolyn K. Holland, MD, MEd, FACEP, FAAP

Disclosures

EquityGeneral Electric

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesSociety for Academic Emergency Medicine (Program Committee Chief Resident Forum Subcommittee Chair); American College of Emergency Physicians (Education Committee member)

Carolyn K. Holland, MD, MEd, FACEP, FAAP

Disclosures

EquityGeneral Electric

Can We Rely on Older Adults to Recall All Their Medications?

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Reviewing Author