The effectiveness of computer system tools on potentially inappropriate medications ordered at discharge for adults older than 65 years of age: a systematic review.

Background: Prescribing potentially inappropriate medications to the elderly leads to adverse health outcomes. The use of computer systems decision making tools has been shown to decrease the incidence of prescribing potentially inappropriate medications for the elderly; however, these results are often dependent upon other variables, such as provider compliance.

Objective: To examine and synthesize the best available evidence related to the effect of computer systems clinical decision making tools on frequency of ordering potentially inappropriate medications at discharge and related unplanned emergency room visits or hospital readmissions in community dwelling patients older than 65 years of age.