[Potentially Inappropriate Medication of Nursing Home Residents: An Analysis of Risk Factors Based on National Claims Data (AOK) for 2017].

Aim Of The Study: The aim of this study was to assess risk factors for prescription of potentially inappropriate medication (PIM) to nursing home residents using the PRISCUS list in 2017.

Methods: Using claims data (AOK) we analysed insured nursing home residents aged 65 or older in 2017. The PRISCUS list was used to identify PIMs. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to analyse risk factors.

Results: The study population in 2017 included 259 328 nursing home residents, out of them 25.5% received at least one potentially inappropriate medication (women: 25.6%/men: 24.9%). Female and younger aged nursing home residents had a higher risk for at least one PRISCUS prescription. Polypharmacy, an increasing number of attending physicians, and hospital stays were additional risk factors for a PRISCUS prescription. Furthermore, regional (Bundesland) variations contributed to differences in PRISCUS prescriptions.

Conclusion: The frequent PIM prescriptions in nursing home residents are a relevant topic regarding drug therapy safety. Regional differences, which cannot be explained by nursing home resident characteristics, show options for modifications and the need for further research.