Journal of emergency nursing : JEN : official publication of the Emergency Department Nurses Association
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Older adults constitute 20% of the ED population. Of older patients discharged from the emergency department, 40% receive at least one new medication to add to their already complex medication regimen. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of increasing medication complexity on knowledge of newly prescribed medications for older adults discharged from the emergency department. ⋯ The increase in medication complexity that results from ED therapeutic intervention may decrease knowledge of medications. A heightened emphasis should be placed on effective medication teaching, counseling, and follow-up for older adult ED patients.