J Gerontol Nurs
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Observational Study
Patient and Provider Perspectives on Deprescribing Proton Pump Inhibitors.
The aim of the current study is to describe proton pump inhibitor (PPI) prescribing trends in an older adult population and elucidate perspectives regarding PPI deprescribing. A retrospective chart review and a prospective cross-sectional analysis of provider and patient surveys were conducted. The retrospective chart review identified 107 patients age ≥65 who were prescribed PPI therapy. ⋯ Provider barriers to deprescribing included fear of outcomes, access to documentation, and uncertainty of current guidelines. This study illustrates the prevalence of long-term PPI use in geriatric patients without associated clinical indications, as well as perceived barriers to deprescribing. Long-term PPI use is associated with significant side effects; therefore, successful deprescribing must address these perceived barriers. [Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 45(10), 9-17.].
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Polypharmacy, defined as the use of five or more medications, is becoming increasingly prevalent in older adults throughout the United States. Depre-scribing, along with the use of existing tools, such as the American Geriatrics Society Beers Criteria, can help guide health care providers in reducing the risks associated with polypharmacy such as side effects and drug interactions. The framework of deprescribing and the use of existing guidelines and resources are valuable in guiding health care providers in addressing polypharmacy. [Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 45(1), 9-15.].
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Fall Prevention Among Community-Dwelling Older Adults: Current Guidelines and Older Adult Responses.
Older adults are vulnerable to falls that result in injury and disability, making fall prevention a national priority. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate community-dwelling older adults' perceptions about falls and fall prevention activities to guide interventions. ⋯ Approximately three fourths of participants reported taking actions to reduce risk of falling; however, participation in community fall prevention programs was low. The survey used provides a method to help nurses identify targets for fall prevention interventions to reduce this physical health disparity in vulnerable older populations. [Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 44(9), 21-29.].
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The use of opioid drug therapy in older adults has increased over the past decade. Although use of opioid drugs may be clinically warranted, ongoing use needs to be monitored closely to evaluate risks and benefits, especially with the potential for adverse events and misuse. An opioid drug deprescribing protocol would provide clinicians with a method to assess an individual's need for opioid agents, as well as a systematic process to taper opioid drug therapy when deemed appropriate. ⋯ S. Department of Veterans Affairs has developed an algorithm to assist clinicians with opioid drug discontinuation decision making. As efforts to discontinue opioid drugs for chronic non-cancer pain in older adults continue to expand, nurses, as an integral part of the inter-professional team, will play a key role in monitoring and assessing patients' pain and care plans. [Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 44(1), 9-14.].