The medication error rate for patients older than age 65 is nearly seven times greater than for those younger than 65, according to an analysis by prescription benefit manager Medco Health Solutions, Inc. The analysis included Medco’s 2004 drug insurance claims from 2.4 million adults, according to the Associated Press. Errors were recorded when patients received a prescription for an incorrect dosage or one that could interact adversely with current medications or worsen another medical condition.
Not only were seniors most at risk of receiving a drug prescribed in error, but also the error rate increased according to the number of medications prescribed and the number of physicians providing care. Seniors who saw two physicians received an annual average of 27 prescriptions and were at risk of 10 errors a year. For those seeing five physicians, the average number of prescriptions increased to 42 a year and errors to 16 a year. Glen Stettin, Medco senior vice president, said there is “clearly a communication breakdown between prescribers.”
