Key Terms
Definition
Situations where supply of a medication cannot meet demand, leading to delays or gaps in treatment.
Scope
Applies to all patients but carries heightened importance in specific populations (elderly, language barriers, physical
Full name
American Geriatrics Society Beers Criteria for Potentially Inappropriate Medication Use in Older Adults
Purpose
Assess whether each individual drug in a patient's regimen is appropriate.
Examples of drug classes on the list
Anticholinergics, antihypertensives, antipsychotics, insulin, sedatives
STOPP
Screening Tool of Older People's Prescriptions START: Screening Tool to Alert to Right Treatment
Structure
10 questions per medication
Elderly Purpose
Screens for medication management deficiencies in elderly patients
Medi-COG Purpose
Assesses understanding of medications and disease states
Both resources provide
Current shortage status, reasons for shortage, expected availability, and available alternative products.
Primary source
Internet pharmacies
Additional concern
Documented links between internet pharmacy supply chains and terror organizations.
Patient
79-year-old female, T2DM, HTN, HLD, severe osteoarthritis (hands)
Resolution
Recommend alternative agent — a shorter-acting sulfonylurea or switch to a different drug class. Consult with prescriber
Both provide
Current shortages, reasons for shortage, expected availability, available alternative products.