American Geriatrics Society 2023 updated AGS Beers Criteria® for potentially inappropriate medication use in older adults

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Journal of the American Geriatrics Society · 2023 · 1.3K citations · 17 references

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Concepts

TL;DR

The AGS Beers Criteria is a widely used, U.S.-specific list of potentially inappropriate medications for adults 65 years and older that has been regularly updated since 2011. The criteria are intended to aid clinicians in shared decision‑making rather than replace it. The 2023 update was produced by an interprofessional panel that reviewed recent evidence, added new items, modified existing ones, and improved formatting for usability across all care settings for adults 65 years and older.

Abstract

Abstract The American Geriatrics Society (AGS) Beers Criteria® (AGS Beers Criteria®) for Potentially Inappropriate Medication (PIM) Use in Older Adults is widely used by clinicians, educators, researchers, healthcare administrators, and regulators. Since 2011, the AGS has been the steward of the criteria and has produced updates on a regular cycle. The AGS Beers Criteria® is an explicit list of PIMs that are typically best avoided by older adults in most circumstances or under specific situations, such as in certain diseases or conditions. For the 2023 update, an interprofessional expert panel reviewed the evidence published since the last update (2019) and based on a structured assessment process approved a number of important changes including the addition of new criteria, modification of existing criteria, and formatting changes to enhance usability. The criteria are intended to be applied to adults 65 years old and older in all ambulatory, acute, and institutionalized settings of care, except hospice and end‐of‐life care settings. Although the AGS Beers Criteria® may be used internationally, it is specifically designed for use in the United States and there may be additional considerations for certain drugs in specific countries. Whenever and wherever used, the AGS Beers Criteria® should be applied thoughtfully and in a manner that supports, rather than replaces, shared clinical decision‐making.

References

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