Term: Potentially Inappropriate Prescribing of Benzodiazepines to Older Adults (75+)

Glossary Definition

Last Updated: 2009-02-15

Definition:

The crude percentage of seniors age 75+ who had at least two prescriptions for Benzodiazepines or a greater than a 30 day supply in a fiscal year. Separate rates are provided for community-dwelling seniors, and those resident in Personal Care Homes (PCH) (Fransoo et al., 2005). Use of benzodiazepines is not recommended for seniors, so lower rates are better (Fransoo et al., 2009).

For a list of ATC codes and generic drug names used to identify benzodiazepines for adults aged 75 years and older, please see the relevant sub-section in the Benzodiazepine Use concept.

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